If you’re looking to wow your taste buds and impress a crowd, Shrimp Mac and Cheese is about to become your new go-to dish. Creamy, dreamy cheese sauce wraps every twist of macaroni, while juicy shrimp add their sweet, briny charm for a truly indulgent meal. It’s that perfect blend of comfort and a little bit of the unexpected, making it unforgettable for family dinners, casual get-togethers, or a decadent weeknight treat. Get ready for a mouthwatering twist on classic macaroni that just begs for second helpings!

Shrimp Mac and Cheese Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in Shrimp Mac and Cheese is chosen to make the flavors really pop – nothing fancy, but every item truly counts! The key is balancing simple pasta and shrimp with a trio of oozy cheeses and just enough seasoning to make sparks fly in every bite.

Elbow macaroni (8 ounces): Classic shape for catching all that luscious cheese sauce in every bite.
Shrimp (1 pound, peeled, deveined, tails removed): Adds delectable seafood sweetness and a gorgeous pink pop of color.
Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Gives the shrimp a lovely sear and brings out their natural flavor.
Paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Offers gentle warmth and a hint of smokiness.
Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Rounds out the flavor with a mellow aroma.
Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Essential for balancing and amplifying all the other flavors.
Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Gives just the right touch of heat and complexity.
Butter (3 tablespoons): The foundation of your creamy roux and a must-have for rich flavor.
All-purpose flour (3 tablespoons): Thickens the sauce for that signature silky texture.
Whole milk, warmed (2 cups): Ensures the sauce is smooth and perfectly creamy.
Shredded sharp cheddar cheese (1 cup): Amps up bold cheesy flavor with every forkful.
Shredded mozzarella cheese (1/2 cup): Melts beautifully and keeps things extra gooey.
Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): Adds depth and a salty, nutty finish to the sauce.
Cayenne pepper (1/4 teaspoon, optional): For spice fans, this gives a gentle kick and color.
Chopped parsley (for garnish): Finishes the dish with fresh, vibrant color and a touch of herbiness.

How to Make Shrimp Mac and Cheese

Step 1: Boil the Macaroni

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your elbow macaroni and cook until just al dente – you want the pasta to still have a bit of bite, so it holds up when mingling with the creamy cheese later. Drain well and set it aside while you whip up that amazing sauce.

Step 2: Season and Sauté the Shrimp

While your pasta bubbles away, toss your cleaned shrimp with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, then add the shrimp. Sauté for about 2 to 3 minutes per side, just until the shrimp turn that irresistible pink and become opaque. Take care not to overcook – you want them plump and juicy, not rubbery! Set the shrimp aside to cool while you create the cheese sauce of your dreams.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce

In a big saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk them together for 1 to 2 minutes until smooth and slightly golden. Gradually pour in the warmed milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps as the mixture thickens over 3 to 5 minutes. Lower the heat, then stir in sharp cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan, and cayenne, if you’re feeling spicy! Watch the cheese melt into a creamy sauce that smells downright magical.

Step 4: Combine Pasta, Shrimp, and Sauce

Add your cooked macaroni and reserved shrimp straight into that cheesy pan. Gently fold everything together so each noodle and every juicy shrimp gets lovingly coated in cheese. Let it all heat through for a minute or two – this helps the flavors meld together and gets everything hot and bubbly. Your Shrimp Mac and Cheese is nearly ready for a standing ovation.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Spoon your Shrimp Mac and Cheese into bowls or onto plates. Sprinkle generously with fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. If you’re craving that crunchy baked topping, pile it into a baking dish, shower it with breadcrumbs and extra cheese, and broil for a few minutes until golden brown and irresistible.

How to Serve Shrimp Mac and Cheese

Garnishes

A dish this special deserves a finishing touch! Chopped fresh parsley is a classic, but you can also add a few thinly sliced green onions or a dusting of extra parmesan for sparkle and tang. Even a sprinkle of smoked paprika gives color and aroma that makes Shrimp Mac and Cheese extra inviting.

Side Dishes

The beauty of Shrimp Mac and Cheese is that it pairs with both light and hearty sides. For a fresher contrast, serve it with a crisp, lemony green salad or simple roasted asparagus. Or, embrace the comfort side and add fluffy dinner rolls or garlic bread to help scoop up every last bit of saucy goodness.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn Shrimp Mac and Cheese into a showstopper by filling ramekins for individual servings, garnishing with whole shrimp for a dramatic effect, or serving it in a cast-iron skillet straight from the oven for rustic, family-style charm. Take it potluck-style, baked in a large casserole, or use it as a decadent filling for stuffed bell peppers. The possibilities really are endless!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Got extras? Lucky you! Cool any leftover Shrimp Mac and Cheese before transferring it to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors deepen overnight, making your next-day lunch or dinner even dreamier.

Freezing

While cheese sauces can sometimes separate after freezing, Shrimp Mac and Cheese does pretty well if you’re careful. For best results, let the dish cool fully, divide it into portions, and freeze them in sealed containers. When you’re ready, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating to help keep the creamy texture.

Reheating

Gently rewarm your Shrimp Mac and Cheese in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of milk to help bring back that velvety sauce. Stir frequently and heat just until everything is warmed through (not boiling), so the cheeses stay silky and the shrimp don’t overcook. A minute in the microwave works in a pinch, but stovetop is best for preserving that creamy finish!

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for Shrimp Mac and Cheese?

Absolutely! Just make sure to fully thaw and pat the shrimp dry before seasoning and cooking. This helps them sauté beautifully without releasing too much water into your pan.

What cheeses work best besides cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan?

Shrimp Mac and Cheese is flexible – try Gruyère for nutty undertones or fontina for supreme meltability. Pepper jack adds zing, while Monterey Jack or even a little cream cheese can add extra creaminess.

How can I make this dish spicier?

Increase the cayenne pepper, or add a splash of hot sauce into the cheese sauce. You can also toss a pinch of red pepper flakes with the cooked shrimp for extra heat that plays off the creamy sauce.

Is it possible to bake the whole mac and cheese for a crispy top?

Definitely! Assemble the Shrimp Mac and Cheese in a casserole, top with breadcrumbs and a handful of shredded cheese, then broil for 2-3 minutes until the topping is golden and deliciously crisp.

Can I add extra vegetables to this recipe?

Of course! Stir in a handful of steamed broccoli, sautéed spinach, or roasted red peppers when combining the pasta and shrimp, for more color, nutrition, and flavor.

Final Thoughts

There’s something downright irresistible about Shrimp Mac and Cheese – it’s comforting, elegant, and absolutely loaded with flavor. Whether you serve it for a special occasion or a weeknight craving, this fusion of creamy, cheesy pasta and plump, juicy shrimp never fails to impress. Once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever settled for plain macaroni again!

Shrimp Mac and Cheese Recipe

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4.7 from 12 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in a rich and creamy twist on classic mac and cheese with this delicious Shrimp Mac and Cheese recipe. Tender shrimp, perfectly seasoned and paired with a velvety cheese sauce, make for a satisfying and comforting meal.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Pasta:

8 ounces elbow macaroni

For the Shrimp:

1 pound shrimp (peeled, deveined, tails removed)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Cheese Sauce:

3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk (warmed)
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

For Garnish:

Chopped parsley

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Boil macaroni until al dente, then drain.
Cook the Shrimp: Season shrimp and sauté until pink and opaque; set aside.
Make the Cheese Sauce: Melt butter, whisk in flour, then gradually add warm milk. Stir in cheeses and cayenne.
Combine Ingredients: Add pasta and shrimp to the cheese sauce, heat through.
Serve: Garnish with parsley and enjoy!

Notes

You can bake it for a crispy topping—transfer to a baking dish, top with breadcrumbs and extra cheese, and broil.
Add cooked bacon or sautéed spinach for variety.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American