Name: Shrimp Mac Cheese
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 16 ounces elbow macaroni; 3 tablespoons butter; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 2 cups whole milk; 1 cup heavy cream; 3 cups shredded cheese blend (cheddar, mozzarella, gruyere); 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper; Salt and black pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped; 1 tablespoon olive oil

Creamy baked mac and cheese with perfectly seared jumbo shrimp garnished with fresh herbs | lonerecipes.com

I still remember the first time I encountered this Creamy Garlic Shrimp Mac and Cheese at a friend's dinner party. The moment she brought it to the table, I was captivated by the aroma of garlic and cheese with that subtle hint of ocean freshness. What struck me was how elegant such a simple comfort food could become with the addition of perfectly cooked shrimp. The pasta was enveloped in a velvety sauce that wasn't too heavy but still rich with flavor. Each bite delivered a perfect balance of creamy pasta and tender, slightly sweet shrimp. I immediately asked for the recipe and have been perfecting my own version ever since. The key, I've found, is to cook the shrimp separately and add them at the last minute, preserving their delicate texture against the substantial creaminess of the mac and cheese base.

Why I love this recipe

I absolutely adore this Creamy Garlic Shrimp Mac and Cheese because it brilliantly bridges the gap between comfort food and special occasion dining. There's something magical about how the sweet, briny flavor of shrimp elevates the nostalgic comfort of mac and cheese into something truly special. I love that it looks impressive enough for company but doesn't require hours of preparation or professional culinary skills. The moment when the dish comes out of the oven, with the cheese bubbling around those perfectly pink shrimp, never fails to bring a sense of satisfaction. What I appreciate most is its versatility - it works equally well as a cozy dinner on a rainy evening or the star of a dinner party. The balance of textures is particularly delightful: the al dente pasta, the creamy sauce, and the tender bite of the shrimp create a symphony of sensations that make every forkful exciting.

What You Need From Your Kitchen

Shrimp: Adds protein and a sweet, oceanic flavor that elevates the dish
Cheese Blend: Creates the creamy, rich base - mix of cheddar, mozzarella and gruyere provides optimal meltability and flavor
Elbow Macaroni: Classic pasta shape that holds the sauce perfectly
Heavy Cream: Contributes to the luxurious, velvety texture of the sauce
Garlic: Provides aromatic depth that complements both the seafood and cheese
Fresh Herbs: Brightens the rich dish with color and fresh flavor

Let's Make These Together

Cook the pasta: Boil your macaroni in well-salted water until it's just shy of al dente - about 2 minutes less than the package directions suggest. The pasta will continue cooking in the oven, so keeping it slightly undercooked now prevents mushiness later.
Create the roux: A good cheese sauce starts with a proper roux. Melt butter, sauté the garlic until fragrant, then whisk in flour and cook for about 2 minutes. This quick cooking eliminates the raw flour taste while creating the thickening base for your sauce.
Make it cheesy: Gradually whisk in your milk and cream to the roux, letting it thicken before adding the cheese. For the smoothest sauce, remove the pan from heat before stirring in the cheese, and add it gradually while whisking constantly. This prevents the proteins in the cheese from seizing and creating a grainy texture.
Perfect the shrimp: For succulent shrimp that isn't rubbery, cook them separately in a hot skillet just until they turn pink and opaque - about 1-2 minutes per side. They'll cook a bit more in the oven, so it's better to undercook them slightly at this stage.
Layer with care: When assembling the dish, create layers with pasta, shrimp, and extra cheese to ensure every serving has the perfect balance of ingredients. Reserving some shrimp for the top not only looks impressive but also prevents them from getting lost in the creamy pasta.

Recipe picture — Luxurious seafood pasta bake with plump shrimp and rich cheese sauce sprinkled with herbs | lonerecipes.com

Switch Things Up

The first time I made this Shrimp Mac and Cheese, I was looking to elevate our regular Friday pasta night. The combination was such a hit that it's now requested whenever we have guests over! I've experimented with different cheese blends over the years - sometimes going for a sharper profile with extra aged cheddar, other times keeping it mild with mozzarella dominating the mix. For an extra dimension of flavor, I've found that adding a touch of smoked paprika to the sauce and broiling the top for the last two minutes creates a subtle, irresistible crust that perfectly complements the creamy interior.

Perfect Pairings

This Creamy Garlic Shrimp Mac and Cheese pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed simply with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. For a more substantial meal, serve alongside roasted asparagus or broccolini with a squeeze of lemon. A glass of unoaked Chardonnay or light Pinot Grigio complements the creamy seafood flavors without overwhelming them. For a non-alcoholic option, sparkling water with a slice of lemon provides a refreshing contrast to the rich, cheesy goodness of this comfort food classic.

Garlic butter shrimp mac and cheese baked to golden perfection in a white ceramic dish | lonerecipes.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this recipe ahead of time?: Yes! You can prepare this dish up to the point of baking, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking, and you may need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
→ What can I substitute for heavy cream?: If you want to reduce the richness, you can substitute half-and-half or whole milk for the heavy cream. The sauce won't be quite as luxurious but will still be delicious. For a dairy-free option, unsweetened coconut milk (the canned variety) can work, though it will add a subtle coconut flavor.
→ Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?: Yes, you can use pre-cooked shrimp to save time, but the texture won't be quite as perfect. If using pre-cooked shrimp, simply skip the shrimp cooking step and fold them into the pasta mixture just before baking. Reduce the baking time by 5 minutes to prevent overcooking the shrimp.
→ What other seafood can I use in this recipe?: This versatile dish works well with other seafood like scallops, lobster meat, or a seafood mix. Adjust cooking times accordingly - scallops need just 2-3 minutes per side, and pre-cooked lobster meat can be added directly to the pasta without pre-cooking.
→ How do I reheat leftovers without drying them out?: The best way to reheat this dish is to place it in a microwave-safe container, add a splash of milk (about 1-2 tablespoons per serving), cover with a damp paper towel, and heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until heated through. This helps restore the creamy texture.

Conclusion

This Creamy Garlic Shrimp Mac and Cheese combines the beloved comfort of mac and cheese with succulent seafood for an elevated dinner experience. The garlicky, creamy sauce coats each pasta piece perfectly, while the plump shrimp adds a wonderful texture contrast. Whether served for a special occasion or a luxurious weeknight meal, this dish is sure to impress and satisfy even the most discerning palates.