Shrimp Scampi Mac Cheese
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food fusion with this Shrimp Scampi Mac and Cheese, where rich, creamy mac meets the bright, garlicky flavors of shrimp scampi. Perfectly tender elbow macaroni is bathed in a luscious three-cheese sauce—featuring cheddar, Parmesan, and mozzarella—then layered with succulent, paprika-dusted shrimp cooked in a zesty garlic butter and white wine reduction. A crisp topping of panko breadcrumbs and fresh parsley adds the perfect crunch, complemented by a hint of optional red chili flakes for a spicy kick. This baked masterpiece is a seafood lover's dream and a crowd-pleasing dish ideal for cozy dinners or elevated gatherings. Whether you're savoring the golden-bubbly topping or the decadent layers beneath, this recipe delivers a uniquely satisfying twist on two beloved classics.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 0.25 cup dry white wine
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon paprika
- 12 ounces uncooked elbow macaroni
- 1.5 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 0.5 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 0.25 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set it aside.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant (don’t let it brown).
Add the shrimp to the skillet and season with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp are pink and opaque.
Pour in the lemon juice and white wine, deglazing the pan. Simmer for 1-2 minutes until slightly reduced. Remove the shrimp with a slotted spoon and set aside; reserve the garlic butter sauce.
In a medium saucepan, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the heavy cream and milk, stirring until warmed through.
Gradually add the cheddar, Parmesan, and mozzarella cheeses to the saucepan, stirring constantly until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Combine the cooked macaroni, cheese sauce, and reserved garlic butter sauce in a large mixing bowl. Gently fold in the cooked shrimp.
Pour the mac and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs, olive oil, and 1 tablespoon of chopped parsley. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the mac and cheese.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with the remaining parsley and optional red chili flakes before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
924 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 55.6 g | 71% | |
| Saturated Fat | 32.8 g | 164% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 301 mg | 100% | |
| Sodium | 1183 mg | 51% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 55.6 g | 20% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.4 g | 9% | |
| Total Sugars | 4.5 g | ||
| Protein | 47.6 g | 95% | |
| Vitamin D | 4.2 mcg | 21% | |
| Calcium | 649 mg | 50% | |
| Iron | 1.7 mg | 10% | |
| Potassium | 479 mg | 10% | |
*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.
