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Four Cheese Shrimp Mac and Cheese Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 85 reviews
  • Author: Matteo
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

This Four Cheese Shrimp Mac and Cheese is a rich and creamy dish combining tender pasta with succulent shrimp and a decadent blend of white cheddar, gruyere, smoked gouda, and Parmesan cheeses. The sauce is infused with aromatic spices and topped with a crispy panko breadcrumb crust, making it a comforting yet sophisticated meal perfect for seafood lovers.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Shrimp

  • 1 pound pasta (elbow or pipe, rotini)
  • 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 medium shallot (finely diced)
  • 6 cloves garlic (finely minced)
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
  • Ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

Cheese Sauce

  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups half-and-half
  • 1 teaspoon ground mustard
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried garlic
  • 1 teaspoon dried onion
  • 1 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt (or to taste)
  • Ground white pepper (optional)
  • 8 oz white cheddar cheese (about 2 3/4 cups grated)
  • 6 oz gruyere cheese (about 2 1/4 cups grated)
  • 6 oz smoked gouda cheese (about 2 1/4 cups grated)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Breadcrumb Topping

  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried garlic
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and keep it warm while preparing the other components.
  2. Prepare the shrimp mixture: If using frozen shrimp, thaw in warm water and pat dry. Preheat a large frying pan over medium heat and melt 1/4 cup unsalted butter. Add the finely diced shallot, minced garlic, 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, 1 teaspoon Kosher salt, and ground black pepper to taste. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the garlic softens. Add the shrimp and cook for about 2 minutes per side until shrimp turn opaque. Remove the shrimp mixture from heat and transfer to a bowl for later use.
  3. Preheat the oven: Set oven temperature to 425°F (220°C) to prepare for baking the mac and cheese later.
  4. Make the roux: In a deep sauté pan over medium-low heat, melt 1/4 cup butter and whisk in 1/4 cup all-purpose flour. Cook the mixture for 4 to 5 minutes without allowing it to brown to form a smooth roux.
  5. Prepare the cheese sauce: Gradually add half-and-half in ½-cup increments to the roux while whisking vigorously until smooth and creamy. Once all 3 cups of half-and-half are incorporated, season the sauce with 1 teaspoon dried garlic, 1 teaspoon dried onion, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon ground mustard, 1 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt, and white pepper to taste. Reduce heat to low.
  6. Melt the cheese: Slowly add the grated white cheddar, gruyere, smoked gouda, and Parmesan cheeses to the sauce. Stir continuously with a spatula for 8 to 10 minutes until the sauce is completely smooth and all cheese is fully melted.
  7. Combine shrimp and sauce: Fold the cooked shrimp mixture into the cheese sauce to evenly distribute.
  8. Add the pasta: Stir the cooked pasta into the shrimp and cheese sauce mixture until all pasta is evenly coated.
  9. Transfer to baking dish: Pour the mac and cheese mixture into a casserole dish or an oven-safe cast-iron skillet, spreading it out evenly.
  10. Prepare breadcrumb topping: In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs, 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter, 1/4 teaspoon dried garlic, and 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley. Toss well to coat the breadcrumbs evenly.
  11. Top the mac and cheese: Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the assembled mac and cheese. Arrange a few cooked shrimp on top to garnish.
  12. Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 25 minutes, or until the breadcrumb topping is golden brown and crisp.
  13. Serve: Remove from oven and serve immediately. Garnish with extra fresh parsley or chopped chives if desired. The sauce will thicken as it cools, so it is best enjoyed hot.

Notes

  • For best flavor, use freshly grated cheese rather than pre-shredded to avoid any anti-caking agents that may affect melting.
  • If frozen shrimp are used, ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry to prevent extra water in the dish.
  • You can use elbow pasta, pipe, or rotini shapes as they hold the cheese sauce well.
  • Adjust seasoning in the cheese sauce according to taste, especially salt and pepper.
  • Oven-safe cast-iron skillets can be used both for stovetop and baking, adding convenience.
  • Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container and reheated gently as the cheese sauce thickens upon standing.
  • To add more flavor, consider adding a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce.
  • The breadcrumb topping adds a nice crunch; do not skip it for texture contrast.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: Shrimp mac and cheese, four cheese mac and cheese, creamy shrimp pasta, baked mac and cheese, seafood macaroni and cheese

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Find it online: https://todayplates.com/four-cheese-shrimp-mac-and-cheese-recipe/