Shrimp Mac And Cheese Recipe

Just when I thought mac and cheese couldn’t get any better, this uh-mazing dish entered my life. Searing shrimp in the same pan you make your cheese sauce gives the whole dish a boost of umami, which is outrageously good. Plus, tender, juicy bites of shrimp perfectly complement the silky, cheesy sauce. If all this sounds a little fancy for your kitchen, then rest assured this dish is about as down-to-earth as you can get. It’s quick and easy, and cleanup is a breeze. It makes a great midweek meal when you’re too tired to spend hours in the kitchen after work.

What’s the Best Cheese for Shrimp Mac and Cheese?

Homemade mac and cheese is easy to customize, so you can certainly use what you like. However, I think I’ve come up with the perfect cheese blend for this spectacular seafood mac and cheese. Mozzarella gives the cheese sauce that beautiful, melty, gooey texture. Parmesan adds a gorgeous flavor that complements the shrimp umami. Then sharp cheddar keeps the color and flavor on point for that classic (and oh-so-beloved) mac and cheese taste. 💛

Recipe Ingredients

How to Make Shrimp Mac and Cheese

Prep the Elements

Cook the Pasta – Cook your pasta per package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain and set aside. Season the Shrimp – Place the shrimp in a bowl—season with salt, pepper, and Creole seasoning. Toss to coat evenly, and set aside. (Photo 1) Saute Shrimp – Add butter to a deep cast iron skillet. As soon as it melts and quits bubbling, add the shrimp. Cook until they start changing color, but don’t go all the way because they’ll finish cooking in the oven. Remove them from the pan and set aside. (Photo 2) Aromatics – Next, add the garlic and onions. Saute until the onion wilts, about 3 minutes. (Photo 3) Roux – Then whisk in the flour. Continue whisking until the butter and onion mixture completely absorbs the flour, then continue cooking for about a minute. (Photo 4) Sauce – Gradually add the evaporated milk, followed by milk and broth; you don’t want the roux to form any lumps. Simmer for 3-5 minutes or until the mixture thickens slightly. (Photo 5) Season – Next, add Creole seasoning and cayenne pepper if using. Cheese – Finally, stir in the cheeses and continue stirring until they melt for an evenly combined and smooth sauce. Adjust seasonings to taste. (Photos 6-7)

Bake Your Mac and Cheese with Shrimp

Assemble – Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce, stirring until completely coated. (Photo 8) Transfer your mac and cheese mixture into a lightly greased baking dish (2 quarts should hold it), top with remaining cheese, and follow with the shrimp. (Photos 9-10) Bake at 375℉ (190℃) for 10-15 minutes or until golden and bubbly. Serve – Remove from the oven and top with chopped parsley, bacon, and breadcrumbs if desired.

Recipe Variations

Tips and Tricks

Make-Ahead Instructions

This is a perfect make-ahead dish. Follow the recipe through assembling the dish (you may want to add a tablespoon or two extra of milk to keep it from drying out), then cover it and keep it in the fridge for up to two days before baking. When ready to serve it, just pop it in the oven and bake as directed. Keep in mind it might take a few extra minutes to get golden and bubbly.

Serving and Storage Instructions

Serve shrimp mac and cheese hot out of the oven, sprinkled with freshly chopped parsley. If you have leftovers, refrigerate them in an airtight container for 3-5 days. To reheat leftovers, pop them in a warm oven for 5-10 minutes or give them a minute or two in the microwave.

What Goes With Shrimp Mac and Cheese

Shrimp mac and cheese can easily be a meal all on its own. I like serving it as a main course with homemade garlic breadand a simple wedge salad. It can also turn a nice steak into a decadent surf and turf meal. Try it with grilled flat iron steak and twice-baked potatoes when you want to whip up something fancy. Wine Pairing: The rich flavors of an unoaked Chardonnay mirror the rich cheesiness of this dish. Another good option is a Sauvignon Blanc, which is always a good fit for shrimp dishes.