Seafood Mac and Cheese


  • 1 pound large shrimp , peeled and deveined
  • 1/2 pound sea scallops
  • 4 slices bacon , cooked and crumbled
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic , minced
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Topping:

  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Make the Béchamel Sauce

  • In a large saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux.
  • Gradually whisk in 2 cups of milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue cooking, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens slightly.
  • Remove from heat and stir in the cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Set aside.

3. Prepare the Seafood

  • Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Add the shrimp and scallops to the skillet. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque. Drizzle with lemon juice and sprinkle with red pepper flakes if using. Remove from heat and gently mix in the crumbled bacon.

4. Combine Everything

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) . Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, béchamel sauce, and seafood mixture. Stir well to coat evenly.
  • Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.

5. Add the Topping

  • In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with the melted butter. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.

6. Bake to Perfection

  • Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes , or until bubbly and golden brown on top.

7. Serve and Enjoy!

  • Let the mac and cheese rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and enjoy every creamy, cheesy, seafood-packed bite!

Tips for Success

  1. Use Fresh Seafood : Always opt for fresh shrimp and scallops for the best flavor and texture.
  2. Don’t Overcook the Pasta : Cooking the pasta al dente ensures it doesn't become mushy when baked.
  3. Customize the Cheeses : Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella for unique flavor profiles.
  4. Make Ahead : Assemble the dish up to a day in advance and refrigerate. Simply increase the baking time by 10–15 minutes when reheating.

Final Thoughts

This Seafood Mac and Cheese is a celebration of flavors and textures that brings together the comforting nostalgia of mac and cheese with the sophistication of premium seafood. Whether served as a main dish or a decadent side, it's sure to leave everyone asking for seconds. So gather your ingredients, fire up the oven, and indulge in this gourmet twist on a classic favorite!