Indulgence meets convenience in this delightful shrimp macaroni cheese gratin recipe. Imagine plump, succulent shrimp nestled in a creamy, cheesy macaroni bath and then baked to perfection with a golden-brown gratin topping. It’s the ultimate comfort food, taking just 35 minutes from start to finish!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
For the shrimp and macaroni:
- 8 oz macaroni pasta, rigatoni, or a similar pasta
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the gratin topping:
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the Macaroni: Cook the pasta according to package instructions until it’s just slightly undercooked (al dente). Drain and set aside.
- Sauté Shrimp: While the pasta is cooking, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat in a large ovenproof skillet. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In the same skillet, add the heavy cream, cheddar cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Stir over medium heat until the cheeses have melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir to combine, ensuring the pasta is well-coated.
- Add Shrimp: Gently fold in the cooked shrimp.
- Prepare the Gratin Topping: In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, melted butter, and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Gratinate: Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the pasta and shrimp.
- Bake: Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the gratin topping is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve hot.
Notes
Feel free to customize this dish with your favorite cheeses or add a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick. Since the past will continue to cook in the oven, be careful not to overcook the pasta initially. For a crispier topping, you can broil the gratin for the last 1-2 minutes, but keep a close eye on it to avoid burning. Serve with a simple salad and enjoy your meal!
*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 270mg
