Shrimp Mac and Cheese is a creamy and cheesy twist on the classic comfort dish. It combines tender shrimp with rich cheese sauce all over perfectly cooked pasta!
Who knew shrimp could take mac and cheese to another level? I love how it feels like a fancy meal, but it’s still so simple to whip up. Perfect for impressing my friends or just myself on a cozy night! 🥳
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: While elbow macaroni is classic, I find cavatappi to be a great alternative. It holds sauce nicely in its spirals. If you’re gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta. Just cook according to the package instructions.
Shrimp: Fresh medium shrimp are delicious! If they’re hard to find, frozen shrimp work well too. Just thaw them completely before cooking. Additionally, feel free to swap shrimp for cooked chicken or another seafood if preferred.
Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds a great flavor here. I mix in Monterey Jack for extra creaminess. If you’re looking for a lighter option, try reduced-fat cheese or vegan cheese alternatives that melt well.
Panko Breadcrumbs: I love using panko for that extra crunch. If you don’t have any, regular breadcrumbs are fine, but they won’t be quite as crispy. Try adding some Italian seasoning to boost flavor!
How Do You Get the Cheese Sauce Just Right?
Getting a smooth cheese sauce is essential. Here’s how to ensure success:
- Make your roux first by cooking flour with butter. This takes out the raw flour taste and helps thicken the sauce.
- Gradually add warm milk, whisking constantly. This prevents lumps from forming.
- Cook until the sauce is thickened and smooth before adding cheese. If the sauce is too thick, just add a splash more milk.
- Add cheese off the heat to prevent it from becoming grainy as it melts.
Patience here really pays off, leading to a creamy dish you’ll love!
How to Make Shrimp Mac and Cheese
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dish:
- 8 oz elbow macaroni or cavatappi pasta
- 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp butter, divided
- 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 cups milk (whole milk preferred), warmed
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and about 25 minutes to bake in the oven. In total, you will spend around 40 minutes from start to finish to enjoy this delicious and creamy shrimp mac and cheese!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or an oven-safe serving dish so nothing sticks!
2. Cook the Pasta:
Boil a large pot of salted water. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (that means it should be cooked but still have a little bite). Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
3. Prepare the Shrimp:
In a bowl, mix the shrimp with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until they’re nicely coated.
4. Cook the Shrimp:
In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of butter and the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned shrimp and cook them for about 2-3 minutes per side, until they’re pink and fully cooked. Once done, take them out of the skillet and set them aside.
5. Make the Cheese Sauce:
Using the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter. Whisk in the flour, cooking for about a minute until it’s nice and golden. This is your roux, which will thicken the sauce.
6. Add the Milk:
Gradually whisk in the warmed milk, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and is smooth, which will take about 4-5 minutes. Watch for lumps and keep stirring!
7. Cheese It Up:
Stir in the Dijon mustard, cheddar cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until everything is melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to your taste.
8. Combine Pasta and Shrimp:
Gently fold the cooked pasta and shrimp into the cheese sauce. If you like, reserve a few shrimp to sprinkle on top later for presentation.
9. Prepare for Baking:
Pour the cheesy pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the top with panko breadcrumbs and add little dots of any leftover butter or olive oil to help make the topping crispy.
10. Bake:
Pop the dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the top is golden brown and bubbly. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
11. Cool and Garnish:
Once it’s out of the oven, let it sit for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps it set a bit. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color!
12. Enjoy:
Serve warm and dive into this creamy, cheesy goodness filled with shrimp. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a special occasion!
This Shrimp Mac and Cheese recipe will be a hit! It’s rich, creamy, and packed with flavor, thanks to the seasoned shrimp and golden, crispy topping. Enjoy every cheesy bite! 😊
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp! Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. The best way to do this is to place them in the refrigerator overnight or run them under cold water in a sealed bag for quicker thawing. Pat them dry before seasoning!
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make shrimp mac and cheese gluten-free, swap the regular pasta for a gluten-free pasta variety. Additionally, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour for the roux to ensure the sauce thickens properly without gluten.
Can I Prepare This Dish in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the entire dish up to the baking step, then cover it tightly and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When ready to bake, you may need to extend the cooking time slightly as it will be cold from the fridge.
What Can I Serve with Shrimp Mac and Cheese?
This dish is delicious on its own, but you can elevate it with a side salad or steamed vegetables for some freshness. A light garlic bread or crusty baguette pairs beautifully too, perfect for soaking up any extra cheesy sauce!