Shrimp Macaroni and Cheese: A Tantalizing Comfort Food
If you're a fan of comfort food, then look no further. This Shrimp Macaroni and Cheese is a delightful fusion of succulent shrimp and creamy, cheesy deliciousness. A perfect indulgent comfort classic.
Equipment
- Oven
- 12" cast iron or 9x13 baking dish - I just love using a cast iron for everything!
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds jumbo shrimp (shells off, deveined and tails removed) chopped
- 1 pound Cavatappi pasta
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 2 cups smoked gouda cheese shredded
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded
- 2 cups cheddar cheese shredded
- ½ cup Italian seasoned bread crumbs
- 1 tbsp garlic minced
- 1 tsp cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Bring a large pot of water to boil. Once boiling add salt and pasta to the water. You want the pasta to cook just short of the recommended time on the box. About a minute less than al dente.1 pound Cavatappi pasta
- Salt and pepper your shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side or until the shrimp just turns opaque. Cooking time may vary depending on the size of your shrimp. You do not want to overcook the shrimp as it will continue to cook in the oven. Once cooled, chop and set aside.1.5 pounds jumbo shrimp (shells off, deveined and tails removed)
- Shred cheeses, mix together and set aside.2 cups smoked gouda cheese, 2 cups mozzarella cheese, 2 cups cheddar cheese
- Melt butter and garlic in a large pot over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk for 1-2 minutes.3 tbsp unsalted butter, 3 tbsp flour, 1 tbsp garlic
- Slowly add the milk and continue to whisk until incorporated and smooth. Add the spices and cook on medium heat until creamy.3 cups whole milk, 1 tsp cajun seasoning, 1 tsp kosher salt, 1 tsp pepper
- Whisk in 2 cups of mixed cheese until blended and melted. Add another 2 cups of cheese, reserving 1 cup of cheese for the top. Mix until melted and combined.
- Add in the cooked pasta and shrimp and stir to incorporate.
- Once combined pour into a greased 9x13 pan. Sprinkle with the remaining 1 cup of cheese. Top with bread crumbs.½ cup Italian seasoned bread crumbs
- The macaroni and cheese goes into the oven for 10 minutes or until the top is golden brown, bubbling and delicious. If the top is not browning, put under the broiler until browned.
Notes
Elbow or shell pasta are great pasta alternatives.
Don’t like shrimp? Swap the protein to chicken or ham. You could add vegetables like broccoli and mushrooms. Or omit them completely and enjoy just macaroni and cheese.
You can use other cheeses as long as it is a melty cheese. Avoid dry hard cheeses.
This recipe can be made ahead of time, bake when you are ready to eat.
You can also freeze this macaroni and cheese.
Allow to thaw in the refrigerator and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes.