When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can rival the creamy, cheesy delight of Shrimp Mac and Cheese. This dish perfectly marries the rich flavors of macaroni and cheese with succulent shrimp, creating a satisfying meal that’s both indulgent and comforting. Originating from the classic American macaroni and cheese, this variation adds a seafood twist that elevates the dish to gourmet status. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly dinner or a quick weeknight meal, this easy mac and cheese recipe is sure to please everyone at the table.

Ingredients

• Pasta:
  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni
• Shrimp:
  • 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
• Seasonings:
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
• Cheese Sauce:
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups milk (whole or 2% works best)
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• Topping:
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup melted butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika (for garnish)

For the best results, opt for high-quality cheeses and fresh shrimp. You can easily substitute low-fat milk for a lighter version, but for the creamiest cheese sauce for pasta, whole milk is recommended. You can learn more about this topic.

Steps / Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking your baked shrimp mac.
2. In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of butter. Add the shrimp, season with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and cooked through. Remove from heat and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, reduce the heat to low and add the remaining butter. Once melted, whisk in the flour until smooth, cooking for about 1 minute to form a roux.
5. Slowly whisk in the milk, ensuring to eliminate any lumps. Increase heat to medium and cook until the sauce thickens, approximately 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently.
6. Once thickened, stir in the cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan cheeses until melted and creamy. Add the Dijon mustard and Worcestershire sauce for added flavor. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
7. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, shrimp, and cheese sauce, mixing until well combined.
8. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading evenly.
9. In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the macaroni mixture. Dust with paprika for a pop of color.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
11. Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving, letting the flavors meld.

Tips & Tricks

To ensure your seafood mac and cheese turns out perfectly every time, consider these tips: Check out our related guide for more tips.

• Make sure not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become rubbery. Just cook until they’re pink and opaque.
• For a richer flavor, try using a combination of tangy cheese blends like smoked gouda or fontina. These can add depth to the cheese sauce.
• This dish can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Just allow extra time for baking if starting from cold.
• When reheating leftovers, add a splash of milk to help restore the creamy texture.

Variations

Feel free to customize your shrimp recipes for dinner by adding other ingredients such as:

• Vegetables like spinach, peas, or roasted red peppers for added nutrition and color.
• Try substituting crab or lobster for a more decadent seafood comfort food option.
• For a spicy kick, add diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce.

Serving Suggestions

This one-pot mac and cheese is perfect on its own, but for a well-rounded meal, serve with a crisp green salad or some garlic bread. A glass of chilled white wine makes an excellent pairing and complements the richness of the dish beautifully.

With its creamy texture and delightful shrimp flavor, this gourmet mac and cheese is sure to become a favorite in your household. Try it out for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion, and enjoy the wonderful comfort it brings to the table!

Shrimp Mac and Cheese

★★★★★ 5 from 1 vote

Course: Dinner Cuisine: American Difficulty: Easy

🍽️

Servings

4-6

⏱️

Prep Time

15 min

🍳

Cook Time

30 min

🔥

Calories

500 kcal

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This dish perfectly marries the rich flavors of macaroni and cheese with succulent shrimp, creating a satisfying meal that’s both indulgent and comforting.

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Ingredients

• 8 ounces elbow macaroni
• 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups milk (whole or 2% works best)
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika (for garnish)

Directions

1.

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking your baked shrimp mac.

2.

In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.

3.

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of butter. Add the shrimp, season with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and cooked through. Remove from heat and set aside.

4.

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to low and add the remaining butter. Once melted, whisk in the flour until smooth, cooking for about 1 minute to form a roux.

5.

Slowly whisk in the milk, ensuring to eliminate any lumps. Increase heat to medium and cook until the sauce thickens, approximately 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently.

6.

Once thickened, stir in the cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan cheeses until melted and creamy. Add the Dijon mustard and Worcestershire sauce for added flavor. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

7.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, shrimp, and cheese sauce, mixing until well combined.

8.

Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading evenly.

9.

In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the macaroni mixture. Dust with paprika for a pop of color.

10.

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.

11.

Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving, letting the flavors meld.

Nutrition Facts