Name: Shrimp Mac and Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 ounces elbow macaroni; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 cups whole milk; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional); 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional garnish); 1 pound shrimp, peeled, deveined, and tails removed; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; Salt and pepper to taste

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If you’ve been searching for the ultimate comfort food with a decadent seafood twist, this Shrimp Mac and Cheese Recipe is about to become your new favorite. Imagine creamy, ultra-cheesy macaroni loaded with juicy, garlicky shrimp—all bubbling together in one glorious dish. Perfect for impressing friends or indulging in a cozy night at home, this recipe brings together the best of both worlds: the classic macaroni and cheese we all crave and the irresistible flavor of perfectly cooked shrimp. Let’s dive in!

Shrimp Mac and Cheese Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What sets this dish apart is its ingredient lineup—each item shines in its own way! With a handful of kitchen staples and a few seafood stars, every ingredient has a special part to play in creating the ultimate Shrimp Mac and Cheese Recipe.

Elbow macaroni (8 ounces): This classic pasta shape holds onto all that oozy cheese, making every bite absolutely perfect.
Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons): Adds richness to the sauce and helps sauté the shrimp for incredible flavor.
Olive oil (1 tablespoon): A dash of this smooth oil helps keep the shrimp tender as they cook.
Shrimp (1 pound, peeled, deveined, tails removed): The showstopper—a generous pile of succulent shrimp absorbs all the delectable seasonings.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Because nothing pairs with seafood like a hit of aromatic garlic.
Smoked paprika (1/2 teaspoon): A sprinkle of this brings a subtle smokiness that plays beautifully with the creamy cheese.
Salt and pepper (to taste): Don’t be shy—season generously for the fullest flavors!
All-purpose flour (2 tablespoons): The secret to a thick, silky cheese sauce is a simple roux made with flour.
Whole milk (2 cups): Gives the sauce its creamy base and smooth texture.
Heavy cream (1/2 cup): For an ultra-luxurious, velvety mouthfeel you’ll dream about.
Sharp cheddar cheese (2 cups, shredded): The star cheese for classic mac—its bite and melt bring serious comfort vibes.
Mozzarella cheese (1 cup, shredded): Adds dreamy meltiness and stringy cheese pulls to every forkful.
Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup, grated): For a nutty, salty finish that perks up the sauce.
Dijon mustard (1/2 teaspoon, optional): Just a dab deepens the flavor of the cheese sauce.
Fresh parsley (1/4 cup, chopped, optional garnish): A sprinkle of green livens up the final plate and adds a fresh note.

How to Make Shrimp Mac and Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Start by boiling your elbow macaroni just until al dente—firm enough to hold up in that luscious cheese sauce without turning mushy. Drain it well and set aside. The pasta continues to absorb flavors after you mix everything together, so don’t overcook at this stage.

Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a swirl of olive oil plus a tablespoon of butter. Toss in your shrimp, garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Sauté for 2–3 minutes on each side, just until the shrimp turn that beautiful pink and curl up. Once done, scoop them out of the pan and set aside—they’ll finish their journey later in the sauce.

Step 3: Make the Roux

In the same trusty skillet (no need to dirty another pan!), melt the rest of your butter. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk until it forms a golden paste. Let the roux cook for 1–2 minutes; this step takes away the raw flour taste and sets the stage for a thick, luxurious sauce.

Step 4: Whisk Up the Cheese Sauce

Slowly pour in the whole milk and heavy cream, whisking as you go to prevent any lumps. Watch as the mixture transforms, thickening to a dreamy, creamy consistency after just a few minutes. Stir in the Dijon mustard if you like a little zing!

Step 5: Add the Cheese

On low heat, gradually add your cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses into the sauce. Stir patiently until each is completely melted and you’re rewarded with a pot of bubbly, molten goodness. This is where that classic Shrimp Mac and Cheese Recipe comfort comes to life!

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Shrimp

Fold your drained macaroni into the cheese sauce, stirring gently to coat each noodle in cheesy perfection. Now, invite the shrimp back into the pan, nestling them into the creamy mix. Let everything heat through—those flavors will meld beautifully.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Spoon your Shrimp Mac and Cheese Recipe straight into bowls, garnish generously with chopped parsley, and serve immediately. If you crave a golden, bubbly top, pop the skillet under a broiler for 2–3 minutes to finish.

How to Serve Shrimp Mac and Cheese Recipe

Garnishes

A shower of fresh parsley is a classic finish but don’t stop there—think toasted breadcrumbs for crunch, a dusting of Old Bay seasoning, or even a squeeze of lemon for brightness. The right garnish adds color, texture, and that little extra wow factor.

Side Dishes

Balance the richness of this Shrimp Mac and Cheese Recipe with simple sides. A crisp green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette or roasted seasonal vegetables brings freshness to your table. Warm garlic bread is also a crowd-pleasing pairing for soaking up any extra cheese sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve individual portions in mini cast-iron skillets or ramekins for dinner party flair. Or, scoop it into hollowed-out bread bowls for the ultimate comfort-food experience. This recipe also makes a playful appetizer when spooned into small cups for a buffet or potluck.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, simply transfer your Shrimp Mac and Cheese Recipe to an airtight container and refrigerate. It stays creamy and delicious for up to three days, making for an easy weekday lunch or another indulgent dinner.

Freezing

You can freeze this dish, though the cheese sauce may thicken slightly upon reheating. Let the mac and cheese cool completely, then wrap well or use a freezer-safe container. It’ll keep for up to two months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

For best results, reheat gently on the stovetop or in the oven, adding a splash of milk or cream to restore the sauce’s silkiness. Microwave reheating works too—just do it in short bursts, stirring frequently to prevent the cheese from separating.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thoroughly thaw and pat the shrimp dry before cooking. Excess water can dilute the flavors and impact the texture of your Shrimp Mac and Cheese Recipe.

How do I make this dish spicy?

For a little heat, sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes with the shrimp or add a dash of cayenne to the cheese sauce. You can adjust the spice level to your personal taste for a truly unique mac and cheese experience.

What cheeses can I substitute?

Feel free to get creative—Gruyère, Fontina, or Monterey Jack are all fantastic options if you want to mix up the flavor. The key is to use cheeses that melt smoothly so your Shrimp Mac and Cheese Recipe stays creamy and luscious.

Can I bake this instead of making it on the stovetop?

Certainly! After combining everything, transfer it to a baking dish, top with extra cheese or breadcrumbs, and bake at 400°F for 10–15 minutes. This gives you a golden, crispy top that’s irresistible.

Can I add other seafood to this recipe?

Definitely—lobster or crab meat are wonderful swaps or additions to the shrimp. The base recipe is so versatile, you can transform it into your favorite seafood mac and cheese every time!

Final Thoughts

This Shrimp Mac and Cheese Recipe is comfort food at its most irresistible—creamy, cheesy, and loaded with juicy shrimp in every forkful. I hope you’ll give it a try, whether for a special occasion or just to treat yourself. One bite, and I’m sure it’ll be a hit at your table!

Shrimp Mac and Cheese Recipe

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4.6 from 21 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the creamy and flavorful goodness of this Shrimp Mac and Cheese recipe that combines succulent shrimp with a rich, cheesy sauce over perfectly cooked macaroni. This dish is a comforting and satisfying meal that is sure to please seafood and pasta lovers alike.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Mac and Cheese:

8 ounces elbow macaroni
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cups whole milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional garnish)

For the Shrimp:

1 pound shrimp, peeled, deveined, and tails removed
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

Cook the macaroni: Boil the macaroni until al dente, then drain and set aside.
Cook the shrimp: In a skillet, sauté shrimp with garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper until cooked; set aside.
Make the sauce: In the same skillet, make a roux with butter and flour, then add milk and cream. Stir in cheeses until melted.
Combine: Add cooked pasta to the sauce, then fold in the shrimp. Heat through and garnish with parsley before serving.