Here’s a creamy, comforting Shrimp Mac and Cheese that’s easy to make and super flavorful 🧀🍤
Shrimp Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
- 8 oz (225 g) macaroni (or any short pasta)
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled & deveined (medium or large)
- Salt & pepper
- ½ tsp paprika or Old Bay (optional)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp flour
- 2 cups milk (warm)
- 1½–2 cups shredded cheese
(cheddar, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend) - ¼ cup grated Parmesan
- ½ tsp garlic powder (or 1 clove garlic, minced)
- Optional add-ins: cayenne, smoked paprika, green onions
Instructions
- Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Season shrimp with salt, pepper, and paprika/Old Bay.
- Cook shrimp in a skillet with a little butter or oil, 1–2 minutes per side until pink.
Remove and set aside (don’t overcook). - Make cheese sauce:
- Melt butter in the same pan.
- Whisk in flour; cook 1 minute.
- Slowly whisk in warm milk until smooth.
- Simmer 2–3 minutes until thick.
- Stir in cheeses and garlic until melted.
- Combine pasta, shrimp, and cheese sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Serve immediately, or bake for extra comfort.
Optional Baked Version
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Transfer mac & cheese to a baking dish.
- Top with breadcrumbs + Parmesan.
- Bake 15–20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Variations
- Cajun-style: Add Cajun seasoning and a splash of hot sauce.
- Garlic butter shrimp: Toss shrimp in garlic butter before mixing in.
- Lobster-style: Add a little cream and extra Parmesan for richness.
If you want, tell me:
- stovetop only or baked?
- mild or spicy?
- extra cheesy or balanced?
I can tweak it exactly to your taste 😊
