Seafood Casserole With Macaroni
A rich seafood casserole combining shrimp, crab, lobster, and cheese with pasta, perfect for entertaining or family dinners, featuring creamy, savory flavors in a hearty dish.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter ⓘ
- 3/4 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 3/4 cup chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 6 oz. can mushrooms, drained ⓘ
- 2/3 cup flour ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons salt ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 4 cups milk ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups shredded American cheese
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1 pound shell macaroni, cooked ⓘ
- 12 oz. can crab
- 12 oz. can lobster, frozen ⓘ
- 1/2 pound shrimp ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley ⓘ
Instructions
- Melt butter in a saucepan.
- Cook chopped onion, green pepper, and drained mushrooms until soft.
- Remove from heat.
- Blend in flour, salt, and pepper.
- Stir in milk.
- Cook until the mixture thickens.
- Add shredded American cheese and lemon juice; heat until cheese melts.
- Stir in dry mustard and Worcestershire sauce.
- Alternate layers of cooked shell macaroni, crab, lobster, and shrimp in two buttered casseroles.
- Pour the cheese sauce over the layered ingredients in both casseroles.
- Sprinkle chopped parsley on top.
- Bake for 30 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using low-fat cheese or substituting half of the shell macaroni with whole grain pasta. If you want to enhance the flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or Old Bay seasoning. This casserole can also be made with other seafood like scallops or cooked fish. For a vegetarian option, replace seafood with sautéed vegetables.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the seafood casserole with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad to complement the rich flavors. A light white wine or sparkling water pairs beautifully with this dish. For an alternative seafood delight, consider browsing more American recipes like Pasta-Crab Salad or Shrimp Orleans.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual servings, but be cautious not to overcook the seafood.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Seafood Casserole With Macaroni contains roughly 204 calories, with 8g protein, 3g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 608mg per serving (26% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of seafood in this casserole?
Absolutely! You can substitute the crab, lobster, and shrimp with your favorite seafood. Just ensure that any substitutions are pre-cooked and appropriate for baking. Scallops or even cooked fish fillets work well in this recipe.
Is it possible to prepare this casserole in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole ahead of time. Assemble it, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it's coming straight from the fridge.
What can I serve with the seafood casserole?
This casserole goes well with a light salad or steamed vegetables. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette is also a great choice to soak up the delicious cheese sauce. For something different, consider serving alongside Light Fish Chowder for a complete seafood meal.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).