Lobster Mac & Cheese

From Yankee Magazine — January 2012

Fish and Seafood Recipes | Pasta Recipes

Preparation Time: 45 minutes

Start to Finish Time: 60 minutes

Yield: 6 servings

For the pasta:

• 1 pound shaped pasta, such as elbows or shells
• 8 tablespoons salted butter, divided
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 5 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups light cream
• 2 cups shredded Gruyere cheese
• 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Romano cheese
• Kosher or sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 8 ounces cooked lobster meat (from about two 1-1/2-pound lobsters), cut into bite-size pieces

Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain in a colander, set into the sink, and rinse with cold water to cool. Set aside.

Preheat oven to 350°.

Melt 3 tablespoons butter in a medium-size saucepan over medium heat. Stir in onion and garlic; cook until onion has softened and turned translucent, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.

Melt remaining 5 tablespoons butter in the saucepan. Whisk in flour and stir until mixture is light golden-brown and glossy, 8 to 10 minutes. Gradually whisk cream into flour mixture, increase heat to medium-high, and bring to a simmer. Once simmering, reduce heat to medium-low; cook, stirring, until mixture is thick, creamy, and smooth, 10 to 15 minutes.

Stir onion/garlic mixture and cheeses into cream mixture until melted and smooth. Season to taste with salt and pepper; then gently stir in lobster and reserved pasta. Pour mixture into a 4-quart casserole and smooth the top.

For the topping:

• 2 tablespoons salted butter
• 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh parsley

Next, make the topping: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons butter. Add breadcrumbs and parsley; cook, stirring, until lightly toasted. Sprinkle evenly over casserole.

Bake in preheated oven until sauce is bubbly and the top is golden-brown, 10 to 12 minutes.

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