If you love classic macaroni and cheese, get ready to meet your new favorite comfort food. This Garlic Shrimp Mac and Cheese takes the creamy, cheesy goodness of traditional mac and cheese and elevates it with juicy garlic shrimp and a crispy parmesan breadcrumb topping.
The result? A rich, flavorful dish that combines silky cheese sauce, perfectly cooked macaroni, tender shrimp, and a golden crunchy topping.
Even better, this recipe is made in just one pot and ready in about 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights while still impressive enough for special occasions.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One-pot meal
Everything cooks in one pot, which means fewer dishes and more flavor.
Ready in about 20 minutes
A quick and satisfying meal that feels gourmet but is incredibly easy.
Creamy and cheesy
The sauce is silky smooth thanks to freshly grated cheeses.
Loaded with shrimp
Every bite includes juicy garlic shrimp for an irresistible seafood twist.
Crispy topping
A parmesan breadcrumb topping adds a delicious crunchy texture.
Ingredients
For the Mac and Cheese
- 500 g (1 lb) peeled shrimp or prawns
- 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 50 g (3½ tbsp) unsalted butter, divided
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups (500 ml) milk, warmed
- 2½ cups hot water
- 250 g (8 oz) elbow macaroni, uncooked
- 1½ cups freshly grated cheddar or gruyere cheese
- ¾ cup freshly grated mozzarella cheese
Seasonings
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder
Parmesan Breadcrumb Topping
- ⅓ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
How to Make Garlic Shrimp Mac and Cheese
1. Prepare the topping
In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and olive oil. Set aside.
2. Cook the shrimp
Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet or pot over high heat.
Add the shrimp and sprinkle with pepper. Cook for about 1 minute.
Add the garlic and cook for another minute until the shrimp turn pink but are not fully cooked.
Remove the shrimp and set aside.
3. Make the cheese sauce
Reduce heat to medium and melt the remaining butter.
Add the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to create a roux.
Slowly pour in the warm milk while whisking until smooth and lump-free.
Stir in:
- salt
- garlic powder
- mustard powder
- hot water
4. Cook the pasta
Once the liquid is hot, add the uncooked macaroni.
Cook for about 8 minutes, stirring regularly, until the pasta is almost tender.
5. Add the cheese and shrimp
Remove the pot from heat.
Stir in the cheddar (or gruyere) and mozzarella cheese until melted and creamy.
Return the shrimp to the pot and mix gently.
The sauce should still look slightly loose—it will thicken further in the next step.
6. Add the crispy topping
Sprinkle the parmesan breadcrumb mixture evenly over the mac and cheese.
Place the pan under a hot broiler/grill for 2–3 minutes until the topping becomes golden and crispy.
7. Serve
Remove from the oven and serve immediately while hot and bubbly.
Optionally garnish with fresh parsley for color and freshness.
Tips for the Best Shrimp Mac and Cheese
Use freshly grated cheese
Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy.
Do not overcook the shrimp
They cook quickly and should only finish cooking when added back to the pasta.
Warm the milk before adding
This helps create a smoother cheese sauce.
Use panko breadcrumbs
They provide the best crispy texture for the topping.
Shrimp vs Prawns
In cooking, shrimp and prawns are essentially interchangeable. They have very similar flavor, texture, and cooking times.
While there are minor biological differences between them, they work the same way in recipes like this one.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the oven until heated through.
Serving Suggestions
This dish works beautifully as a main meal, but you can also serve it with:
- a simple green salad
- roasted vegetables
- garlic bread
- steamed broccoli
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Shrimp Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food upgrade. Creamy, cheesy pasta meets savory garlic shrimp and a crunchy parmesan topping for a dish that feels both indulgent and satisfying.