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Garlic Shrimp Mac and Cheese Recipe

Garlic Shrimp Mac and Cheese Recipe
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5.1 from 7 reviews

This Garlic Shrimp Mac and Cheese combines succulent shrimp sautéed with fragrant garlic and a rich, creamy cheese sauce built on melting cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. The dish features perfectly cooked elbow macaroni soaked in a velvety sauce seasoned with garlic powder, mustard powder, and pepper, topped with a crisp, golden parmesan breadcrumb crust for a delicious texture contrast. Quick to prepare and bursting with flavor, it’s a comforting twist on classic mac and cheese with a seafood flair.

Ingredients

Shrimp

  • 500 g / 1 lb peeled shrimp/prawns (thawed if frozen)
  • 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • ¼ tsp pepper

Cheese Sauce & Pasta

  • 50 g / 3.5 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
  • 3 tbsp / 30 g plain/all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups / 500 ml warmed milk (full fat preferred)
  • 2.5 cups hot tap water
  • 250 g / 8 oz elbow macaroni (about 2.5 cups uncooked)
  • 1.5 cups (150 g) freshly grated cheese (cheddar, gruyere or Red Leicester)
  • ¾ cup (75 g) freshly grated mozzarella cheese
  • ¾ tsp salt
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp mustard powder

Parmesan Breadcrumb Topping

  • ⅓ cup panko breadcrumbs
  • ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

  1. Preheat Broiler/Grill: Set your oven broiler or grill on high heat to prepare for browning the breadcrumb topping later.
  2. Prepare Breadcrumb Topping: In a small bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, grated parmesan, and olive oil. Mix well and set aside to allow breadcrumbs to soak up the oil.
  3. Cook Shrimp: Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large deep skillet or heatproof pot over high heat. Add the shrimp and sprinkle with pepper. Cook for 1 minute until the shrimp start to change color, then add the chopped garlic. Cook another minute more, ensuring the shrimp are partially cooked but not fully opaque. Remove shrimp from pan and transfer to a bowl. Lower heat to medium.
  4. Make Roux: In the same pan, melt the remaining butter. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to form a roux and eliminate the raw flour taste.
  5. Add Milk & Seasonings: Slowly pour warmed milk into the roux, whisking continuously to maintain a smooth consistency with no lumps. Once the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened, add the salt, garlic powder, and mustard powder. Stir in the hot tap water to loosen the sauce.
  6. Cook Macaroni: When the liquid is hot but not boiling, add the elbow macaroni. Cook uncovered for about 8 minutes, stirring frequently, until the pasta is nearly tender but still slightly firm in the center. Remove from heat.
  7. Add Cheese and Combine: Stir in the freshly grated cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until melted and the sauce is creamy. Add the cooked shrimp back into the pot and mix thoroughly. Taste and adjust salt if needed. The sauce should be saucy and slightly loose as it will continue to thicken.
  8. Add Breadcrumb Topping: Evenly sprinkle the prepared parmesan breadcrumb mixture over the surface of the mac and cheese.
  9. Bake Under Broiler/Grill: Transfer the skillet or pot under the hot broiler and bake for 2 to 3 minutes until the topping becomes golden and crisp. Keep a close watch to prevent burning.
  10. Garnish and Serve: Optionally sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top and serve immediately while hot and bubbly.

Notes

  • Use thawed, peeled shrimp or prawns, and pat dry to remove excess moisture before cooking to avoid watery sauce.
  • Full-fat milk yields a richer sauce, but low-fat milk can be used as a lighter alternative.
  • Always use freshly grated cheeses for the creamiest, silky sauce. Pre-grated cheese contains anti-caking agents that can alter sauce texture.
  • Cheddar or gruyere cheeses provide bold flavor, while mozzarella adds melty richness. Feel free to swap for your favorite melting cheeses.
  • For make-ahead versions, follow the Baked Mac and Cheese method: toss shrimp with olive oil, pepper, and garlic; mix the sauce, pasta, and shrimp; then transfer to a baking dish before adding breadcrumbs and baking.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://flavorspath.com/garlic-shrimp-mac-and-cheese-recipe/