Ingredients:
For the Macaroni
Ingredient Quantity
Elbow macaroni 8 ounces
For the Seafood
Ingredient Quantity
Mixed seafood (shrimp, crabmeat, scallops) 1 pound
Butter 1 tablespoon
Garlic, minced 2 cloves
For the Cheese Sauce
Ingredient Quantity
Butter 1 tablespoon
All-purpose flour 2 tablespoons
Milk 2 cups
Shredded cheddar cheese 2 cups
Shredded Gruyere cheese 1 cup
Grated Parmesan cheese 1/2 cup
Paprika 1/2 teaspoon
Cayenne pepper 1/4 teaspoon
Salt To taste
Pepper To taste
For Garnish
Ingredient Quantity
Fresh parsley, chopped For garnish
Instructions:
Preparing the Seafood
Prep Seafood: Start by cleaning and deveining the shrimp if necessary. Remove any shells or tails from all seafood. Rinse the mixed seafood under cold water and pat dry with a paper towel.
Sauté Seafood: In a skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until fragrant. Add the mixed seafood to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until the seafood is just cooked through. Be careful not to overcook it, as it will continue to cook later in the oven. Remove the seafood from the skillet and set it aside.
Cooking the Pasta
Cook Macaroni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (cooked but still firm to the bite). Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Making the Cheese Sauce
Make Roux: In the same pot used for cooking the pasta, melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes until the mixture turns a light golden color, forming a roux.
Thicken Sauce: Gradually pour in the milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Continue to cook and whisk for about 5 minutes until the mixture thickens.
Melt Cheeses: Reduce the heat to low. Add the shredded cheddar cheese, Gruyere cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the cheeses are completely melted and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
Season Sauce: Season the cheese sauce with paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasonings according to your preference.
