Description
A creamy, cheesy seafood mac and cheese packed with tender shrimp and imitation crab, baked until bubbly and golden. This comforting dish combines rich cheeses with a lightly seasoned sauce for a flavorful seafood twist on a classic favorite.
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)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or similar-sized casserole dish and set aside.
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Rinse with cold water, drain, and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture is golden and smooth.
- Gradually whisk in the evaporated milk and half & half, ensuring there are no lumps. Cook while stirring frequently until the mixture thickens, about 3–4 minutes.
- Stir in the onion powder, garlic powder, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- 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 and the sauce becomes smooth.
- Add the cooked cavatappi pasta to the cheese sauce and mix until evenly coated. Gently fold in the shrimp and imitation crab meat.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup each of mozzarella, sharp white cheddar, and gouda cheeses over the top.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes until the top is bubbly and lightly golden. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use freshly cooked shrimp for the best flavor and texture.
- Do not overmix the seafood to keep the shrimp and crab pieces intact.
- For extra flavor, add a small pinch of paprika or cayenne pepper to the sauce.
- This dish can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated before baking.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1 1/2 cups)
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 980 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 165 mg
