Lobster Mac and Cheese

Name: Lobster Mac and Cheese
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 5 cups uncooked cavatappi pasta; 5 tablespoons butter, divided; 3 lobster tails (about 8 ounces each), meat removed and cut into 1-inch pieces; 1/2 cup finely chopped shallot; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 teaspoon seafood seasoning, divided; 1 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper, divided; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 3 cups half-and-half cream; 2-1/2 cups shredded white cheddar cheese, divided; 2 cups shredded smoked Gouda cheese

Total Time Prep: 20 min. Cook: 20 min.

Yield 8 servings

Test Kitchen Approved

Mac and cheese is good, but lobster mac and cheese is really special! Our recipe features buttery lobster tail and a smoky cheddar sauce cooked with cavatappi pasta (though any shape will do).

Ingredients

5 cups uncooked cavatappi pasta
5 tablespoons butter, divided
3 lobster tails (about 8 ounces each), meat removed and cut into 1-inch pieces
1/2 cup finely chopped shallot
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon seafood seasoning, divided
1 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper, divided
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3 cups half-and-half cream
2-1/2 cups shredded white cheddar cheese, divided
2 cups shredded smoked Gouda cheese

Directions

Cook pasta according to package directions; drain.
Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat; add lobster, shallot and garlic. Cook until meat is opaque and shallots are tender, 4-5 minutes. Sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon seafood seasoning and 1/2 teaspoon pepper, toss to coat. Remove from heat and set aside, wipe pan clean.
Preheat broiler. In the same saucepan, melt remaining 3 tablespoons butter. Stir in flour until blended; cook and stir until golden brown, 2-3 minutes (do not burn). Gradually whisk in cream and remaining 1/2 teaspoon seafood seasoning and pepper. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly; cook and stir until thickened, 2-3 minutes.
Remove from heat, add 1-1/2 cups cheddar and Gouda; stir until cheese is melted. Fold in pasta and lobster mixture.
Transfer to a greased13x9-in. baking dish. Top with remaining 1 cup cheddar cheese. Broil 3-4 in. from heat until top is browned, 5-6 minutes.

Nutrition Facts

1-1/2 cups: 672 calories, 39g fat (24g saturated fat), 199mg cholesterol, 897mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 34g protein.

Any time I cook with a cast-iron skillet I think of my Grammy, and this lobster mac and cheese is no exception. If you’re like me, then there’s no such thing as too much cheese, so add in as much as you’d like. —Erin Isaac, Columbus, Ohio

Recipe Creator