Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the cheese sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk and cook until thickened, about 3–5 minutes.
- Add the cheeses: Lower heat and stir in cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and Old Bay seasoning.
- Cook the seafood: In a skillet over medium heat, sauté raw shrimp until pink and opaque, about 2–3 minutes per side. Gently fold in crab meat, warming it through without breaking it up too much.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Toss the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce and seafood until evenly coated. Pour into a greased baking dish.
- Bake: Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the top. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 4–6
- Difficulty: Medium
Variations & Substitutions
- Swap shrimp for scallops, lobster, mussels, or imitation crab if desired.
- Use a mix of cheeses like Gruyère or Fontina for extra richness.
- Add breadcrumbs on top for a crunchy baked topping.
Serving Suggestions
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