Seafood Feast with Lobster Tail, Shrimp & Creamy Mac and Cheese
Ingredients:
For the Lobster Tail:
2 lobster tails
2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp Old Bay seasoning
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tbsp lemon juice
Fresh parsley, for garnish
For the Shrimp:
½ lb large shrimp, peeled & deveined
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp butter
½ tsp Old Bay seasoning
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tbsp lemon juice
For the Mac & Cheese:
8 oz elbow macaroni
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp smoked paprika
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley, for garnish
For the Broccoli:
2 cups fresh broccoli florets
1 tbsp butter
¼ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions:
Prepare the Lobster:
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
Using kitchen shears, cut the top of the lobster shell lengthwise and pull the meat slightly out, resting it on top.
Mix melted butter, garlic, smoked paprika, Old Bay, salt, black pepper, and lemon juice. Brush over the lobster meat.
Bake for 12-15 minutes until opaque and slightly golden. Broil for 1-2 minutes for a crispy finish. Garnish with parsley.
Cook the Shrimp:
Heat olive oil and butter in a pan over medium-high heat.
Season shrimp with Old Bay, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and slightly golden. Squeeze lemon juice over shrimp before serving.
Make the Mac & Cheese:
Cook macaroni according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat, whisk in flour, and cook for 1 minute.
Gradually whisk in milk and heavy cream, stirring until smooth.
Add cheddar, mozzarella, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Stir until cheese is melted.
Fold in cooked pasta, top with Parmesan, and garnish with parsley.
Steam the Broccoli:
Steam broccoli until tender, about 5 minutes. Toss with butter, salt, and black pepper.
Assemble & Serve:
Plate the lobster tail, shrimp, and mac & cheese. Add steamed broccoli on the side.
Garnish with parsley and serve warm.