Baked Shrimp Mac and Cheese

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Are you looking for a yummy dish that will make everyone happy? This baked shrimp mac and cheese is so good! The pasta is cheesy.

The shrimp is tasty. You will love how the top gets crispy with breadcrumbs. Let me show you how to make this easy dish that feels fancy!

Why You’ll Love Shrimp Mac and Cheese?

The cheese sauce is very creamy and rich.
Shrimp adds a special taste to this dish.
The crispy top gives a nice crunch feeling.
You can make it ahead for busy nights.
Everyone can help make this a fun family meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Pasta: Short shapes like cavatappi or elbows work best. The twists catch all the yummy cheese sauce.
Butter: Makes everything taste better. Use unsalted so you can control the salt.
Garlic powder: Adds flavor without having to chop garlic. Easy and quick!
Onion powder: Gives a nice onion taste without tears from cutting onions.
Cayenne pepper: Adds a little kick. You can use less if you don’t like spicy.
Salt and pepper: Makes all the flavors pop in your dish.
Flour: Helps make the cheese sauce thick and smooth.
Half and half: Makes the sauce creamy without being too heavy.
Cheeses: Gruyere and white cheddar melt great. Shred your own for best melting.
Shrimp: Medium size works best. They should be raw, peeled, and clean.
Panko breadcrumbs: Get super crispy on top for a nice crunch.
Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty taste to the crispy topping.

Equipment You’ll Need

9×13 baking dish: Holds all the yummy mac and cheese. Blue or clear both work fine.
Large pot: For cooking the pasta until it’s just right.
Dutch oven or big pan: Where you’ll make the cheese sauce and mix everything.
Box grater: To shred your own cheese, which melts much better.
Whisk: Helps make the sauce smooth with no lumps.
Measuring cups and spoons: Get the amounts just right for the best taste.

How to Make Shrimp Mac and Cheese?

This dish brings together cheesy pasta and juicy shrimp with a crispy top. It’s easy to make but looks fancy!

Step 1: Get ready. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Take out the half and half to warm up a bit. Spray your baking dish with cooking spray.

Step 2: Cook the pasta. Boil your pasta for a little less time than the box says. You want it firm since it will cook more in the oven.

Step 3: Make the base. Melt butter in a big pot. Add all the spices and cook for 30 seconds until they smell good.

Step 4: Create the sauce. Add flour and stir for 2 minutes. Slowly pour in half and half while stirring. Cook until it gets thick.

Step 5: Add cheese. Turn off the heat and mix in half of your shredded cheese. Stir until it melts into a smooth sauce.

Step 6: Combine everything. Mix in the pasta and raw shrimp. The shrimp will cook in the oven. Pour it all into your baking dish.

Step 7: Top it off. Sprinkle the rest of the cheese on top. Mix melted butter with breadcrumbs and Parmesan and sprinkle on top.

Step 8: Bake it. Put the dish in the oven for about 25 minutes until bubbly and golden on top. Let it 10 minutes before serving.

Tips for the Best Shrimp Mac and Cheese

Don’t overcook pasta – Keep it a bit firm. It will cook more in the oven with the sauce.
Shred cheese yourself – Store-bought shredded cheese has stuff that stops it from melting right.
Pat shrimp dry – This helps them cook better and not make the sauce watery.
Let it rest – Wait 10 minutes after baking. The sauce will set up and not be too runny.
Show off the shrimp – Put some shrimp on top before adding the breadcrumbs for a pretty look.

Variations and Substitutions

Adjust the heat – Use less cayenne if you don’t like spicy food. Leave it out for no heat at all.
Try different cheeses – Sharp cheddar, gouda, or havarti all work great. Mix two kinds for a better flavor.
Add bacon – Cook and chop bacon to mix in for an extra tasty twist.
Use chicken instead – If someone doesn’t like shrimp, cooked chicken pieces work well too.
Make a crunchy top – Try crushed Ritz crackers instead of breadcrumbs for a buttery crisp topping.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Prep ahead – Make everything but don’t bake. Cover and keep in the fridge for up to one day.
Store leftovers – Cover tight and keep in the fridge for up to four days. The pasta might get softer.
Reheat small portions – Warm in the microwave. Add a splash of milk if it seems dry.
Reheat big portions – Put in the oven at 300°F with foil on top. Add a bit of milk first.
Not good for freezing – The pasta and sauce can get weird when frozen and thawed.

Serving Ideas

Green salad: A simple green salad with light dressing balances the rich mac and cheese.
Roasted vegetables: Broccoli or asparagus roasted with olive oil makes a colorful side dish.
Crusty bread: Garlic bread or a French baguette helps scoop up every bit of cheese sauce.
White wine: A glass of buttery chardonnay goes great with the creamy cheese and shrimp.
Lemon wedges: Squeeze fresh lemon over the top for a bright taste with the shrimp.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

You can use pre-cooked shrimp, but add them at the very end. Mix them into the hot cheese sauce just before baking to prevent overcooking and getting tough.

Make two smaller pans – one with shrimp and one without. Or replace shrimp with cooked chicken pieces for those who prefer chicken.

Yes! The cayenne pepper gives heat. Use less or none at all if you want a milder dish everyone can enjoy.

Whole milk works well for a lighter version. For extra richness, try a mix of milk and heavy cream instead of half and half.

Use gluten-free pasta and replace regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Also, check that your breadcrumbs are gluten-free or use crushed rice crackers.