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Spicy Mac & Cheese: Fancy Shrimp

Spicy Mac & Cheese: Fancy Shrimp

Indulge in creamy Spicy Mac & Cheese: Fancy Shrimp, a flavorful twist on classic comfort food that combines silky, cheesy pasta with tender shrimp and a hint of spice. Perfect for those craving a cozy yet exciting meal, this recipe is quick to prepare, customizable in spice level, and rich in protein, making it both satisfying and memorable.

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Pasta

  • Elbow macaroni or any small pasta that holds cheese well – 8 oz (about 2 cups)

Shrimp

  • Fresh or frozen shrimp, peeled and deveined – 12 oz
  • Butter – 2 tablespoons (for sautéing shrimp)
  • Garlic – 1 clove, minced or ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Cayenne pepper – ¼ to ½ teaspoon (adjust to taste)
  • Salt and black pepper – to taste

Cheese Sauce

  • Butter – 3 tablespoons (for roux)
  • All-purpose flour – 3 tablespoons
  • Milk or heavy cream – 2 cups
  • Cream cheese – 4 oz, softened
  • Sharp or mild shredded cheddar cheese – 2 cups
  • Garlic powder – ½ teaspoon
  • Onion powder – ½ teaspoon
  • Cayenne pepper or chili powder – ¼ teaspoon (adjust to preference)
  • Salt and black pepper – to taste

Toppings and Garnishes

  • Parmesan cheese – ½ cup (optional, for baking)
  • Breadcrumbs – ½ cup (optional, for baking)
  • Fresh parsley or green onions – for garnish

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Boil the macaroni in salted water until just al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside, reserving a little pasta water for the sauce if needed.
  2. Prepare the Shrimp: Sauté peeled and deveined shrimp in butter with garlic, a pinch of cayenne, salt, and pepper until pink and cooked through, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove from heat and keep warm.
  3. Make the Cheese Sauce: In the same pan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour to create a roux, cooking for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden. Slowly add milk or cream while whisking, then fold in cream cheese and shredded cheddar until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  4. Add Seasonings: Stir in garlic and onion powders, cayenne pepper (adjust to desired heat), salt, and pepper. Add a splash of reserved pasta water for extra sauce silkiness if needed.
  5. Combine Everything: Mix the cooked pasta and sautéed shrimp into the cheese sauce. Toss gently to coat all the pasta and shrimp evenly with the spicy cheese mixture.
  6. Serve or Bake: Serve immediately for creamy perfection or transfer to a baking dish, top with parmesan and breadcrumbs, then bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes to create a crispy, golden top.

Notes

  • Use sharp cheddar cheese for better meltability and bold flavor that balances spice and creaminess.
  • Do not overcook shrimp as it cooks quickly and becomes rubbery if overdone.
  • Reserve some pasta water to adjust and smooth out the sauce consistency as needed.
  • Gradually add cayenne or chili powder to control the spice level without overpowering the dish.
  • Add fresh parsley or green onions as garnish after cooking for a pop of freshness and color.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop and Baking (optional)
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Pescatarian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 650 mg
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 110 mg

Keywords: spicy mac and cheese, shrimp mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, seafood mac and cheese, comfort food with a twist, cheesy shrimp pasta