Seafood Mac Cheese Bake (Printer-Friendly)

Macaroni with shrimp, crab, and crawfish in a creamy cheese sauce baked golden and bubbling.

# What You'll Need:

→ Pasta

01 - 8 ounces elbow macaroni

→ Cheese Sauce

02 - 8 ounces Velveeta cheese, cubed
03 - 1 cup shredded Colby Jack cheese
04 - 1 cup heavy whipping cream
05 - 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup, low sodium preferred
06 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

→ Seafood

07 - 8 ounces peeled and deveined jumbo shrimp
08 - 6 ounces lump crab meat, drained
09 - 6 ounces crawfish tails, thawed and rinsed

→ Seasonings

10 - 1 teaspoon seafood seasoning
11 - 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
12 - ½ teaspoon garlic powder
13 - ¼ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
14 - ¼ teaspoon Accent (optional)

→ Garnish

15 - Chopped fresh parsley
16 - Extra crawfish tails (optional)

# Steps to Follow:

01 - In a saucepan over low heat, combine heavy cream, cream of chicken soup, and Velveeta cheese cubes. Stir continuously for 10 minutes or until cheese melts completely and sauce is smooth and creamy.
02 - Add seafood seasoning, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, Accent (if using), and black pepper to the sauce. Mix thoroughly to create a well-seasoned base.
03 - Boil elbow macaroni in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and transfer to a buttered baking dish to prevent sticking.
04 - Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add crawfish tails and a pinch of seafood seasoning. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until warmed through. Set aside.
05 - Add remaining butter to the skillet and gently heat lump crab meat for about one minute. Season lightly to enhance sweetness and remove from heat.
06 - Season shrimp with seafood seasoning. Sauté in a hot skillet with a pat of butter or air fry until opaque and just cooked through, maintaining a juicy texture.
07 - Pour half of the cheese sauce over macaroni and mix gently to coat noodles. Sprinkle half of the shredded Colby Jack cheese evenly over the top.
08 - Distribute sautéed crawfish, crab meat, and shrimp evenly over the macaroni layer without overcrowding.
09 - Pour remaining cheese sauce over the seafood, then sprinkle the rest of the Colby Jack cheese on top. Garnish with extra crawfish tails and chopped parsley for color.
10 - Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden around the edges. Serve immediately.

# Extra Suggestions:

01 - To ensure seafood remains tender, add it just before baking and avoid overcooking.
02 - Shred your own cheese for a superior melt and creaminess.
03 - Let casserole cool completely before refrigerating leftovers; reheat covered to retain moisture.

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