Shrimp Mac N Cheese
Dive into indulgent comfort with this gourmet Shrimp Mac N Cheese recipe, a luxurious twist on a classic favorite. Tender, juicy shrimp seasoned with Cajun spices add a bold, buttery flavor to velvety macaroni coated in a rich, three-cheese blend of sharp cheddar, Gruyere, and Parmesan. Topped with golden, buttery panko breadcrumbs, this creamy baked dish strikes the perfect balance of crunchy and creamy textures. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this crowd-pleasing casserole is ready in just 45 minutes and serves up to six. Whether you’re craving decadence or looking for a seafood spin on traditional mac and cheese, this recipe is a must-try!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 ounces Elbow macaroni
- 1 pound Large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 5 tablespoons Unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons All-purpose flour
- 3 cups Whole milk
- 2 cups Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Gruyere cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Black pepper
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 0.5 teaspoon Garlic powder
Instructions
Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the shrimp, 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning, and 0.5 teaspoon of paprika. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and opaque. Remove from heat and set aside.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is golden and smooth.
Gradually whisk in the milk. Continue stirring until the mixture thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
Reduce heat to low, and stir in the cheddar, Gruyere, and Parmesan cheeses. Mix until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy.
Season the cheese sauce with the remaining Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce, stirring until evenly coated.
In a separate bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with 1 tablespoon of melted butter.
In a greased baking dish, layer half of the mac and cheese, followed by the cooked shrimp, and then the remaining mac and cheese.
Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
Remove from the oven, let it rest for 5 minutes, and serve warm.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
839 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 42.0 g | 54% | |
| Saturated Fat | 23.4 g | 117% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 254 mg | 85% | |
| Sodium | 1241 mg | 54% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 67.9 g | 25% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.3 g | 12% | |
| Total Sugars | 8.4 g | ||
| Protein | 51.8 g | 104% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.0 mcg | 10% | |
| Calcium | 816 mg | 63% | |
| Iron | 3.6 mg | 20% | |
| Potassium | 527 mg | 11% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
