Garlic Shrimp Mac and Cheese Recipe

Introduction

Garlic Shrimp Mac and Cheese is a delicious twist on a classic comfort food, combining creamy cheese sauce with tender, flavorful shrimp and a hint of garlic. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces elbow macaroni
• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large pot, boil salted water and cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Step 2: In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 3-4 minutes until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and minced garlic. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not burned.
4. Step 4: Add heavy cream to the skillet and bring to a simmer. Gradually stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese until melted and smooth. Season with paprika, black pepper, and salt.
5. Step 5: Add the cooked pasta and shrimp to the cheese sauce, stirring to ensure everything is well coated.
6. Step 6: Transfer the Garlic Shrimp Mac and Cheese to bowls or a serving dish. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh shrimp whenever possible for the best flavor.
• Try different cheeses such as fontina or gouda for a unique taste.
• Add vegetables like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra nutrition and color.
• Adjust seasonings to your preference, or add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
• For a baked version, transfer the mixture to a baking dish, top with breadcrumbs, and bake until golden brown.
• Try swapping shrimp for lobster, mushrooms, or zucchini to create different variations.
• Use gluten-free pasta to make the dish suitable for gluten sensitivities.

Storage

Allow the dish to cool completely before storing in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or milk to restore creaminess. This dish also freezes well for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp; just make sure they are fully thawed and drained before cooking.

What type of pasta works best for this dish?

Elbow macaroni is traditional, but you can also use shells, penne, or other pasta shapes for variety.

Garlic Shrimp Mac and Cheese Recipe

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4.9 from 101 reviews

Garlic Shrimp Mac and Cheese is a creamy, cheesy twist on the classic comfort food, enriched with succulent sautéed shrimp and a fragrant garlic sauce. This recipe combines elbow macaroni with a rich blend of sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, heavy cream, and a hint of paprika for warmth. Quick and easy to prepare, it’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, delivering a satisfying meal that pleases the whole family.

• Author: lea
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 8 ounces elbow macaroni

Shrimp

• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined

Sauce

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon salt

Garnish

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta thoroughly and set aside.
2. Sauté Shrimp: Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
3. Prepare Garlic Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
4. Make Cheese Sauce: Pour the heavy cream into the skillet with the garlic and bring it to a gentle simmer. Gradually stir in the shredded sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Season the sauce with paprika, black pepper, and salt, stirring well to incorporate the spices evenly.
5. Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked pasta and sautéed shrimp back into the skillet with the cheese sauce. Stir thoroughly to ensure the pasta and shrimp are evenly coated with the creamy cheese sauce.
6. Serve Immediately: Transfer the garlic shrimp mac and cheese into serving bowls or a dish. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot for best flavor and texture.

Notes

• Use fresh shrimp for best flavor and texture; frozen shrimp can be used if fully thawed and drained.
• Feel free to try different cheeses such as fontina or gouda for varied flavor profiles.
• Incorporate vegetables like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for added nutrition and color.
• Adjust seasonings to suit personal preferences, including adding red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months; reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream to restore creaminess.

Keywords: Garlic Shrimp Mac and Cheese, shrimp mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, seafood mac and cheese, quick dinner recipe, comfort food