Shrimpy Macaroni and Cheese
Dive into comfort food bliss with this indulgent Shrimp Macaroni and Cheese recipe, a seafood-inspired twist on a classic favorite. Featuring tender, juicy shrimp sautéed with garlic, and enveloped in a luxuriously creamy, three-cheese sauce made with sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan, this dish delivers bold flavors and a velvety texture in every bite. Crispy golden panko breadcrumbs add the perfect crunch to the baked topping, while a hint of paprika elevates the creaminess with a subtle smoky kick. Ready in under an hour, this crowd-pleaser is ideal for family dinners, special occasions, or a weeknight indulgence. Garnish with fresh parsley for a vibrant finish, and enjoy this irresistible blend of seafood and cheesy decadence.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 ounces elbow macaroni
- 1 pound shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 0.5 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped, optional for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a large baking dish.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1-2 minutes to create a roux.
Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Cook the mixture until it thickens, about 4-5 minutes.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
Season the cheese sauce with paprika, salt, and black pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste, if needed.
Combine the cooked macaroni, shrimp, and cheese sauce in a large bowl, mixing until everything is evenly coated.
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
Sprinkle the panko breadcrumbs over the top for a crunchy topping.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh finishing touch, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
5335 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 298.5 g | 383% | |
| Saturated Fat | 171.4 g | 857% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.1 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 1740 mg | 580% | |
| Sodium | 7340 mg | 319% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 349.1 g | 127% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 15.0 g | 54% | |
| Total Sugars | 49.6 g | ||
| Protein | 305.4 g | 611% | |
| Vitamin D | 28.3 mcg | 142% | |
| Calcium | 4424 mg | 340% | |
| Iron | 17.1 mg | 95% | |
| Potassium | 2412 mg | 51% | |
*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.
