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Shrimp Mac and Cheese with Creole Seasoning Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.3 from 153 reviews
  • Author: Kimberly
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This Shrimp Mac and Cheese recipe combines succulent shrimp seasoned with Creole spices and a creamy three-cheese sauce enveloping perfectly cooked macaroni. Baked until golden and bubbly, it offers a deliciously rich and comforting meal with a subtle spicy kick from cayenne pepper and Creole seasoning.

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 1 (8-ounce) package (230g) macaroni

Shrimp

  • 1 pound (450g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1-2 teaspoons (4-8g) Creole seasoning

Sauce

  • 3 tablespoons (42g) unsalted butter
  • 1 small onion, minced (about ½ cup)
  • 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons (23g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 (12-ounce) can evaporated milk
  • 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
  • ¾ cup (180ml) broth or milk
  • ½-1 teaspoon (2-4g) Creole seasoning (optional)
  • ¼ teaspoon (1g) cayenne pepper (optional)
  • ½ cup (113g) grated mozzarella
  • ½ cup (45g) grated Parmesan
  • 1 cup (235g) grated sharp cheddar cheese, divided
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Toppings (Optional)

  • Chopped parsley
  • Bacon
  • Breadcrumbs

Instructions

  1. Cook Pasta: Cook pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to use later in the recipe.
  2. Season Shrimp: Place the peeled and deveined shrimp in a bowl or plate. Season evenly with salt, pepper, and 1-2 teaspoons of Creole seasoning. Toss to coat thoroughly, then set aside.
  3. Cook Shrimp: Heat butter in a deep cast iron skillet over medium heat. Once the butter melts and stops bubbling, add the seasoned shrimp. Cook just until they start changing color but are not fully cooked through, as they will finish cooking during the baking step. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
  4. Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and onions. Sauté for about 3 minutes until the onions soften and become translucent, releasing their aroma.
  5. Make Roux: Whisk in the all-purpose flour to the butter and onion mixture until fully absorbed. Continue cooking and whisk constantly for about one minute to form a roux that will thicken the sauce.
  6. Make Cheese Sauce: Gradually pour in evaporated milk, then whole milk and broth (or milk). Allow the mixture to simmer for 3-5 minutes until it slightly thickens. Add additional Creole seasoning and cayenne pepper if you prefer extra spice. Stir in mozzarella, Parmesan, and most of the sharp cheddar cheese. Keep stirring until cheeses fully melt and the sauce is smooth and evenly combined. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Combine and Bake: Stir cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until fully coated. Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture to a lightly greased 2-quart baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining sharp cheddar cheese on top, then arrange the partially cooked shrimp evenly over the surface. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
  8. Serve: Remove from oven and optionally garnish with chopped parsley, crispy bacon, and breadcrumbs for added texture and flavor. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

  • Partially cooking the shrimp before baking prevents them from becoming rubbery.
  • Use a cast iron skillet or heavy-bottom pan for even heat distribution while cooking shrimp and sauce.
  • Feel free to substitute broth with milk if preferred for the sauce base.
  • For a spicier dish, increase the cayenne pepper or Creole seasoning according to taste.
  • Optional toppings like bacon and breadcrumbs add a crunchy texture contrast to the creamy mac and cheese.

Find it online: https://slsrecipes.com/shrimp-mac-and-cheese-with-creole-seasoning-recipe/