Garlic Shrimp Mac and Cheese (Prawns)
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
7 mins
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Cook Time
15 mins
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Total Time
22 mins
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Servings
6 - 8 people
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Calories
558 kcal
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Course
Side Dish
Garlic Shrimp Mac and Cheese (Prawns)
Description
This Garlic Shrimp Mac and Cheese recipe starts by cooking shrimp quickly with garlic and black pepper, then setting them aside. A roux is made by melting butter and stirring in flour, followed by gradually whisking in warm milk and hot water, seasoning with salt, garlic powder, and mustard powder. Elbow macaroni cooks directly in this liquid until nearly tender. Cheeses including cheddar or Gruyere and mozzarella are stirred in to form a silky sauce, then shrimp is added back to mix through.
The dish finishes with a topping of panko breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan cheese and olive oil, which is broiled to create a golden, crunchy crust over the creamy pasta. The use of freshly grated cheeses ensures smoothness and flavor, avoiding the powdery texture that pre-grated cheeses can cause. The shrimp add a tender seafood element contrasting the rich, cheesy sauce and soft macaroni.
This mac and cheese benefits from thawing shrimp thoroughly and removing excess moisture before cooking. It also can be adapted to different melting cheeses based on preference. For ease, the recipe suggests making a baked version using a related method for make-ahead and storage convenience.
Ingredients
- 500 g / 1 lb peeled shrimp/prawns (Note 1)
- 3 garlic finely chopped, cloves
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 50 g / 3.5 tbsp butter divided, unsalted
- 3 tbsp / 30g flour , plain / all purpose
- 2 cups / 500ml milk , preferably warmed (Note 2)
- 2.5 cups water hot, tap
- 250 g / 8 oz elbow macaroni , uncooked (2.5 cups)
- 1.5 cups (150g) cheese (Cheddar, gruyere, or other), freshly grated (Note 3)
- 3/4 cup (75g) mozzarella cheese , freshly grated (Note 3)
Seasonings:
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp mustard powder
Parmesan Breadcrumb Topping:
- 1/3 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese grated
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat broiler/grill on high.
- Mix together Breadcrumb Topping.
- Heat oil and melt 1 tbsp butter in a large, deep skillet or heatproof pot on the stove over high heat.
- Add shrimp, sprinkle with pepper, then cook for 1 minute. Add garlic and cook for another minute until the shrimp has changed colour but not fully cooked.
- Transfer to bowl. Turn heat down to medium.
- Melt remaining butter. Add flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Pour milk in slowly, stirring as you go. Once incorporated and lump free (use whisk if needed), stir in Seasonings, then water.
- Once the liquid is hot, add macaroni. Cook for 8 minutes, stirring regularly, until macaroni is almost cooked through, then take it off the stove.
- Add cheeses and stir through, then add shrimp. Taste for salt - tweak if needed. It should be saucy (see video) - it gets absorbed. Should still be saucy at this stage - sauce gets absorbed/thickens more in next step.
- Sprinkle over breadcrumbs, then place under the hot grill for just 2 - 3 minutes until the top is golden.
- Sprinkle with parsley if desired and served immediately!
Notes
- Thaw frozen shrimp completely and pat dry to avoid watery sauce.
- Use freshly grated cheese to ensure smooth, creamy sauce without graininess.
- Cheddar or Gruyere bring flavor; mozzarella adds richness with milder taste.
- For making ahead, combine with baked mac and cheese methods for best results.
- Milk fat content can be adjusted; full fat preferred for richness.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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