Shrimp Mac and Cheese Recipe

Shrimp Mac and Cheese Recipe – Get ready for all the ooey, gooey goodness of homemade mac and cheese with a succulent shrimp twist. This dish is a mashup of two of my favorite foods. To be perfectly honest, I don’t think a more indulgent dish exists! 🤤

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. 

Content… The Best Cheese Recipe Ingredients How to Make It Recipe Variations Tips and Tricks Make-Ahead Instructions Serving and Storage Instructions What to Serve More Magnificent Mac and Cheese Recipes

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

1. Shrimp – Raw shrimp, fresh or frozen, work great for this recipe. I like larger shrimp, but you can choose any size you prefer. If you go with frozen, just thaw them before you start cooking.
2. Pasta – Elbow macaroni was made for mac and cheese, but you can go with any pasta you choose. The smaller, the better, so you get lots of cheese sauce in every bite! Small shell pasta is a good substitute.
3. Cheese Sauce – For the sauce, you’ll need butter, flour, evaporated milk, milk, broth, and the cheeses: mozzarella, parmesan, and sharp cheddar.
4. Seasonings – Minced garlic and onion, good old S&P, plus some Creole seasoning and cayenne pepper take this mac and cheese to the next level. 💯

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

1. Shrimp swap. Replace shrimp with other seafood you love, like scallops or lobster. If you aren’t a big seafood fan, even chicken would work!
2. Add veggies. Make it a one-pot casserole by adding cooked spinach, broccoli, or another veggie to the mix. 
3. Skip the heat. If you don’t love spicy foods, just omit the Creole seasoning and cayenne pepper. You could replace them with a dash of smoked paprika, which adds that deep smokey flavor without the heat.
4. Breadcrumb topping. Mix a cup of panko breadcrumbs, a ¼ cup melted butter, and a ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle it on your shrimp macaroni and cheese and bake as instructed.

Tips and Tricks

1. Don’t overcook the pasta! Never cook your pasta past al dente. Remember, it will get an extra 10-15 minutes of cooking time in the oven, and you don’t want it to get mushy.
2. Shred the cheese yourself. Pre-shredded cheeses have anti-caking agents that keep them from melting as well as freshly grated cheese. This is one step you shouldn’t skip if gooey mac and cheese is your jam.
3. Measure out the milk straight away. I like to start this recipe by measuring the milk and setting it on the counter before I even begin. That gives the milk a chance to warm up a bit, making for a smoother cheese sauce that thickens quickly.

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.

More Magnificent Mac and Cheese Recipes

1. Southern Baked Mac and Cheese
2. Chili Mac and Cheese
3. Lobster Mac and Cheese
4. Mac and Cheese Bites
5. Broccoli Mac and Cheese