Juicy, mouthwatering Shrimp & Lobster Mac and Cheese is the ultimate luxury comfort food. Tender chunks of lobster, juicy shrimp, and perfectly cooked pasta are smothered in an ultra-creamy, cheesy sauce that’s rich, indulgent, and unforgettable. This dish is perfect for special occasions, holidays, or when you simply want to treat yourself to restaurant-quality comfort at home.
Every bite delivers creamy decadence balanced with sweet seafood flavor, pure comfort with a gourmet twist.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultra Creamy & Cheesy – Rich, velvety cheese sauce
- Juicy Seafood – Tender shrimp and buttery lobster
- Luxury Comfort Food – Restaurant-quality at home
- Perfect for Special Occasions – Holidays, dinners, celebrations
- Crowd-Pleasing – Always impresses guests
- Customizable – Baked or stovetop, mild or spicy
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients
- 12 oz macaroni or cavatappi pasta
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ½ lb cooked lobster meat, chopped
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Cheese Sauce
- 4 tbsp butter
- 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk (warm)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Gruyère
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Optional: pinch of cayenne or Old Bay seasoning
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook Pasta:
Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside. - Cook Seafood:
Heat olive oil in a skillet. Season shrimp with salt and pepper and cook 1–2 minutes per side until pink. Remove and set aside. Gently warm lobster meat and set aside. - Make the Roux:
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. - Create the Sauce:
Slowly whisk in milk and cream. Cook until thickened and smooth. - Add Cheese & Seasoning:
Lower heat and stir in cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan until melted. Add paprika, garlic powder, and seasoning to taste. - Combine Everything:
Stir pasta into the cheese sauce, then gently fold in shrimp and lobster. - Serve or Bake (Optional):
Serve immediately, or transfer to a baking dish, top with extra cheese, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes until bubbly.
How to Serve
- Plating Tips: Serve hot with extra Parmesan or fresh herbs
- Side Pairings: Garlic bread, Caesar salad, roasted asparagus
- Occasions: Holidays, date nights, celebrations
- Beverage Pairing: Sparkling water, white wine, or lemonade
Additional Tips
- Don’t overcook seafood, it should stay tender
- Use freshly shredded cheese for smooth sauce
- Add pasta water if sauce gets too thick
- Season gradually and taste often
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add cayenne, chili flakes, or Cajun seasoning
- Extra Creamy: Add cream cheese to the sauce
- Baked Version: Top with breadcrumbs and bake until golden
- Seafood Swap: Add crab meat or scallops
Storage & Freezing
- Refrigerate: Up to 3 days
- Freeze: Up to 1 month (best without extra seafood)
- Reheat: Stovetop with milk or cream
Special Equipment
- Large pasta pot
- Saucepan
- Whisk
- Baking dish (optional)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp or lobster?
Yes, thaw fully and pat dry before cooking.
What cheese works best?
Sharp cheddar for flavor, mozzarella or Gruyère for melt.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble and bake just before serving.
Is this very rich?
Yes, small portions go a long way!
Conclusion
Juicy Mouthwatering Shrimp & Lobster Mac and Cheese is the definition of indulgent comfort food. With its creamy cheese sauce, tender seafood, and irresistible richness, this dish is perfect when you want to go all out and impress.
