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A serving of creamy, cheesy Decadent Garlic Shrimp Mac and Cheese, with visible shrimp and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.

Decadent Garlic Shrimp Mac & Cheese: One-Pan Comfort

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Prepare for an explosion of flavor with this incredible Garlic Shrimp Mac & Cheese! Imagine perfectly al dente macaroni enveloped in a rich, velvety cheese sauce, studded with plump, juicy shrimp infused with aromatic garlic and a hint of fresh parsley. This isn’t just mac and cheese; it’s a gourmet comfort food experience that’s surprisingly easy to whip up. Ideal for a weeknight indulgence or an impressive dinner party, it’s a dish that promises pure satisfaction in every single forkful and will leave everyone asking for seconds.

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb elbow macaroni
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 lb large shrimp (peeled, deveined, tails off)
  • 4 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for a kick)
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
  • 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
  • 4 oz Gruyere cheese (shredded)
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and set aside.
  2. Cook the macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
  3. While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) during the last minute of cooking. Remove shrimp and garlic from skillet and set aside.
  4. In the same skillet or a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to create a roux.
  5. Gradually whisk in the whole milk and chicken or vegetable broth until smooth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly, until it thickens slightly, about 5-7 minutes.
  6. Reduce heat to low. Stir in Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), black pepper, and salt.
  7. Add shredded cheddar and Gruyere cheeses, stirring until completely melted and smooth. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.
  8. Gently fold in the cooked macaroni and the cooked garlic shrimp into the cheese sauce until everything is evenly coated.
  9. Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to the prepared baking dish. Optionally, top with a sprinkle of extra cheese or breadcrumbs for a crispy crust.
  10. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown on top. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley.

Notes

For an extra layer of brightness, try adding a pinch of lemon zest to the shrimp as it cooks. Feel free to experiment with different cheese combinations – smoked gouda, Monterey Jack, or even a sharp provolone would also be delicious. To make ahead, prepare the mac and cheese up to step 8, then cover and refrigerate. Bake for 25-30 minutes when ready to serve. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or in the microwave to restore creaminess.

  • Author: Cook Reel ™
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop & Baking
  • Cuisine: American Fusion

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 580
  • Sugar: 7g
  • Sodium: 750mg
  • Fat: 35g
  • Saturated Fat: 18g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 32g
  • Cholesterol: 150mg

Find it online: https://cookreel.com/creamy-garlic-shrimp-mac-cheese/

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