Ooo yes 😌 Shrimp Mac & Cheese is elite comfort food. Here’s a creamy, cheesy, flavorful version with perfectly seasoned shrimp.
Shrimp Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz elbow macaroni (or cavatappi, shells, etc.)
- Salt for boiling water
Shrimp
- 1 lb raw shrimp, peeled & deveined
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika (smoked if you have it)
- ½ tsp Old Bay or Cajun seasoning
- Salt & black pepper to taste
Cheese Sauce
- 4 tbsp butter
- 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk (warm)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella or Monterey Jack, shredded
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Salt & pepper to taste
Optional Toppings
- ½ cup buttery breadcrumbs
- Extra cheese for the top
- Fresh parsley or green onions
Instructions
1. Cook the pasta
- Boil pasta in well-salted water until just al dente.
- Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the shrimp
- Season shrimp with garlic powder, paprika, Old Bay/Cajun, salt & pepper.
- Heat oil or butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook shrimp 1–2 minutes per side until pink and just cooked through.
- Remove from pan and set aside.
3. Make the cheese sauce
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes (don’t brown it).
- Slowly whisk in warm milk and cream.
- Cook until thickened (about 4–5 minutes).
- Lower heat and stir in cheeses a handful at a time until smooth.
- Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt & pepper.
4. Combine
- Fold pasta into the cheese sauce.
- Gently stir in cooked shrimp.
5. Bake (optional but 🔥)
- Pour into a greased baking dish.
- Top with extra cheese and breadcrumbs.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Flavor Boost Ideas
- Add lobster or crab for a seafood combo 🦞
- Stir in cooked bacon or andouille sausage
- Add a splash of hot sauce or cayenne for heat
- Finish with a drizzle of garlic butter or lemon zest
If you want, I can:
- Make it extra spicy Cajun-style 🌶️
- Do a no-bake stovetop version
- Or turn it into Shrimp Mac & Cheese bites
Just say the word 😏
