Lobster Mac and Cheese
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
20 mins
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Cook Time
25 mins
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Total Time
45 mins
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Servings
8
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Calories
627 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Lobster Mac and Cheese
Description
This Lobster Mac and Cheese uses a roux made with butter and flour to thicken a mixture of water and whole milk, infused with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Corkscrew pasta cooks directly in the sauce liquid until tender, absorbing flavor as it simmers. Sharp cheddar and creamy mozzarella cheeses are stirred in off heat for a smooth cheese sauce. Cooked lobster meat adds a sweet, oceanic richness folded into the creamy pasta.
The topped casserole is finished in the oven with a mixture of browned butter and panko breadcrumbs, creating a crisp crust that contrasts the creamy interior. Chives add a mild onion note and fresh color, while additional lobster chunks serve as a garnish. This dish blends seafood luxury with classic comfort food textures.
For best melting, shredding your own cheese is recommended over pre-shredded varieties that contain anti-caking agents. Use any short pasta shape but adjust cooking time accordingly. Have cooked, chopped lobster ready before starting. The lobster can be chilled before incorporation. Baking until the topping is golden brown ensures a crunchy top layer.
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons butter divided use
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 2 1/2 cups water
- 4 cups milk I use whole milk
- 1 pound corkscrew pasta uncooked, such as cavatappi or cellentani
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cups cheddar cheese shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
- 1 1/2 cups lobster meat plus more for garnish, chopped, cooked
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons chives thinly sliced
- cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Coat a 2 or 3 quart baking dish with cooking spray.
- Melt 2 tablespoons of the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the flour, then whisk until combined, about 30 seconds.
- Pour in the water and whisk until smooth and just thickened.
- Add the milk and whisk until combined.
- Stir in the pasta, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika and pepper, then bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is done.
- Turn the heat to low, then stir in the cheeses. Keep stirring until the sauce is smooth.
- Fold in the lobster meat. Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish.
- Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, and stir it into the panko breadcrumbs.
- Sprinkle the breadcrumbs over the top of the pasta. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until topping is golden brown.
- Sprinkle with chives and garnish with addition chunks of lobster if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Shred your own cheese to avoid anti-caking agents in pre-shredded cheese that can hinder melting.
- Use other short pasta shapes adjusting cooking time to package directions as needed.
- Prepare cooked lobster meat in advance; it can be chilled before adding to the dish.
- Bake until the panko topping is golden brown for the best texture contrast.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 627 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 627kcal | 31% |
| Carbohydrates | 53g | 18% |
| Protein | 29g | 58% |
| Fat | 30g | 46% |
| Saturated Fat | 19g | 95% |
| Cholesterol | 97mg | 32% |
| Sodium | 694mg | 29% |
| Potassium | 360mg | 8% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 8g | 16% |
| Vitamin A | 1130IU | 23% |
| Vitamin C | 0.4mg | 0% |
| Calcium | 639mg | 64% |
| Iron | 1.5mg | 8% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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