Shrimp Mac and Cheese

Want a Shrimp Mac and Cheese recipe so good it'll send you reeling, but are you ready for the challenge?

seafood pasta comfort food

Craving comfort food with a gourmet twist?

Prepare to swoon over Shrimp Mac and Cheese, where succulent shrimp meet a decadent, cheesy embrace.

Get ready to discover the secrets to this irresistible dish that elevates mac and cheese to a whole new level.

Ingredients

ingredients and instructions included

To nail this Shrimp Mac and Cheese—wait, just kidding, wrong recipe! I'm gonna tell you about what you'll need for Pad Thai, not mac and cheese. First, grab 5 oz of dried Pad Thai rice noodles.

Next up, you need 4 tbsp of vegetable oil. Don't skimp! This is key. And get 12 raw shrimp, shelled and deveined. A small red shallot, finely sliced, is next, plus 3 oz of firm tofu, cut into matchsticks.

Now, you'll need 1.75 oz of dried shrimp. I know—shrimp overload! Then, get ready with 1/4 cup of fish sauce, 2 tbsp of palm sugar (or brown sugar), 2 tbsp of tamarind puree, and 1 tsp of white vinegar. Oh! Don't forget 1/2 tsp of chili powder, 2 eggs, 1.5 oz of roasted peanuts, 5 oz of bean sprouts, 2 tbsp of garlic chives. Finally, 1 tsp of white sugar and lime wedges for serving. If you want to replicate the flavors of popular restaurants at home, make sure each ingredient is included.

Preparation

readying for the next step

Now that we've got every last little thing lined up, I'll tell you what's next! My part's pretty easy. I can handle chopping and grating—no problem. Now, I've gotta chop up four ounces of sharp cheddar and two ounces of Gruyere. Next, I like to mince two cloves of garlic. I want my mac and cheese garlic-y!!

Now, I've gotta devein and peel one pound of shrimp. I know, I know… gross! This recipe includes elbow macaroni as a primary ingredient, so make sure you have that measured out too! After that, I like to clean my work area to keep it tidy. After, just measure out all the spices! It's almost time to cook.

Don't forget to measure two tablespoons of butter, one and a half cups of milk, and, like, half a cup of heavy cream! Okay, I'm actually ready to cook!

Cooking

food preparation and techniques

First, get a pot of salted water boilin'. Once it's roarin', toss in your macaroni – about a pound should do ya! Cook it until it's al dente, which is a fancy way of saying "slightly firm." Nobody likes mushy pasta, right?

While the pasta's doin' its thing, let's take care of the cheese sauce. In a saucepan, melt half a stick of butter. Add a quarter-cup of flour, and whisk it like you mean it –– until it forms a smooth paste! Seriously, no lumps allowed.

Slowly pour in two cups of milk, whisking constantly. Let it simmer until it thickens up, like a creamy dream. Then, take it off the heat and stir in about four cups of shredded cheese, whatever kind you fancy! I like cheddar. Season with salt, pepper, and a dash of mustard. Mmm!

Serving

providing food or service

Alright, time to get this show on the road, and by that, I mean let's plate up this cheesy masterpiece! I like to use a big spoon to scoop generous portions onto plates. Make sure each helping gets a good mix of pasta, sauce, and shrimp—no sad, shrimpless bites allowed, okay?

Garnish? Optional, but why not? A sprinkle of extra cheddar, a dash of paprika, or a few chopped chives can really make it pop! I sometimes add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, too—that little tang cuts through the richness, if you're into that.

And what to serve with it? I think a simple green salad works wonders, offering a fresh contrast. Or maybe some garlic bread—'cause who doesn't love garlic bread? I hope you enjoy it!

Short Recipe Version

Shrimp Mac and Cheese (Summary)

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 30 minutes

Servings: 6

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound elbow macaroni
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups milk
  • 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 pound cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined

Instructions:

  1. Cook macaroni according to package directions. Drain.
  2. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour until smooth.
  3. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly.
  4. Reduce heat and stir in cheese until melted. Season with salt and pepper.
  5. Stir in cooked macaroni and shrimp.
  6. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Estimated):

  • Calories: 550
  • Protein: 35g
  • Fat: 30g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g