Shrimp Mac and Cheese
Shrimp Mac and Cheese – Seriously the best easy recipe for (the cheesiest) homemade macaroni and cheese loaded with tender shrimp!
Why We Love This Easy Shrimp Recipe
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 mac & 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 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!
If you love unique mac and cheese recipes, try my potato skins mac and cheese, too!
Ingredients You Need
- Dried elbow macaroni – or other small pasta noodles
- Butter – unsalted butter is best
- All-purpose flour – to create a thick and creamy roux
- Half & half – or whole milk
- Sharp cheddar cheese – freshly grated off the block
- Smoked gouda cheese – freshly grated
- Cream cheese – softened
- Spices – salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper (optional)
- Raw shrimp – cleaned with tails removed
- Parsley – fresh
Pro Tip: Avoid the temptation to save a bit of time by purchasing pre-shredded cheese… They have anti-caking agents added which affect the taste and consistency of the cheese sauce. Also, avoid buying pre-cooked shrimp. The pasta will have the best flavor if the seafood cooks in the sauce.
How to Make Shrimp Mac and Cheese
First, 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 the 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 of butter to the pan.
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. So don’t try to rush it!
Once the right color is reached, add the half & half into the roux and stir until there are no clumps. Then add the softened 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.
Stir to coat.
Then stir in the cleaned shrimp.
Get the Complete (Printable) Shrimp Macaroni and Cheese Recipe Below. Enjoy!
Stir and cook the shrimp in the sauce until all the shrimp are pink, 4-5 minutes.
If you like, stir in some of the fresh chopped parsley into the shrimp mac and cheese.
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.
Tips & Tricks
- Make a baked shrimp mac and cheese with a crispy topping by transferring it to a baking dish and topping with a layer of panko breadcrumbs and parmesan. Then broil for just a few minutes!
- Some other good pasta shape options would be: cavatappi, medium shells, bow ties, or fusilli!
- Make sure to shred the cheese yourself! In order to have a smooth, creamy cheese sauce, you need to use freshly grated cheese from the block.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy shrimp mac and cheese warm with extra parsley sprinkled on top.
The richness and creaminess of the dish makes 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:
Frequently Asked Questions
But, really… Does cheese go with shrimp?
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!
What type of pasta is used for mac and cheese?
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.
What is a good spice for mac and cheese with shrimp?
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.
How long do leftovers last in the fridge?
Leftovers will keep well for up to 2 or 3 days in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat briefly in the microwave, heating in short 20-second bursts at 50% power.
Looking for More Easy Seafood Recipes?
- Easy Instant Pot Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta
- Shrimp Salad Rolls
- Seafood Marinara with Shrimp
- Pappardelle Pasta with Seafood Sauce
- Lobster Tostadas
Check the printable recipe card below for the prep time, cook time, total time, and nutrition information. Make sure to share this recipe on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest!
Shrimp Mac and Cheese Recipe
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.
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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!