Transform traditional mac and cheese into an elegant dish with succulent shrimp and a rich, velvety cheese sauce. This elevated comfort food combines tender pasta, plump shrimp, and a blend of premium cheeses for a memorable meal that's perfect for both casual dinners and special occasions.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Serves: 6-8 people
Ingredients
For the Pasta and Shrimp:
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Cheese Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups whole milk
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
- 1 cup Gruyere cheese, freshly grated
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- Salt and white pepper to taste
For the Topping:
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Cook the macaroni in salted water until just al dente, about 2 minutes less than package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Season shrimp with Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add shrimp and cook until just pink, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove from heat and set aside.
- For the cheese sauce, melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add flour and whisk constantly for 1 minute to create a roux. Gradually pour in milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in all three cheeses until melted and smooth. Add cayenne pepper, nutmeg, salt, and white pepper.
- Combine the cooked pasta and cheese sauce in a large bowl. Gently fold in the cooked shrimp.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Mix Panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle evenly over the mac and cheese.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and bubbly. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Chef's Tips
- Use freshly grated cheese rather than pre-shredded for the smoothest sauce
- Don't overcook the shrimp before baking to prevent them from becoming tough
- For extra flavor, add a splash of white wine when cooking the shrimp
- Make sure to undercook the pasta slightly as it will continue cooking in the oven
Wine Pairing
A crisp Chardonnay or unoaked Viognier pairs beautifully with this dish, complementing both the rich cheese sauce and delicate shrimp flavors.
Storage
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven, adding a splash of milk if needed to restore creaminess.
This Shrimp Mac and Cheese is the perfect combination of comfort food and sophisticated dining. The sweet, tender shrimp elevate the classic mac and cheese while the three-cheese blend creates an irresistibly creamy sauce. Whether you're cooking for a family dinner or entertaining guests, this dish is sure to impress.
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