GARLIC SHRIMP MAC AND CHEESE AMAZING

Imagine the irresistible aroma of garlic sizzling in butter, mingling with the creamy, cheesy goodness of perfectly cooked macaroni, all punctuated by juicy, succulent shrimp; that’s exactly what you get with this Garlic Shrimp Mac And Cheese. This isn’t just your average mac; it’s a flavor adventure that elevates comfort food to a whole new level. Trust me, after trying this, you’ll never look at mac and cheese the same way again!

Ingredients

For the Shrimp:

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional, but adds great flavor!)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to your spice preference)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

For the Mac and Cheese:

• 1 pound elbow macaroni
• 6 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 cups milk
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (trust me on this one!)
• 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese (optional, but adds a wonderful depth of flavor)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Let’s Get Cooking: Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Shrimp:

1. Get Ready: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. This helps them get a nice sear! Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes.
2. Garlic Butter Bliss: Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant (but don’t let it burn!).
3. Shrimp Time: Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque.
4. Deglaze and Flavor: If using, pour in the white wine and let it simmer for about a minute, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This adds SO much flavor! Stir in the lemon juice.
5. Final Touch: Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the chopped parsley. Set aside.

Making the Mac and Cheese:

1. Cook the Pasta: Cook the macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
2. The Roux: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to form a smooth roux.
3. Creamy Sauce: Gradually whisk in the milk, making sure to break up any lumps. Continue whisking until the sauce is smooth and begins to thicken. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
4. Seasoning Power: Stir in the salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
5. Cheese, Please!: Reduce the heat to low and gradually add the cheddar cheese, Gruyere (if using), and Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Don’t rush this step! Patience is key for a silky-smooth cheese sauce.
6. Combine: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to coat evenly.

Bringing It All Together: The Grand Finale!

1. Shrimp Meets Mac: Gently fold the garlic shrimp into the mac and cheese. Make sure the shrimp is evenly distributed throughout.
2. Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately, garnished with extra parsley and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, if desired.

Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Garlic Shrimp Mac And Cheese

Shrimp Secrets:

• Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Overcooked shrimp are rubbery and tough. Cook them just until they turn pink and opaque.
• Fresh or Frozen?: Fresh shrimp are always best, but frozen shrimp work great too! Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking.
• Shrimp Size Matters: I prefer using large shrimp (21-25 count per pound) for this recipe, but you can use smaller shrimp if you prefer. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Mac and Cheese Mastery:

• Cheese Choice: Cheddar cheese is a classic choice for mac and cheese, but feel free to experiment with other cheeses! Gruyere, Monterey Jack, and Fontina are all great options.
• Nutmeg is Key: Don’t skip the nutmeg! It adds a subtle warmth and complexity to the cheese sauce.
• Smooth Sauce: To ensure a smooth cheese sauce, make sure to melt the cheese slowly and gradually over low heat, stirring constantly. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little extra milk.
• Prevent Grainy Sauce: Avoid boiling the cheese sauce, as this can cause it to separate and become grainy. Keep the heat low and stir frequently.

Variations to Make It Your Own

Spice It Up:

• Add Some Heat: If you like a little extra kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce.
• Jalapeño Popper Mac: Add diced jalapeños and a sprinkle of breadcrumbs for a spicy, cheesy twist.

Veggie Power:

• Broccoli Boost: Add steamed broccoli florets to the mac and cheese for a healthy and delicious addition.
• Spinach Surprise: Stir in a handful of fresh spinach for a boost of nutrients.

Protein Packed:

• Consider using bacon bits for a smoky flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Side Dish Sensations:

• Crisp Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich and creamy mac and cheese.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or carrots are all great options.
• Garlic Bread: Because, why not?

Make It a Meal:

• Grilled Chicken: Serve the Garlic Shrimp Mac And Cheese alongside grilled chicken for a complete and satisfying meal.
• Steak: A perfectly cooked steak is a luxurious pairing for this indulgent dish.

Why This Recipe Works

This Garlic Shrimp Mac And Cheese recipe is a winner because it combines the best of both worlds: the comforting familiarity of mac and cheese with the sophisticated flavors of garlic shrimp. The creamy cheese sauce is perfectly balanced with the bright acidity of lemon juice and the subtle heat of red pepper flakes. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make, even though it tastes like it came from a fancy restaurant. This recipe is also a great base to explore other combinations such as Smoky Bbq Chicken Mac And Cheese or Bbq Chicken Mac. For another delicious shrimp based meal, try Marry Me Shrimp Pasta.

Storing and Reheating

Storing:

• Refrigerate: Store leftover Garlic Shrimp Mac And Cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating:

• Microwave: Reheat individual portions in the microwave, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Add a splash of milk if the mac and cheese seems dry.
• Oven: Reheat larger portions in a baking dish in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Cover with foil to prevent the top from drying out.
• Stovetop: Reheat in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently, until heated through. Add a little milk or cream to restore the creamy consistency.

More Recipes You Might Love

If you enjoyed this Garlic Shrimp Mac And Cheese recipe, here are a few other recipes you might like:

• Mac And Cheese: The classic comfort food, perfected.
• Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta: A quick and easy weeknight meal.
• Creamy Chicken Pasta: Another creamy pasta dish with a focus on chicken.

This Garlic Shrimp Mac and Cheese recipe is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. It’s the perfect dish for a cozy night in, a casual get-together with friends, or even a special occasion. So go ahead, give it a try! You won’t regret it!