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Mac and Cheese with Shrimp

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This creamy Shrimp Mac and Cheese is packed with tender shrimp, a trio of cheeses, and perfectly cooked macaroni for a comforting dish that’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner but indulgent enough for guests.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings

Ingredients

  • 16 ounces dried elbow macaroni
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups half & half or whole milk
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (freshly grated)
  • 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 chopped parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Shred both the cheddar and gouda cheeses. Set out the cream cheese to soften.
  2. Bring a 6-quart pot of heavily salted water to a boil. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente (usually 6-9 minutes). Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
  3. In a separate 4–6 quart pot, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in 2 tablespoons of flour and cook for 2–3 minutes until the roux turns golden.
  4. Slowly whisk in the half & half, stirring until smooth. Add the cream cheese, shredded cheddar, and gouda. Stir until fully melted.
  5. Season the cheese sauce with salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. Reduce heat to avoid boiling.
  6. Add the drained pasta to the cheese sauce and stir to coat evenly.
  7. Stir in the raw shrimp and cook for 4–5 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and are cooked through.
  8. If desired, stir in up to ½ cup reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce for a silkier texture.
  9. Serve warm, garnished with chopped parsley.

Notes

  • DO NOT overcook pasta; it should remain slightly firm to avoid mushiness.
  • The cheese sauce thickens slightly as it cools—add pasta water for a creamier consistency if needed.
  • TO STORE: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2–3 days.
  • TO REHEAT: Warm in a pot over medium heat, stirring frequently until heated through.
  • Author: Olivia
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Halal

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 0.75 cup
  • Calories: 452
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 655mg
  • Fat: 26g
  • Saturated Fat: 16g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0.1g
  • Carbohydrates: 34g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 20g
  • Cholesterol: 86mg

Find it online: https://iamstarved.com/mac-and-cheese-with-shrimp/