📝 About This Recipe
This elevated take on a childhood favorite introduces young palates to the succulent, sweet flavor of Atlantic lobster wrapped in a velvety, kid-approved four-cheese sauce. By using mild, creamy cheeses and bite-sized pasta shapes, we’ve created a dish that feels like a special seaside treat while remaining comforting and approachable. It’s the perfect 'fancy' meal for little foodies that promises to turn even the pickiest eaters into seafood lovers.
🥗 Ingredients
The Pasta & Seafood
- 1 pound Cellentani or Elbow Macaroni (cooked 2 minutes less than package directions)
- 12 ounces Cooked Lobster Meat (cut into bite-sized 1/2 inch chunks)
- 1 tablespoon Unsalted Butter (for sautéing lobster)
The Cheesy Mornay Sauce
- 4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter
- 1/4 cup All-Purpose Flour
- 3 cups Whole Milk (warmed slightly)
- 1.5 cups Mild White Cheddar (freshly shredded)
- 1 cup Monterey Jack Cheese (freshly shredded for meltability)
- 2 ounces Cream Cheese (softened, for extra creaminess)
- 1/2 teaspoon Mild Paprika (for color, not heat)
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt (plus more for pasta water)
Golden Topping
- 1/2 cup Panko Breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese (finely grated)
- 1 tablespoon Melted Butter
👨🍳 Instructions
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1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter.
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2
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook for approximately 6-7 minutes; it should be 'al dente' or slightly firm, as it will finish cooking in the oven.
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3
While the pasta cooks, melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the lobster chunks and a pinch of paprika, tossing gently for 2 minutes just to warm through. Set aside.
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4
In a large heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt the 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once bubbling, whisk in the flour to create a roux.
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5
Cook the roux for 1-2 minutes, whisking constantly, until it smells slightly nutty but remains pale in color.
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6
Slowly drizzle in the warm milk one cup at a time, whisking vigorously to ensure there are no lumps. Continue cooking until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
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7
Reduce heat to low. Stir in the cream cheese until melted, then add the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack one handful at a time, stirring until the sauce is silky smooth.
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8
Season the cheese sauce with salt and the remaining paprika. Taste to ensure it is seasoned perfectly for your little ones.
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9
Drain the pasta and return it to the large pot. Pour the golden cheese sauce over the pasta and stir gently until every noodle is well-coated.
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10
Gently fold in the warm lobster chunks, being careful not to break the delicate meat.
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11
Transfer the mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
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12
In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, and melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the mac and cheese.
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13
Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly at the edges and the breadcrumb topping is a beautiful golden brown.
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14
Remove from the oven and let it stand for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set slightly so it clings to the lobster.
💡 Chef's Tips
Always grate your own cheese from blocks; pre-shredded cheese is coated in potato starch which can make the sauce grainy. If your kids are sensitive to textures, chop the lobster into very small pieces so it blends in with the pasta. Don't overcook the pasta in the water; if it's too soft before baking, it will turn mushy in the oven. To make it even more kid-friendly, use a mix of mild cheddar and mozzarella for a 'stretchy' cheese effect. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of milk before mixing with the pasta to loosen it up.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve with a side of steamed broccoli florets or 'trees' for a healthy green crunch. A crisp apple juice or a sparkling lemonade pairs beautifully with the richness of the lobster. Offer a small wedge of lemon on the side for kids to practice 'seasoning' their own seafood. Serve in individual ramekins to make each child feel like they have their own special captain's meal.