The Story & Intro
If there’s one dish that instantly transports me back to warm gatherings, twinkling lights, and the kind of cozy chaos only the holidays can bring… it’s Holiday Shrimp & Lobster Mac. I still remember the first time I made it snow falling outside, a playlist of French Christmas tunes softly playing, and a bubbling skillet of creamy, luxurious seafood mac filling the entire house with pure joy. It’s one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug from the inside out.
And of course, before we dive in, let me tell you a little about me because every dish I make comes with a bit of heart.
Bonjour my friends! 👋 I’m Lacamorea, a 31-year-old French girl who traded the cobblestone streets of Paris for the cozy kitchens of America 🇫🇷➡️🇺🇸. Ever since I could reach the countertop, I’ve been whisking, stirring, and sneaking tastes of cake batter when no one was looking 🍰😋. Cooking isn’t just my passion it’s my love language, my therapy, and my favorite way to make people smile.
This Holiday Shrimp & Lobster Mac has quickly become one of my most-requested dishes, especially from friends who swear they “don’t even like seafood” (until they try this!). It’s rich without being heavy, indulgent without being fussy, and festive without needing a full day in the kitchen. And because the holidays are all about sharing, laughing, and filling plates generously, this recipe fits right into that magic.
We’re talking tender lobster, perfectly sautéed shrimp, a silky cheese sauce with hints of nutmeg and paprika, and a golden, buttery breadcrumb topping that shatters lightly with every forkful. If comfort food wore a sparkly holiday dress, this would be it.
So grab your wooden spoon, turn on your favorite feel-good playlist, and let’s make a seafood masterpiece together. Because trust me this Holiday Shrimp & Lobster Mac will be the star of your table this season.
⏱️ Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 6–8
🛒 Ingredients
For the Seafood
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 8 oz cooked lobster meat (or 2 small lobster tails)
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt & pepper to taste
For the Pasta
- 1 lb elbow macaroni (or cavatappi)
For the Cheese Sauce
- 4 tbsp butter
- 4 tbsp flour
- 4 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt & pepper to taste
For the Topping
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp dried parsley
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside — don’t rinse!
2. Prepare the Seafood
In a skillet, melt 1 tbsp butter with 1 tbsp olive oil. Add shrimp, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook 2–3 minutes until pink.
Add chopped lobster meat and toss for 1 minute. Remove from heat.
3. Make the Cheese Sauce
In a large pot, melt 4 tbsp butter. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to create a roux.
Slowly pour in milk and cream, whisking constantly.
Simmer until thickened.
Add cheddar, Gruyère, mozzarella, Dijon, nutmeg, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until melted and velvety.
4. Combine Everything
Stir cooked pasta into the sauce. Fold in shrimp and lobster. Taste and adjust seasoning.
5. Add the Topping
In a small bowl, mix Panko, Parmesan, melted butter, and parsley. Sprinkle generously over the dish.
6. Bake
Bake at 350°F for 20–25 minutes until the top is golden and crisp.
Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a crisp green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette
- Pair with garlic-butter dinner rolls
- Add a splash of hot sauce for a kick
- Serve in individual ramekins for festive single-servings
- Garnish with fresh parsley or chives
📝 Notes
- You can use any combination of cheeses, but always keep a sharp cheddar for best flavor.
- Want it extra creamy? Add an extra ¼ cup heavy cream.
- If using frozen shrimp, thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.
- Lobster can be substituted with crab meat for a budget-friendly version.
- Add bacon if you want a smoky twist.
🍽️ Nutrition (Approx. per serving)
- Calories: 610
- Protein: 34g
- Fat: 32g
- Carbs: 49g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 780mg
📜 Recipe Card
Holiday Shrimp & Lobster Mac
⏱️ 50 minutes
🍽️ Serves 6–8
Ingredients:
Macaroni, shrimp, lobster meat, butter, milk, cream, cheddar, Gruyère, mozzarella, seasonings, Panko, Parmesan.
Instructions:
Cook pasta. Sauté shrimp and lobster. Make cheese sauce with butter, flour, milk, and cheeses. Combine everything, top with buttery Panko, and bake until golden.
Conclusion
There you have it a stunning, festive, soul-warming Holiday Shrimp & Lobster Mac that’s every bit as celebratory as the season itself. It’s rich, it’s cozy, and it has that magical “holiday sparkle” that makes people lean back in their chairs with happy sighs. Whether you’re serving it for Christmas Eve, a New Year’s gathering, or just a night when you need a little luxurious comfort, this dish will wrap your table in warmth and delight.
Now pour yourself a glass of wine, put on something soft and cozy, and enjoy each creamy bite. From my French-American kitchen to yours joyeux fêtes & happy holidays. 🎄✨🦞
