Ultra-creamy, indulgent seafood comfort
This lobster, crab & shrimp macaroni and cheese is the ultimate comfort food with a luxurious seafood twist. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender seafood, it’s perfect for special occasions, holiday dinners, or when you want to elevate classic mac and cheese into something unforgettable. The rich cheese sauce coats every bite of pasta while sweet lobster, delicate crab, and juicy shrimp add restaurant-quality flavor—without complicated steps. Best of all, it comes together faster than you’d expect, making it ideal for busy cooks who still want a show-stopping meal that feels extra special.
⏱️ Time Breakdown
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 4–6
📝 Ingredients
- 12 oz elbow macaroni (or cavatappi)
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk (warm)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup cooked lobster meat, chopped
- 1 cup lump crab meat (picked over for shells)
- 1 cup cooked shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
- 1 tablespoon melted butter (for breadcrumbs)
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
✨ Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.
- Large pot (for pasta)
- Medium saucepan or skillet
- Whisk
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Mixing spoon or spatula
- Baking dish (9×13 or similar)
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute until lightly golden.
- Slowly whisk in warm milk and cream. Cook 3–4 minutes until the sauce thickens and looks smooth and glossy 🥄
- Reduce heat to low. Stir in cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan until melted and creamy.
- Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
- Gently fold in lobster, crab, shrimp, and cooked pasta until evenly coated 🦞
- Transfer to a greased baking dish. Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle on top (optional).
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and lightly golden ✨
- Garnish with parsley and serve hot 😊
💡 Pro Tips
- No overcooking seafood: Use pre-cooked seafood so it stays tender.
- Extra rich flavor: Add 2 oz cream cheese to the sauce.
- Make ahead: Assemble, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days; reheat gently with a splash of milk.