Description
This Garlic Shrimp Mac and Cheese is a creamy, comforting classic elevated with succulent prawns and a crispy breadcrumb topping. Perfectly cooked elbow macaroni is enveloped in a rich, cheesy sauce infused with garlic and spices, then finished under the broiler for a golden crust. A quick stovetop and broiler recipe that delivers indulgent flavor and satisfying textures in under 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp and Seasoning
- 500 g / 1 lb peeled shrimp/prawns
- 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp mustard powder
Mac and Cheese Sauce
- 50 g / 3.5 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
- 3 tbsp / 30 g all-purpose flour
- 2 cups / 500 ml warmed milk
- 2.5 cups hot tap water
- 250 g / 8 oz elbow macaroni, uncooked (2.5 cups)
- 1.5 cups (150 g) freshly grated cheese (cheddar, gruyere, or similar)
- 3/4 cup (75 g) freshly grated mozzarella cheese
Topping
- 1/3 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat Broiler: Set your oven broiler or grill to high to prepare for finishing the dish with a golden breadcrumb topping.
- Prepare Breadcrumb Topping: Combine panko breadcrumbs, grated parmesan, and olive oil in a small bowl and mix well. Set aside.
- Cook Shrimp: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a large deep skillet or heatproof pot on high heat. Add shrimp, season with pepper, and cook for 1 minute. Add finely chopped garlic and cook an additional minute until shrimp turns pink but is not fully cooked. Transfer shrimp to a bowl and reduce heat to medium.
- Make Roux: In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter. Add flour and cook while stirring continuously for 1 minute to form a roux.
- Add Milk and Seasonings: Slowly pour in warmed milk while stirring to avoid lumps. Once combined and smooth, stir in salt, garlic powder, and mustard powder. Then add hot tap water and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Cook Macaroni: Add uncooked elbow macaroni to the simmering sauce. Cook for about 8 minutes, stirring frequently, until the pasta is almost tender but still slightly firm. Remove from heat.
- Add Cheese and Shrimp: Stir in the grated cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until melted and smooth. Fold in the cooked shrimp. Taste and adjust salt if needed. The sauce should be creamy and slightly saucy, as it will thicken further in the next step.
- Top and Broil: Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the mac and cheese. Place the skillet or pot under the hot broiler/grill for 2–3 minutes until the topping is golden and crispy.
- Serve: Optionally garnish with fresh parsley. Serve the Garlic Shrimp Mac and Cheese immediately while hot and bubbly.
Notes
- Note 1: Use peeled and deveined shrimp for convenience and best texture.
- Note 2: Warm milk helps create a smoother cheese sauce without lumps.
- Note 3: Choose flavorful sharp cheddar or gruyere for the cheese blend to enrich the sauce.
- For a spicier kick, add some chili flakes along with garlic powder.
- Ensure not to overcook the shrimp during initial sauté to keep it tender.
- Use freshly grated cheese for better melting and flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Garlic shrimp mac and cheese, shrimp mac and cheese, creamy shrimp pasta, shrimp pasta bake, garlic cheese pasta, macaroni cheese with prawns
