Seafood Casserole for Those Who Don't Like Seafood

Discover the ultimate comfort food with this "Seafood Casserole for Those Who Don't Like Seafood," a cheesy, crowd-pleasing dish that transforms tender shrimp and sweet lump crab meat into something even seafood skeptics will adore. This creamy casserole features a luscious cheese sauce made with sharp cheddar and Parmesan, perfectly seasoned with garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika, all folded together with hearty elbow macaroni. Topped with buttery breadcrumbs and baked until golden and bubbling, it delivers a rich, indulgent flavor that balances the seafood's subtle taste with cheesy goodness. Perfect for family dinners or potlucks, it’s ready in under an hour and can even be garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color. Whether you're easing into seafood or looking for a dish to win over picky eaters, this casserole checks all the boxes for a cozy, satisfying meal.

Nutriscore Rating: 60/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 cup Cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup Lump crab meat
• 2 cups Elbow macaroni
• 3 tablespoons Butter
• 3 tablespoons All-purpose flour
• 2 cups Milk
• 1.5 cups Shredded cheddar cheese
• 0.5 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup Breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Onion powder
• 1 teaspoon Paprika
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 2 tablespoons Chopped parsley (optional for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until it forms a paste.

Step 4

Gradually whisk in the milk, making sure there are no lumps. Cook until the mixture thickens and begins to bubble, about 5 minutes.

Step 5

Lower the heat and stir in the cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.

Step 6

Season the cheese sauce with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 7

Gently fold in the cooked shrimp and crab meat, ensuring they are coated in the sauce.

Step 8

Add the cooked macaroni to the sauce and stir until everything is evenly combined.

Step 9

Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.

Step 10

In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with a tablespoon of melted butter (optional) and sprinkle evenly over the casserole.

Step 11

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.

Step 12

Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1557.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3129.4

Total Fat 126.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 71.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.4g
Cholesterol 950.3mg	0%
Sodium 7435.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 290.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 13.4g	0%
Total Sugars 39.1g
Protein 220.5g	0%

Vitamin D 221.4IU	0%
Calcium 2612.1mg	0%
Iron 17.9mg	0%
Potassium 2379.8mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 35.8%

Protein: 27.7%

Carbs: 36.5%