Shrimp Mac Cheese (Printable Version)
Tender shrimp and melted cheese blend beautifully with baked macaroni for a comforting, flavorful meal.
# Everything You’ll Need:
→ Pasta
01 -
8 ounces elbow macaroni
→ Seafood
02 -
1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
→ Sauce
03 -
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
04 -
1 small onion, minced
05 -
2 to 3 cloves garlic, minced
06 -
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
07 -
12 ounces evaporated milk
08 -
1 cup whole milk
09 -
¾ cup chicken broth or additional milk
→ Cheeses
10 -
½ cup shredded mozzarella
11 -
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
12 -
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded, divided
→ Seasonings
13 -
Creole seasoning, to taste
14 -
Salt, to taste
15 -
Black pepper, to taste
16 -
Cayenne pepper, to taste
# Steps to Cook:
01 -
Prepare elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente; drain and set aside.
02 -
Season shrimp with salt, black pepper, and Creole seasoning evenly.
03 -
Melt butter in a cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add seasoned shrimp and cook until they begin to turn pink and opaque, then remove from skillet.
04 -
In the same skillet, add minced onion and garlic; cook until onions are translucent and soft, about 3 to 4 minutes.
05 -
Whisk in flour and cook until absorbed, approximately one minute to remove raw flour taste.
06 -
Gradually whisk in evaporated milk, whole milk, and broth, stirring constantly. Simmer until the sauce thickens slightly.
07 -
Stir in mozzarella, Parmesan, and half of the cheddar cheese until fully melted and sauce is smooth. Adjust seasonings as needed.
08 -
Mix cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce. Transfer to a baking dish, top with remaining cheddar cheese and cooked shrimp. Bake at 375°F for 10 to 15 minutes until golden and bubbly.
# Extra Suggestions:
01 -
Use low heat when melting cheese to prevent curdling. Freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly than pre-shredded.