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Paella-Inspired Mac and Cheese
Experience a culinary adventure with this Paella-Inspired Mac and Cheese. A delightful amalgamation of a traditional Spanish Paella and an American classic Mac and Cheese, this dish promises a burst of flavors in every bite. A medley of succulent mixed seafood, aromatic saffron, crunchy bell peppers, and a velvety cheese sauce, all cozied up with al dente macaroni, this recipe is a love letter to comfort food enthusiasts with a twist.
Ingredients
- Salt and black pepper
- to taste
- Mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup, shredded
- Cheddar cheese
- 1 cup, shredded
- Mixed seafood
- 2 cups (like shrimp, mussels, and calamari)
- Chicken broth
- 1 cup
- Saffron threads
- 1/2 teaspoon
- Red bell pepper
- 1, diced
- Garlic
- 2 cloves, minced
- Onion
- 1, diced
- Olive oil
- 2 tablespoons
- Macaroni
- 2 cups, uncooked
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the macaroni until al dente according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, and bell pepper, sauté until softened and aromatic.
- Stir in the saffron threads to the skillet, allowing them to bloom and release their flavor.
- Pour in the chicken broth, bringing it to a simmer. Add the mixed seafood and cook until they are fully cooked.
- In a separate saucepan over low heat, combine the mozzarella and cheddar cheese. Stir until they melt together into a smooth, creamy sauce.
- In a large baking dish, combine the cooked macaroni, saffron-seafood mixture, and cheese sauce. Stir until well mixed and every piece of macaroni is coated in the sauce.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Tips
- For a more authentic Paella taste, you can add a bit of smoked paprika to the saffron mixture.
- Feel free to use any seafood of your choice or even a mix of your favorites.
- For a vegetarian version, replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth and the seafood with a mix of your favorite veggies.
Dietary Information
Servings: 6 Dish Type: Main Course Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 35 minutes Calories: 450 Fat: 20g Carbs: 45g Protein: 25g Sodium: 750mg Sugar: 5g
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