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Seafood Mac Colby Jack Cheese

This dish combines tender macaroni with creamy Colby Jack cheese and a medley of seafood, creating a delightful culinary experience that is perfect for any occasion.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Seafood
Calories: 650
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Dairy
  • 1 pound macaroni noodles Perfectly al dente pasta that serves as the base for your dish.
  • 16 ounces Velveeta cheese, cut into cubes This creamy, melt-in-your-mouth cheese adds a rich, smooth consistency to your sauce.
  • 32 ounces Colby Jack cheese, shredded A blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack that brings subtle tanginess and depth.
  • 3 cups heavy whipping cream This luxurious ingredient creates a luscious sauce that coats every macaroni and seafood piece beautifully.
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter Adds flavor and helps sauté the seafood to golden perfection.
  • 1 can cream of chicken soup A creamy shortcut that enriches the overall sauce with flavor.
Seafood
  • 1 pound jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined Their sweet, tender meat enhances the dish significantly.
  • 1 can lump crab meat, drained A true delicacy that elevates the dish and adds a sweet, briny bite.
  • 1 pound crawfish tails, thawed and rinsed Another layer of seafood flavor that brings southern charm.
Seasonings
  • 3 teaspoons Kinder's Seafood Blend A perfect mix of spices designed to complement seafood.
  • 3 teaspoons Cajun seasoning For a kick that captures the essence of southern cooking.
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder Aromatic and bold, enhancing overall flavor.
  • 3 teaspoons Accent flavor enhancer Adds a savory flavor boost without overpowering the dish.
  • 2 teaspoons ground black pepper For a bit of heat and flavor depth.
  • Chopped parsley for garnish A fresh finish that brightens the dish.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Begin by heating the heavy whipping cream, cream of chicken soup, and Velveeta cheese in a saucepan over low heat. Stir frequently until everything melts into a creamy, cohesive mixture.
  2. Once the cheese has melted, mix in the Kinder's Seafood Blend, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, Accent, and ground black pepper. This blend will infuse the sauce with rich, complex flavors.
Cooking
  1. While the sauce is coming together, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the macaroni noodles according to package instructions until they are al dente, then drain and set aside.
  2. In a skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Sauté the crawfish tails until they are heated through and slightly golden, then remove them from the skillet. Repeat the process for the crab and shrimp, ensuring each type is cooked just right.
  3. In a large baking dish, combine half of the creamy cheese sauce with the drained macaroni noodles and half of the shredded Colby Jack cheese until well incorporated.
Assembly and Baking
  1. Fold the sautéed seafood into the macaroni mixture carefully. Top this with the remaining cheese sauce and sprinkle the rest of the Colby Jack cheese on top, creating a cheesy layer that promises gooey delight.
  2. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the dish for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly with a golden crust forming.
  3. Before serving, garnish with crawfish tails and a sprinkle of chopped parsley. This not only adds a splash of color but also enhances the dish’s presentation with fresh flavor.

Notes

To ensure your Seafood Mac Colby Jack Cheese reaches its full potential, consider using fresh seafood whenever possible for the best flavor. Adjust the Cajun seasoning according to your family’s taste preferences. Allow the dish to rest for a few minutes after baking for easier serving. For added crunch, sprinkle breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter before baking.