Shrimp Mac And Cheese

A comforting, creamy, and savory dish awaits! This shrimp mac and cheese recipe combines tender shrimp, al dente pasta, and a rich, cheesy sauce, all baked to perfection in a golden-brown crust. It’s a delightful twist on a classic comfort food that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 8 ounces macaroni
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups grated cheddar cheese
• 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente, then set aside.

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.

Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.

Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook until pink and fully cooked, about 2-3 minutes per side.

Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add the flour and whisk together to make a roux, cooking for 1 minute.

Slowly pour in the heavy cream and whole milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.

Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until thickened, about 5 minutes. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.

Add the cooked macaroni, shrimp, salt, and pepper to the cheese sauce and stir until well combined.

Transfer the macaroni mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish and top with additional grated cheese if desired. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the macaroni is heated through.

Sprinkle with chopped parsley if desired and serve hot.

Notes

Use high-quality cheese for the best flavor, and don’t be afraid to mix and match different types to suit your taste. For an extra creamy sauce, add more heavy cream or substitute with half-and-half.

If using frozen shrimp, thaw them first and pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.

Don’t overcook the shrimp, as they’ll continue to cook a bit in the oven. For an extra crunchy top, sprinkle some grated cheese or breadcrumbs on top of the macaroni mixture before baking.

You can also customize with add-ins like diced bell peppers, diced ham, or cooked bacon for added flavor.

This dish freezes well, so consider making a double batch and freezing for up to 3 months.

Nutrional Value

• Calories: 520
• Total Fat: 29g
• Saturated Fat: 18g
• Cholesterol: 60mg
• Sodium: 450mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 40g
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 4g
• Protein: 30g