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Spicy Mac & Cheese: Fancy Shrimp

Spicy Mac & Cheese: Fancy Shrimp

A creamy, comforting Spicy Mac & Cheese with succulent shrimp, bold spices, and a rich cheddar cheese sauce. This dish combines smooth textures and zesty heat for an elevated seafood twist on the classic comfort food, perfect for a cozy night or special dinner.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Pasta

  • Elbow macaroni – 8 oz (about 2 cups)

Shrimp

  • Shrimp, peeled and deveined – 12 oz (fresh or frozen)
  • Butter or oil – 1 tablespoon
  • Salt – to taste
  • Black pepper – to taste
  • Smoked paprika – 1/4 teaspoon

Cheese Sauce

  • Butter – 3 tablespoons
  • All-purpose flour (or cornstarch for gluten-free) – 3 tablespoons
  • Milk or half-and-half – 2 cups
  • Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded – 2 cups
  • Garlic powder – 1/2 teaspoon
  • Onion powder – 1/2 teaspoon
  • Smoked paprika – 1/4 teaspoon
  • Jalapeños, finely chopped, or red chili flakes – 1 to 2 teaspoons (adjust to taste)
  • Salt – to taste
  • Black pepper – to taste

Finishing

  • Fresh lemon juice – 1 tablespoon

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 7 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside, reserving a little pasta water for later if needed.
  2. Sauté the Shrimp: In a large skillet, heat butter or oil over medium heat. Season the shrimp with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Cook shrimp until pink and just cooked through, about 2 minutes per side. Remove from heat and keep warm.
  3. Make the Roux: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Sprinkle in flour (or cornstarch) and whisk constantly to form a smooth paste. Cook about 2 minutes, stirring continuously to remove raw flour taste.
  4. Create the Cheese Sauce: Slowly whisk in milk or half-and-half, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens. Gradually add shredded cheddar, stirring until fully melted and smooth. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix in finely chopped jalapeños or red chili flakes according to your desired heat level.
  5. Combine Pasta and Shrimp: Add cooked macaroni and sautéed shrimp back into the cheese sauce. Stir to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, loosen it with a splash of the reserved pasta water.
  6. Final Touch: Squeeze fresh lemon juice into the mac and cheese, stirring to brighten the flavors. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. Serve immediately with optional garnishes.

Notes

  • Use fresh or properly thawed shrimp for best texture and flavor.
  • Grate your own cheese for a smoother melt without anti-caking agents.
  • Stir constantly while making roux and cheese sauce to prevent lumps and burning.
  • Adjust spice gradually to suit your palate, starting mild and increasing heat as desired.
  • Reserve some pasta water to thin sauce gently without losing flavor.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free (if using gluten-free pasta and cornstarch)

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 120mg

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