Shrimp Mac and Cheese
by Sommer Collier — last updated on Jun 6, 2025 
This Shrimp Mac and Cheese is seriously easy to make and loaded with tender shrimp and endless amounts of melted cheesy goodness.
Sommer’s Recipe Notes
Shrimp Mac n Cheese – a.k.a. poor man’s lobster macaroni and cheese – is a decadent main dish or side dish that will wow everyone at the table!
We call this the best shrimp macaroni and cheese because it is based on our Best Homemade Mac and Cheese recipe. Yet here, we’ve added smoked gouda along with cream cheese and cheddar, plus smoked paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. This combination gives the dish a zesty flavor that pulls out the sweet flavors of the shrimp. This dish is truly seafood magic!
Why You’ll Love Shrimp Mac and Cheese
- Homemade gourmet – This decadent mac and cheese with shrimp is restaurant-worthy gourmet, and the best part is that it’s SO EASY to make at home!
- One-pot wonder – I love that I can made this recipe in one pot, which means easy cleanup!
- Customizable – You can customize this shrimp mac and cheese based on your tastebuds and preferences, from adding bacon and cajun to lobster and feta cheese.
This mac and cheese recipe with shrimp is irresistible, creamy and cheesy. Dare I say, this dish is cheesy magic!
Ingredients and Tips
- Dried elbow macaroni – If you can’t find dried elbow macaroni you can use any other small pasta noodles.
- Butter – Definitely use unsalted butter because the cheese has enough salt.
- All-purpose flour – You’ll need this to create a thick and creamy roux.
- Half & half – For the base of the cheese sauce, use either half and half or whole milk.
- Cheeses – We’re using a combo of sharp cheddar cheese, smoked gouda, and softened cream cheese.
- Spices – You’ll need a mix of salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder and cayenne pepper.
- Raw shrimp – Use raw shrimp that’s been cleaned with the tails removed.
- Make sure to shred the cheese yourself – To have a smooth, creamy cheese sauce, you need to use freshly grated cheese from the block.
Recipe Variations and Dietary Swaps
- Other pasta – Instead of dried elbow macaroni you can use cavatappi, medium shells, bow ties, or fusilli!
- Crispy topping – Make a baked shrimp mac and cheese with a crispy topping by transferring it to a baking dish and topping it with a layer of panko breadcrumbs and parmesan. Then broil for just a few minutes!
- Spicy – To make this mac and cheese spicier, mix in extra cayenne pepper.
- Lobster – Add uncooked lobster chunks either instead of the shrimp or in addition to it for an even more decadent version of mac and cheese.
- Bacon – Fold in some crumbled cooked bacon bits for a smokier bite.
- Gluten-free – Use gluten-free pasta and a GF flour for the roux.
How To Make Shrimp Mac and Cheese
This is probably one of the best shrimp recipes out there. Creamy, cheesy, and luscious mac and cheese with shrimp is easy to make in only 30 minutes, so it is great for those last-minute dinners that still deserve a bit of flair!
Find the full Shrimp Mac and Cheese recipe with detailed instructions and storage tips in the printable form at the bottom of the post!
Storage Notes
- Storing Leftovers – Place leftovers in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
- Reheating Leftovers – Reheat in a pot over medium heat making sure to stir constantly.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy shrimp mac and cheese warm with extra parsley sprinkled on top.
The richness and creaminess of the dish make it great to serve with a crisp green salad on the side. It’s also delightful as a decadent side dish or to serve at potlucks! Here are some of my favorite options to pair with it:
- Homemade Wedge Salad
- Kale Caesar Salad
- Italian Chicken Cutlets
- Brisket BBQ Sandwich
- Smoked Pork Belly Burnt Ends
- Best Burnt Ends (Brisket) Recipe
Frequently Asked Questions
Oh yes, absolutely! It just needs to be done right… Check out our Easy Shrimp Quesadilla, Southern Shrimp Toast, Italian Shrimp and Grits and Hot Cajun Shrimp Dip recipes for even more shrimp and cheese goodness!
We use classic elbow macaroni noodles in this shrimp mac recipe. However, feel free to use other small pasta noodles you prefer! Small shells (conchigliette), penne, or another hearty noodle that holds sauce well.
This version uses a combination of garlic powder, smoked paprika, and a hint of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick. You can change this up and replace these individual spices in your shrimp mac and cheese with Old Bay seasoning or cajun seasoning (or blackening seasoning) – store-bought or homemade. You can also include onion powder, ground mustard, or dried herbs if you like.
Also, avoid buying pre-cooked shrimp. The pasta will have the best flavor if the seafood is cooked in the sauce.
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Mac and Cheese with Shrimp
Ingredients
- 16 ounce dried elbow macaroni
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all purpose flour
- 3 cups half & half or whole milk
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar freshly grated off the block
- 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 parsley
Instructions
- Shred both hard cheeses. Then set out the cream cheese to soften.
- Place a 6 quart pot of heavily salted water on the stovetop. Set on high heat and bring to a boil. Drop the pasta into the boiling water. Stir well and cook according to package instructions. Usually 6-9 minutes for al dente. DO NOT overcook the pasta; it should still be slightly firm. Then scoop out 1 cup of pasta water for later use, and drain the pasta in a large colander.
- Meanwhile, set another 4-6 quart pot over medium heat for the cheese sauce. Add 3 tablespoons butter to the pot, then whisk in 2 tablespoons flour. Continue to whisk for 2-3 minutes until the roux mixture is golden in color. (This ensures even thickening without a grainy texture. If the roux is too light, the texture won’t be completely silky.)
- Whisk the half & half into the roux, stirring until there are no clumps. Then add the cream cheese and shredded cheese. Stir to melt the cheeses. Add the salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Lower the temperature to make sure the cheese sauce doesn't boil.
- Pour the drained pasta into the cheese sauce and stir to coat. Then stir in the shrimp. Stir and cook the shrimp in the cheese sauce until all the shrimp are pink, 4-5 minutes. Add some of the pasta water if needed to loosen the cheese sauce.
- *If you like creamy mac and cheese with a smooth silky consistent texture, you are done! The sauce does thicken a little as it cools, so if you want the sauce a little saucier, stir in ½ cup of the reserved pasta water. Serve warm with a sprinkle of parsley.
Yum – I love the the shrimp with the Mac and Cheese! So good and everyone loved it! Great recipe. 10/10
I love that you call this the poor man’s lobster mac and cheese :) All I know is it’s delish! Creamy and loaded with shrimp!
My daughter loves Mac and Cheese as well as shrimp so as soon as I saw this I knew I had to make it for her. She loved it and asked if we could make it for her birthday!