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Seafood Mac and Cheese with Lobster and Shrimp Recipe

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4.3 from 73 reviews

This decadent Seafood Mac and Cheese combines tender lobster tails and succulent shrimp with creamy, cheesy pasta for a luxurious comfort food experience. Using a rich blend of fontina and mild cheddar cheeses, along with a subtle hint of freshly grated nutmeg, this dish elevates the classic mac and cheese to seafood lover’s delight. Perfect for special occasions or a cozy dinner treat, it’s garnished with fresh parsley and chives to add brightness and a touch of color.

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Pasta and Seafood

  • 12 ounces rotini pasta or elbow macaroni
  • 4 lobster tails, about 1 pound
  • 1 pound large raw shrimp (21-25 count), peeled, deveined, tails removed

Liquids

  • 4 cups chicken or vegetable stock
  • 2 cups water
  • 2 cups whole milk

Cheese and Dairy

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 8 ounces fontina cheese, shredded
  • 4 ounces mild cheddar cheese, shredded

Other Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • ¼ teaspoon nutmeg, freshly grated
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley and chives for garnish

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  2. Prepare the seafood broth: In a large pot, combine the chicken or vegetable stock and water. Add the lobster tails and bring to a simmer. Cook for about 10-12 minutes until the lobster tails turn opaque and are fully cooked. Remove the lobster tails and set aside to cool slightly. Continue simmering the broth for another 5 minutes to extract extra flavor, then strain and keep warm.
  3. Extract lobster meat and cook shrimp: Once cool enough to handle, remove lobster meat from the shells and chop into bite-sized pieces. In the same pot with the warm strained broth, add the peeled and deveined shrimp and simmer for 2-3 minutes until pink and cooked through. Remove shrimp and set aside.
  4. Make the cheese sauce: In a separate large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes to create a roux. Gradually whisk in the whole milk and about 2 cups of the reserved seafood broth, continuing to whisk until the mixture thickens and is smooth.
  5. Add cheese and seasoning: Reduce heat to low and stir in the shredded fontina and mild cheddar cheeses until melted and creamy. Season with freshly grated nutmeg, salt, and pepper to taste. Adjust the thickness of the sauce with more broth if needed.
  6. Combine pasta and seafood: Add the cooked pasta, lobster meat, and shrimp to the cheese sauce. Gently fold everything together to evenly coat the pasta and seafood with the rich sauce. Warm through for 2-3 minutes over low heat, ensuring not to overcook.
  7. Garnish and serve: Spoon the seafood mac and cheese into serving bowls or a large baking dish. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and chives. Serve immediately for a creamy, indulgent dish.

Notes

  • Use fresh or thawed seafood for best flavor and texture.
  • You can substitute the lobster tails with crab meat or additional shrimp.
  • Fontina cheese provides creaminess, but you can swap it with Gruyère or mozzarella if preferred.
  • To make it ahead, prepare the sauce and seafood separately and combine just before serving.
  • Garnishing with fresh herbs adds color and a fresh note to balance the richness.
  • Author: Madelynn
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://allyumcooks.com/seafood-mac-and-cheese-with-lobster-and-shrimp-recipe/