Seafood Mac and Cheese by Goodeats5200

Ingredients

• 450g (1 lb) elbow macaroni
• 475ml (2 cup) low-sodium chicken broth
• 1.4l (6 cup) water
• 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• 225g (8 oz) sharp white cheddar, grated
• 225g (8 oz) colby jack cheese, grated
• 225g (8 oz) extra sharp cheddar, grated
• 225g (8 oz) gouda cheese, grated
• 950ml (4 cup) heavy whipping cream
• 450g (1 lb) large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 lobster tails, cooked and chopped
• 3 snow crab clusters, steamed and deshelled
• 4 tbsp old bay seasoning
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 0.5 tsp ground mustard
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp cajun seasoning
• 0.5 tsp paprika

Instructions

1. Whisk together the dry seasonings (Old Bay, garlic powder, mustard, pepper, Cajun, paprika) in a small bowl; divide into two portions: 2 tablespoons and 1 teaspoon.
2. Boil the macaroni in the chicken broth and water with salt until al dente, about 8-10 minutes; drain and set aside.
3. Sauté the shrimp in a pan with 1 teaspoon of the seasoning mix over medium-high heat until pink and opaque, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Simmer the heavy whipping cream in a large pot over medium heat until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes.
5. Stir in the 2 tablespoons of seasoning mix and the grated cheeses, stirring until completely melted and smooth, about 3-5 minutes.
6. Fold the cooked pasta, cooked shrimp, chopped lobster, and crab meat into the cheese sauce until well coated.
7. Transfer the mixture to a large baking dish and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-18 minutes until the top is golden and bubbling.
8. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.