Extra Creamy Lobster Mac and Cheese
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
20 mins
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Cook Time
40 mins
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Total Time
1 hr
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Servings
6
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Calories
887 kcal
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Course
Main Course, Dinner
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Cuisine
American
Extra Creamy Lobster Mac and Cheese
Description
Extra Creamy Lobster Mac and Cheese features cooked lobster meat folded through cavatappi pasta and coated in a thick cheese sauce made by combining butter, flour, milk, half and half, and a blend of sharp cheddar, gruyere, and Parmesan cheeses. Seasonings include onion powder, dry mustard powder, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper for depth of flavor. The mixture is transferred to a greased pan, topped with remaining lobster and a mixture of seasoned breadcrumbs, butter, Parmesan, and parsley for a crunchy finish. The dish bakes until bubbly and browned on top.
The dish balances the tender, pasta and rich, creamy cheese sauce with the sweet lobster pieces and crunchy topping. The baking step melds flavors and creates a golden crust. It can be served as a main course or indulgent side, especially when lobster is in season or for special occasions.
Cooked lobster meat is used here but can be substituted with other seafood like crab or shrimp. The lobster tails can be boiled or broiled before use. For make-ahead preparation, topping and extra lobster are stored separately and added before baking. Leftovers can be reheated covered, with extra milk added if needed to maintain creaminess.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces lobster meat cooked, chopped, about 2 cups *see note
- 16 ounces cavatappi pasta penne, shells, or other medium pasta
- ⅓ cup butter salted
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dry mustard powder
- ½ teaspoon salt or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper or to taste
- 2 ¾ cups milk
- ½ cup half and half or light cream
- 2 cups cheddar cheese shredded sharp
- 1 ¼ cups gruyere cheese or swiss cheese, mozzarella, or havarti, shredded
- ½ cup Parmesan Cheese shredded
Topping
- ½ cup seasoned bread crumbs
- 2 tablespoons butter melted
- 2 tablespoons Parmesan Cheese grated
- 1 teaspoon parsley or ½ teaspoon dried parsley, chopped, fresh
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Grease a 9x13 pan.
- Combine topping ingredients in a small bowl. Set aside.
- Cook pasta al dente according to package directions. Drain and run under cold water and set aside.
- While pasta is cooking, melt butter over medium heat in a saucepan. Stir in flour and seasonings and cook 2 minutes.
- Combine milk and cream. Add to the flour mixture a little bit at a time whisking in after each addition. The mixture will be very thick at first but will smooth out as you continue adding liquid.
- Once all of the liquid is added, bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer 1 to 2 minutes or until thickened while whisking.
- Remove from heat and stir in the cheeses whisking until the sauce is smooth and melted.
- Combine the sauce and the pasta. Gently stir in half of the lobster meat and spread into the prepared pan.
- Add remaining lobster meat on top and sprinkle with the topping mixture.
- Bake 20-25 minutes or until bubbly and topping is browned. Do not overcook.
Notes
- Cook lobster tails by boiling 3-4 minutes in heavily salted water until 140°F internal temperature, then chop before use.
- Substitute other seafood such as lump crab meat, shrimp, scallops, or salmon if lobster is unavailable.
- For make-ahead, store topping and extra lobster separately; bring the dish to room temperature 45 minutes before baking.
- Reheat leftovers covered with foil for 20 minutes, stir adding warm milk if needed, then top with reserved lobster and topping and bake uncovered for 10 minutes until browned.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 887 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 887 | 44% |
| Carbohydrates | 75g | 25% |
| Protein | 45g | 90% |
| Fat | 45g | 69% |
| Saturated Fat | 27g | 135% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 13g | 65% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 182mg | 61% |
| Sodium | 1053mg | 44% |
| Potassium | 520mg | 11% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 9g | 18% |
| Vitamin A | 1482IU | 30% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 947mg | 95% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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