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shrimp mac and cheese Recipe

Shrimp Mac And Cheese

A creamy, cheesy comfort food classic elevated with tender, succulent shrimp. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or casual special occasion, this Shrimp Mac and Cheese combines gooey cheese sauce with plump, juicy shrimp for a rich and satisfying dish.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 persons
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 650
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 250 grams elbow macaroni about 2 cups dry
  • 300 grams medium shrimp, peeled and deveined about 20–25 shrimp
  • 60 grams unsalted butter about 1/4 cup
  • 30 grams all-purpose flour about 1/4 cup
  • 480 ml whole milk 2 cups
  • 160 grams sharp cheddar cheese, shredded about 1.5 cups
  • 60 grams mozzarella cheese, shredded about 1/2 cup
  • 30 grams Parmesan cheese, grated about 1/4 cup
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt divided
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped for garnish (optional)

Equipment

  • 1 Large pot
  • 1 Medium skillet
  • 1 Strainer/colander
  • 1 Whisk
  • 1 Measuring cups and spoons
  • 1 Baking dish (8x8 inch)
  • 1 Wooden spoon or spatula
  • 1 Cheese grater (optional)

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
  2. Boil the elbow macaroni according to package directions (about 8–10 minutes), adding 1/2 teaspoon salt to the water. Drain, rinse, and set aside.
  3. In a medium skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Season the shrimp with a pinch of salt and black pepper, then cook for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from heat and set aside.
  4. In a large pot, melt unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1–2 minutes until bubbling but not browned.
  5. Gradually whisk in the whole milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Cook for 3–4 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.
  6. Lower the heat, add sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and half the Parmesan cheese. Stir until melted and smooth. Season cheese sauce with paprika, garlic powder, remaining salt, and black pepper.
  7. Add cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring to combine. Fold in most of the cooked shrimp, reserving a few for the top.
  8. Pour the mixture into the baking dish. Sprinkle remaining Parmesan and arrange reserved shrimp on top.
  9. Bake for 15–20 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
  10. Rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.

Notes

For extra crunch, add seasoned breadcrumbs to the top before baking.
Swap out cheeses for your favorites like Gruyère or Monterey Jack.
Use large shrimp (cut into bite-size pieces if preferred) for a heartier texture.
Adjust seasonings to taste, and add a pinch of cayenne for heat.