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Shrimp Mac and Cheese

Creamy Garlic Shrimp Mac and Cheese Recipe

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 660
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (about 8 oz)
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 8 oz elbow macaroni (or other short pasta)
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Method
 

  1. Pat shrimp dry, season with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Boil salted water for pasta.
  2. Melt 2 tbsp butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear shrimp 2 minutes per side, add garlic in last 30 seconds, then move shrimp to a plate.
  3. Cook pasta until al dente. In the same skillet, melt remaining 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook 1 minute. Slowly whisk in milk, simmer until thickened, 3 to 4 minutes.
  4. Off heat, stir in cheddar and Parmesan until smooth. Drain pasta and add to sauce, fold to coat. Return shrimp and any juices, warm through 1 minute over low heat.
  5. Divide into bowls, top with parsley, extra black pepper, and a dusting of smoked paprika. Serve immediately.

Notes

If you’re making this ahead, store the sauce and pasta separately if possible and combine just before reheating to keep the sauce from becoming too thick. The shrimp can be seared just before serving.