Lobster Mac & Cheese Dream (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Main Ingredients
01 -
1 pound elbow macaroni or cellentani pasta
02 -
5 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
03 -
16 ounces cooked lobster meat, roughly chopped
04 -
1 teaspoon seafood seasoning
05 -
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
06 -
2 to 3 cups whole milk
07 -
1 cup heavy whipping cream
08 -
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
09 -
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
10 -
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
11 -
1 cup shredded Fontina cheese
12 -
1/2 cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese
13 -
Non-stick cooking spray
# Instructions:
01 -
Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F).
02 -
In a large pot of generously salted boiling water, cook the elbow macaroni or cellentani pasta until al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
03 -
In a skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped lobster meat and seafood seasoning, cooking for 3 to 5 minutes until heated through. Remove the lobster from the skillet and set aside.
04 -
In the same pot used for pasta (or a clean large saucepan), melt the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in the all-purpose flour until a smooth paste (roux) forms. Gradually pour in the whole milk while continuously whisking to prevent lumps, allowing the mixture to thicken. Stir in the heavy cream, onion powder, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
05 -
Reduce heat to low. Add the shredded sharp cheddar, Fontina, and grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheeses, stirring continuously until completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
06 -
Gently fold the cooked pasta and prepared lobster meat into the cheese sauce until everything is evenly coated. Transfer the mixture into a baking dish greased with non-stick cooking spray.
07 -
Bake for approximately 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. Serve hot.
# Notes:
01 -
For an extra creamy sauce, ensure your milk and cream are at room temperature before adding them.
02 -
Avoid overcooking the pasta in the initial stage, as it will continue to cook during baking.
03 -
Consider adding a sprinkle of toasted breadcrumbs on top before baking for a crispy crust.
04 -
For variations, shrimp or crab can be substituted for lobster meat.
05 -
A dash of your favorite hot sauce can add a pleasant spicy kick to the cheese sauce.