Why Make This Recipe
This Baked Shrimp Mac and Cheese Casserole brings together two great things: creamy mac and cheese and tasty shrimp. It is easy to make and everyone will love it. It is also great for parties or a family dinner. You can even make it ahead of time.
How to Make Baked Shrimp Mac and Cheese Casserole
Making this dish is simple. You will cook the pasta, cook the shrimp, make a creamy cheese sauce, mix everything together, add a breadcrumb topping, and then bake it until it is golden and bubbly.
Ingredients of : Baked Shrimp Mac and Cheese Casserole
- For the Pasta:
- Elbow macaroni
- Salt (for pasta water)
- For the Shrimp:
- Large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- Olive oil
- Garlic powder
- Paprika
- Salt
- Black pepper
- For the Cheese Sauce:
- Unsalted butter
- All-purpose flour
- Whole milk
- Sharp cheddar cheese (freshly shredded)
- Gruyère cheese (freshly shredded, or another good melting cheese)
- Cream cheese
- Dijon mustard
- Worcestershire sauce
- Nutmeg
- Salt
- White pepper
- For the Topping:
- Panko breadcrumbs
- Melted butter
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Directions of : Baked Shrimp Mac and Cheese Casserole
- Step 1: Prepare the Pasta
- Cook macaroni as the package says. Cook it until it is firm to the bite. Drain it and set it aside.
- Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp
- Mix shrimp with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Heat a large pan over medium-high heat. Cook shrimp for 1-2 minutes on each side until they are pink. Do not overcook them. Take them out of the pan and set them aside.
- Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce (Base)
- Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring all the time.
- Step 4: Build the Cheese Sauce
- Slowly add milk, a little at a time, and stir until smooth. Let it gently simmer until it gets thick.
- Turn down the heat to low. Stir in cheddar, Gruyère, and cream cheese until they melt and the sauce is smooth.
- Stir in Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, nutmeg, salt, and white pepper. Taste it and add more seasoning if needed.
- Step 5: Combine and Assemble
- Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until coated.
- Gently fold in the cooked shrimp.
- Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish.
- Step 6: Prepare the Topping
- In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs and melted butter.
- Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the mac and cheese.
- Step 7: Bake the Casserole
- Bake in a hot oven until it is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
- Step 8: Garnish and Serve
- Take it out of the oven. Let it rest for a few minutes. Top with fresh parsley and serve hot.
How to Serve Baked Shrimp Mac and Cheese Casserole
Serve this casserole warm. You can enjoy it with a fresh green salad, some crusty bread to dip in the sauce, or a light vegetable like steamed asparagus or roasted broccoli.
How to Store Baked Shrimp Mac and Cheese Casserole
Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the oven or microwave until hot.
Tips to Make Baked Shrimp Mac and Cheese Casserole
- Fresh Cheese: Always shred your own cheese. Pre-shredded cheese can make the sauce lumpy.
- Al Dente Pasta: Do not cook the pasta all the way. It will finish cooking in the oven.
- Shrimp Timing: Cook shrimp just enough. They will cook more in the oven.
- Room Temperature Milk: Use milk that is not cold. This helps the cheese sauce stay smooth.
- Gentle Folding: When adding shrimp, fold them in softly so they do not break.
Variation
- Spiced Smoked Flavor: Use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika for a deeper taste.
- Vegetable Boost: Add cooked spinach, diced bell peppers, or peas for more vegetables.
- Spicy Kick: A little hot sauce or cayenne pepper in the cheese sauce adds a bit of heat.
- Different Cheeses: Try other cheeses like fontina, white cheddar, or Swiss cheese for a different flavor.
FAQs
- Can I use frozen shrimp for this Baked Shrimp Mac and Cheese Casserole?
- Yes, you can. Make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking.
- How do I stop my Baked Shrimp Mac and Cheese Casserole from getting dry?
- Use a lot of creamy cheese sauce and do not bake it for too long. You can also cover it with foil for most of the baking time.
- What kind of pasta is best for Baked Shrimp Mac and Cheese Casserole?
- Elbow macaroni is classic, but small shapes like cavatappi or shells also work well because they hold the sauce.
Classic Baked Shrimp Mac and Cheese Casserole
This decadent Classic Baked Shrimp Mac and Cheese Casserole features tender elbow macaroni, succulent shrimp, and a rich, creamy three-cheese sauce, all topped with crispy panko breadcrumbs. It's the ultimate comfort food for a hearty meal.
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Large Pan
- Baking Dish
- Bowls
- Whisk
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 3 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 tbsp salt for pasta water
For the Shrimp
- 1 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
For the Cheese Sauce
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups whole milk
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese freshly shredded
- 1 cup Gruyère cheese freshly shredded
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp white pepper
For the Topping
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 3 tbsp melted butter
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
Instructions
Instructions
- Cook macaroni according to package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Toss shrimp with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook in a large pan over medium-high heat for 1-2 minutes per side until pink, then remove and set aside.
- Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat, then whisk in flour for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.
- Slowly whisk in milk until smooth and thickened. Reduce heat to low, then stir in shredded cheddar, Gruyère, and cream cheese until melted. Stir in Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, nutmeg, salt, and white pepper.
- Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until fully coated. Gently fold in the cooked shrimp, then pour the mixture into a greased baking dish.
- In a small bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs and melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the mac and cheese.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) until bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
- Remove from oven and let rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve hot.
Notes
For best results, use freshly shredded cheese to ensure a smoother sauce. The recommended oven temperature is 375°F (190°C), as this was not specified in the original instructions. Do not overcook the shrimp in the pan, as they will cook further in the oven.