Shrimp Mac and Cheese Recipe
User Reviews
5.0
9 reviews
Excellent
-
Prep Time
10 mins
-
Cook Time
10 mins
-
Total Time
30 mins
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Servings
12 servings
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Calories
452 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Shrimp Mac and Cheese Recipe
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Seriously the BEST easy recipe for (the cheesiest) homemade macaroni and cheese loaded with tender shrimp!
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Ingredients
- 16 ounce dried elbow macaroni
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all purpose flour
- 3 cups Half & Half or whole milk
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar freshly grated off the block
- 1 ½ cups shredded smoked gouda cheese freshly grated
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 pounds raw shrimp cleaned and tails removed
- 2 tablespoons parsley
Instructions
- Shred both hard cheeses. Then set out the cream cheese to soften.
- Place a 6 quart pot of heavily salted water on the stovetop. Set on high heat and bring to a boil. Drop the pasta into the boiling water. Stir well and cook according to package instructions. Usually 6-9 minutes for al dente. DO NOT overcook the pasta; it should still be slightly firm. Then scoop out 1 cup of pasta water for later use, and drain the pasta in a large colander.
- Meanwhile, set another 4-6 quart pot over medium heat for the cheese sauce. Add 3 tablespoons butter to the pot, then whisk in 2 tablespoons flour. Continue to whisk for 2-3 minutes until the roux mixture is golden in color. (This ensures even thickening without a grainy texture. If the roux is too light, the texture won’t be completely silky.)
- Whisk the half & half into the roux, stirring until there are no clumps. Then add the cream cheese and shredded cheese. Stir to melt the cheeses. Add the salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Lower the temperature to make sure the cheese sauce doesn't boil.
- Pour the drained pasta into the cheese sauce and stir to coat. Then stir in the shrimp. Stir and cook the shrimp in the cheese sauce until all the shrimp are pink, 4-5 minutes. Add some of the pasta water if needed to loosen the cheese sauce.
- *If you like creamy mac and cheese with a smooth silky consistent texture, you are done! The sauce does thicken a little as it cools, so if you want the sauce a little saucier, stir in ½ cup of the reserved pasta water. Serve warm with a sprinkle of parsley.
Notes
- Leftovers will keep well for up to 2 or 3 days in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat briefly in the microwave, heating in short 20 second bursts at 50% power.
Nutrition Information
Show Details
Serving
0.75cup
Calories
452kcal
(23%)
Carbohydrates
34g
(11%)
Protein
20g
(40%)
Fat
26g
(40%)
Saturated Fat
16g
(80%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
1g
Monounsaturated Fat
7g
Trans Fat
0.1g
Cholesterol
86mg
(29%)
Sodium
655mg
(27%)
Potassium
251mg
(7%)
Fiber
1g
(4%)
Sugar
5g
(10%)
Vitamin A
865IU
(17%)
Vitamin C
1mg
(1%)
Calcium
430mg
(43%)
Iron
1mg
(6%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 12servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 452 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 0.75cup | |
| Calories | 452kcal | 23% |
| Carbohydrates | 34g | 11% |
| Protein | 20g | 40% |
| Fat | 26g | 40% |
| Saturated Fat | 16g | 80% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 7g | 35% |
| Trans Fat | 0.1g | 5% |
| Cholesterol | 86mg | 29% |
| Sodium | 655mg | 27% |
| Potassium | 251mg | 5% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 5g | 10% |
| Vitamin A | 865IU | 17% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 430mg | 43% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
Genuine Reviews
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5.0
9 reviews
Excellent
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