Name: Seafood Mac and Cheese
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 ounces cavatappi pasta (cooked to al dente per package instructions); 3 Tablespoons unsalted butter; 3 Tablespoons all-purpose flour; 12 ounces evaporated milk; 3/4 cup half & half; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (divided); 3/4 cup shredded sharp white cheddar cheese (divided); 3/4 cup shredded gouda cheese (divided); 8 ounces large cooked shrimp (peeled, deveined, and tails removed); 8 ounces imitation crab meat (roughly chopped)

Why You’ll Love Seafood Mac and Cheese Recipe

This seafood mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food with a gourmet touch. The combination of shrimp and crab adds a savory seafood flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy cheese sauce.

It’s also surprisingly simple to make. With just a handful of ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a dish that feels restaurant-quality at home.

Another reason to love this recipe is its versatility. You can easily swap or add different seafood like lobster or scallops, making it adaptable depending on what you have available.

Finally, the baked cheesy topping creates a golden, slightly crisp layer that contrasts beautifully with the creamy pasta underneath.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

12 ounces cavatappi pasta (cooked to al dente per package instructions)
3 Tablespoons unsalted butter
3 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
12 ounces evaporated milk
3/4 cup half & half
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
3/4 cup shredded sharp white cheddar cheese (divided)
3/4 cup shredded gouda cheese (divided)
8 ounces large cooked shrimp (peeled, deveined, and tails removed)
8 ounces imitation crab meat (roughly chopped)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or a similar-sized casserole dish and set it aside.
Cook the cavatappi pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Rinse the pasta in cold water, drain well, and set aside.
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture becomes smooth and lightly golden.
Slowly whisk in the evaporated milk and half & half, stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Continue cooking for about 3–4 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Add the onion powder, garlic powder, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir well so the seasonings are evenly incorporated.
Reduce the heat to low and add 1/2 cup each of the mozzarella, sharp white cheddar, and gouda cheeses. Stir until the cheeses melt completely and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir until every piece is well coated. Gently fold in the shrimp and chopped imitation crab meat so the seafood remains intact.
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup each of mozzarella, sharp white cheddar, and gouda cheeses evenly over the top.
Bake for 15–20 minutes until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden. Remove from the oven and allow it to rest for about 5 minutes before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 6 servings, making it perfect for a family dinner or small gathering.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes

Variations

You can customize this seafood mac and cheese in many ways to suit your taste.

Lobster seafood mac and cheese: Replace the shrimp and crab with cooked lobster chunks for an elegant version.

Spicy seafood mac: Add cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or diced jalapeños for a spicy kick.

Different pasta shapes: While cavatappi holds the sauce beautifully, you can also use elbow macaroni, shells, or rotini.

Extra cheesy version: Add parmesan or cream cheese to make the sauce even richer.

Vegetable boost: Stir in spinach, peas, or sautéed mushrooms for added texture and flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover seafood mac and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To reheat in the microwave, place a portion in a microwave-safe bowl and add a splash of milk or cream. Heat in 30–45 second intervals, stirring between each until warmed through.

To reheat in the oven, place the mac and cheese in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm at 325°F (165°C) for about 15–20 minutes until heated through.

Freezing is not recommended for this dish, as the creamy sauce may separate and seafood texture can change after thawing.

FAQs

Can I use fresh crab instead of imitation crab?

Yes, fresh lump crab meat works wonderfully in this recipe and will give the dish an even richer seafood flavor.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes. Assemble the mac and cheese, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.

What pasta works best for seafood mac and cheese?

Cavatappi is excellent because its spiral shape holds the sauce well, but elbow macaroni, shells, or rotini also work nicely.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before adding them to the dish.

How do I keep the cheese sauce smooth?

Whisk the milk slowly into the roux and keep the heat moderate to prevent the sauce from becoming grainy.

Can I add lobster to this recipe?

Absolutely. Lobster pairs beautifully with the creamy cheese sauce and elevates the dish into a more luxurious meal.

Why rinse the pasta with cold water?

Rinsing stops the cooking process and helps prevent the pasta from becoming too soft during baking.

Can I make this recipe without baking it?

Yes, you can serve it directly from the stovetop once the pasta and seafood are mixed into the cheese sauce.

What side dishes go well with seafood mac and cheese?

Simple sides like garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad complement this rich dish very well.

How do I prevent the seafood from overcooking?

Since the shrimp are already cooked, add them near the end and bake just until the dish is heated through.

Conclusion

Seafood Mac and Cheese is a comforting, creamy dish that combines the richness of classic mac and cheese with the delicious flavors of shrimp and crab. The blend of cheeses creates a smooth and flavorful sauce that perfectly coats every bite of pasta and seafood. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner or serving it at a gathering, this dish is guaranteed to impress and satisfy everyone at the table.