Print

Lobster, Crab and Shrimp Macaroni and Cheese

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

This luxurious macaroni and cheese combines tender pasta with a creamy, cheesy sauce and generous portions of shrimp, crab, and lobster. A rich, comforting dish perfect for holidays, dinner parties, or a decadent family meal.

  • Author: Sophia
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 6 to 8 servings
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 1 pound penne pasta or large elbow pasta
  • 3 cups whole milk
  • 2 cups half and half
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • ¼ cup onion, finely diced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
  • 1 to 2 cloves fresh garlic, finely minced
  • 3 level tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons all-purpose seasoning, to taste
  • 2 to 3 teaspoons hot sauce, to taste
  • 1 to 2 teaspoons liquid crab boil, optional
  • 3 cups gouda or Monterey Jack cheese, grated (about 12 ounces)
  • 3 cups Muenster or mild cheddar cheese, grated (about 8 ounces)
  • 1 cup Gruyere cheese, grated (about 4 ounces)
  • 1 pound raw shrimp, peeled, deveined, tails removed
  • ½ to ¾ pound lobster meat, raw or pre-steamed, chopped
  • ½ to ¾ pound lump crab meat
  • Nonstick cooking spray, optional

Instructions

  1. Prepare and measure all ingredients. Combine all grated cheeses in a large bowl and set aside.
  2. Season shrimp and lobster lightly with salt, pepper, and a small amount of all-purpose seasoning.
  3. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  4. Boil pasta in salted water until just al dente (about 2 minutes less than package instructions). Drain and toss with 1–2 tablespoons olive oil.
  5. Warm milk and half and half in the microwave for 3–4 minutes until hot.
  6. In a large skillet, melt butter with olive oil over medium-high heat. Sauté diced onion for 3–4 minutes until soft.
  7. Stir in flour and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Add garlic and thyme; cook for 1 more minute.
  8. Slowly whisk in warm milk mixture. Lower heat to medium and cook, whisking, until thickened (5–8 minutes).
  9. Season sauce with salt, pepper, all-purpose seasoning, hot sauce, and crab boil if using.
  10. Remove from heat and stir in 3 cups of the cheese mixture until melted and smooth.
  11. Fold in the pasta until fully coated with the cheese sauce.
  12. Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray. Layer half of the macaroni, then half the seafood, then 2 cups of reserved cheese.
  13. Repeat with remaining macaroni, seafood, and cheese on top.
  14. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake another 10 minutes until cheese is melted and seafood is cooked through.
  15. Serve hot.

Notes

  • Use freshly grated cheese for best melting and smooth sauce.
  • Adjust spice level by controlling hot sauce and crab boil.
  • Make ahead and refrigerate unbaked dish for up to 24 hours.
  • Can be frozen before baking; thaw overnight before cooking.
  • Try adding sautéed spinach or peas for added texture and nutrition.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://savorymomskitchen.com/lobster-crab-and-shrimp-macaroni-and-cheese/