Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this creamy and delicious shrimp mac and cheese recipe. Perfectly cooked shrimp, tender macaroni, and a gooey cheese sauce come together to create a mouthwatering dish that will satisfy all your cravings. This easy-to-follow recipe will guide you through the process, ensuring a cheesy and flavorful outcome every time. Whether you're cooking for a cozy night in or entertaining guests, this shrimp mac and cheese will be an absolute crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Directions
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the shrimp and cook until pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the flour and whisk until smooth. Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly until the mixture thickens.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Season with salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
- Add the cooked macaroni and shrimp to the cheese sauce, stirring until well coated.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Transfer the shrimp mac and cheese mixture to a greased baking dish. In a small bowl, combine breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the top of the mac and cheese.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Interesting Facts
Mac and cheese is a classic comfort food that originated in the United States.
Shrimp is a versatile seafood that adds a touch of elegance to this traditional dish.
The combination of cheddar and Parmesan cheese creates a creamy and slightly tangy flavor profile.
Baking the mac and cheese adds a deliciously crunchy texture to the dish.