Shrimp Mac and Cheese Bake

I can’t extract a recipe directly from the image, but I can create a delicious Shrimp Mac and Cheese Bake recipe inspired by it!

Shrimp Mac and Cheese Bake

A creamy, cheesy baked pasta with juicy, golden shrimp!

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Ingredients

(Serves 4-6)

For the Mac and Cheese:

• 8 oz elbow macaroni or penne pasta
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk (whole or half-and-half for creaminess)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp paprika
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Shrimp:

• 1 lb shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 1 tbsp butter or olive oil
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Topping (Optional):

• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp melted butter
• Chopped fresh parsley

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Instructions (Construction)

1. Cook the Pasta
   • Boil pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Make the Cheese Sauce
   • In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute until golden.
   • Gradually whisk in milk and heavy cream, stirring continuously until thickened.
   • Stir in cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.
3. Cook the Shrimp
   • Heat butter or oil in a skillet over medium heat.
   • Season shrimp with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
   • Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and slightly golden. Remove from heat.
4. Assemble & Bake
   • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • Mix cooked pasta with cheese sauce and pour into a 9×13-inch baking dish.
   • Top with cooked shrimp.
   • (Optional) Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle on top.
5. Bake & Serve
   • Bake for 15-20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
   • Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot!

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Variations

• Spicy Version: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the cheese sauce.
• Extra Cheesy: Mix in Gruyère or Monterey Jack cheese.
• Lighter Option: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
• Garlic Butter Shrimp: Toss shrimp in garlic butter sauce before placing on top.

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Tips

• Don’t overcook shrimp! It should be pink and slightly golden but still juicy.
• Use freshly grated cheese for the best melt (pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents).
• For a crunchy top, broil for the last 2-3 minutes.

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Nutrition Facts (Approximate per serving)

(Based on 6 servings)

• Calories: ~550 kcal
• Protein: ~35g
• Carbs: ~45g
• Fat: ~28g

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Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a side salad or roasted veggies.
• Pair with garlic bread for a full meal.
• Add a drizzle of lemon juice for extra brightness.

This keeps it creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor! Let me know if you need any tweaks.