A rich, creamy, and comforting baked mac and cheese loaded with juicy shrimp and topped with a golden, crispy cheese crust. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or special occasions.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients

For the Pasta

• 12 oz (340 g) elbow macaroni or cavatappi
• 1 tablespoon salt (for boiling water)

For the Shrimp

• 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon salt

For the Cheese Sauce

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Cheese

• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Topping

• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional)

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Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook the pasta until just al dente.
3. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp

1. Toss shrimp with olive oil and seasonings.
2. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Cook shrimp for about 1–2 minutes per side.
4. Remove immediately to prevent overcooking.

Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce

1. Melt butter in a large saucepan.
2. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
3. Slowly whisk in milk and heavy cream.
4. Simmer until slightly thickened.
5. Stir in Dijon mustard and seasonings.
6. Remove from heat.
7. Add cheddar, mozzarella, Gruyère, and Parmesan.
8. Stir until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Assemble

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Fold cooked pasta into the cheese sauce.
3. Gently stir in the cooked shrimp.
4. Transfer to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 5: Add Topping

Mix together:

• Panko breadcrumbs
• Melted butter
• Parmesan cheese

Sprinkle evenly over the pasta.

Step 6: Bake

Bake for 20–25 minutes, until bubbly and golden brown.

Step 7: Serve

Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

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Nutritional Information (Approximate Per Serving)

• Calories: 710
• Protein: 40 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fat: 42 g
• Saturated Fat: 23 g
• Cholesterol: 235 mg
• Fiber: 2 g
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 880 mg
• Calcium: 45% DV
• Iron: 15% DV

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Nut Information

Contains Tree Nuts: No

Contains Peanuts: No

This recipe is naturally free of peanuts and tree nuts.

Cross-Contamination Note

If serving someone with a severe nut allergy:

• Use cheese that is produced in a nut-free facility if possible.
• Check breadcrumbs and seasonings for allergen warnings.
• Avoid cross-contact with utensils or surfaces that have touched nuts.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes. Thaw completely, pat dry, and cook as directed.

Q2: Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?

Yes, but add them just before baking to avoid becoming rubbery.

Q3: Which cheese melts best?

Sharp cheddar provides flavor, mozzarella adds stretch, Gruyère adds richness, and Parmesan gives a savory finish.

Q4: Can I make it ahead?

Yes. Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake just before serving.

Q5: Can I freeze it?

Yes. Freeze before or after baking for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

Q6: How do I keep the sauce creamy?

Cook the pasta only until al dente, don’t overcook the shrimp, and avoid overheating the cheese sauce after adding the cheese.

Q7: What vegetables pair well with this dish?

Broccoli, spinach, peas, roasted asparagus, mushrooms, or sautéed bell peppers all work well.

Q8: How should leftovers be stored?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.

Q9: Can I make it spicy?

Absolutely. Add cayenne pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or a few dashes of hot sauce to the cheese sauce.

Q10: What can I serve with Shrimp Mac and Cheese Bake?

It pairs well with a fresh green salad, garlic bread, roasted vegetables, coleslaw, or steamed broccoli for a balanced meal.