Description
Garlic Shrimp Mac and Cheese brings together two crowd-pleasing favorites in one creamy, satisfying dish. Packed with succulent shrimp and a rich, cheesy sauce, this recipe turns your classic mac into a restaurant-worthy meal that will have your family asking for seconds.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 12 ounces elbow macaroni
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
Supporting Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk, warmed
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper
Finishing Ingredients:
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Boil a large pot of salted water at high heat. Cook 12 ounces of elbow macaroni for 8-9 minutes until perfectly al dente. Drain and set your pasta aside.
- Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a skillet over medium heat at 350°F. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 45-60 seconds until fragrant.
- Add 1 pound peeled shrimp to the skillet. Sprinkle ½ teaspoon paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook your shrimp for 2-3 minutes until they turn completely pink.
- In a separate saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons butter over medium-low heat at 325°F. Whisk 3 tablespoons flour into your melted butter to create a smooth roux.
- Gradually pour 3 cups warm whole milk into your roux, whisking constantly for 4-5 minutes until the mixture thickens and becomes velvety.
- Stir 2 cups sharp cheddar, 1 cup mozzarella, and ½ cup Parmesan into your sauce. Add ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard and ½ teaspoon smoked paprika.
- Fold your cooked pasta and sautéed shrimp into the cheese sauce, ensuring every piece gets deliciously coated.
- Mix 1 cup panko breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons melted butter and ¼ cup Parmesan in a small bowl.
- Transfer the mac and cheese to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle your breadcrumb mixture evenly across the top.
- Bake at 375°F for 22-25 minutes until your topping turns golden brown and the edges bubble appetizingly.
- Let your mac and cheese rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Grate fresh parmesan cheese for extra depth of flavor that melts seamlessly into the creamy sauce.
- Sauté shrimp just until pink to prevent rubbery texture and maintain tender, delicate seafood quality.
- Toast breadcrumbs in butter before sprinkling on top for a golden, crispy crust that adds wonderful texture contrast.
- For a gluten-free version, swap regular pasta with chickpea or rice pasta and use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Shrimp
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 570 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg