If you’re craving a dish that feeds your soul and dazzles your taste buds, the Shrimp Creole Mac and Cheese Recipe is that perfect combo of creamy, cheesy comfort and zesty, vibrant Creole flair. This dish marries tender shrimp seasoned with bold Creole spices and a luscious, cheesy macaroni base that bakes into a bubbly golden crust. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl that brings a little Louisiana magic right into your kitchen—guaranteed to be a new favorite you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients just right is essential for flavor and texture that hits all the right notes. These components are simple yet powerful, blending creamy cheeses, perfectly cooked shrimp, and that signature Creole seasoning to bring this dish to life.
- Macaroni (8-ounce package): The classic pasta shape that holds cheese sauce beautifully for every creamy bite.
- Shrimp (1 pound, peeled and deveined): Fresh or thawed, perfectly seasoned to infuse the dish with a briny, savory punch.
- Creole seasoning (1-2 teaspoons plus optional): This magical spice blend adds warmth, depth, and authentic Southern zing.
- Unsalted butter (3 tablespoons): Creates a rich base and helps sauté your aromatics with finesse.
- Onion, minced (about ½ cup): Adds a sweet, savory backbone that makes the sauce sing.
- Garlic cloves, minced (2-3): For that irresistible aromatic kick every creole dish deserves.
- All-purpose flour (3 tablespoons): The secret to a perfectly thickened, velvety-cheese sauce.
- Evaporated milk (12-ounce can): Adds creamy richness without overwhelming the sauce.
- Whole milk (1 cup): Provides smoothness and balances texture.
- Broth or extra milk (¾ cup): Keeps the sauce luscious and just right.
- Cayenne pepper (¼ teaspoon, optional): For an extra kick that wakes up your palate.
- Cheese trio (sharp cheddar 1 cup, mozzarella ½ cup, Parmesan ½ cup): Melts into a gorgeously stretchy, flavorful sauce that’s pure indulgence.
- Salt and pepper: Essential to taste, framing the spices and cheeses for a balanced dish.
How to Make Shrimp Creole Mac and Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling your macaroni just until al dente. This stage ensures your pasta will stay perfectly firm after baking, so it doesn’t turn mushy. Drain it and set it aside, ready to soak up that gorgeous cheese sauce later.
Step 2: Season the Shrimp
Take those beautiful shrimp and toss them with salt, pepper, and that vibrant Creole seasoning. This simple seasoning mix amps up the shrimp with bold flavor, setting the tone for the whole dish.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
In a deep cast iron skillet, melt butter until it stops bubbling, then add the seasoned shrimp. Cook them just until they begin to turn pink—don’t finish cooking here! They’ll complete cooking in the oven, which keeps them tender and juicy. Remove and set aside.
Step 4: Sauté Aromatics
In the same skillet, toss in your minced onions and garlic. Sauté until the onions become soft and translucent, around three minutes. This step unlocks those savory, sweet layers of flavor that are the heart of your cheese sauce.
Step 5: Make the Roux
Sprinkle the flour over the butter-onion mixture and whisk continually until the flour is fully absorbed and cooked for about a minute. This roux is the key to that smooth, thick base that clings perfectly to every macaroni piece.
Step 6: Prepare the Cheese Sauce
Slowly pour in evaporated milk first, then whole milk and broth, whisking to combine. Let it simmer for 3 to 5 minutes until it thickens slightly into a velvety sauce. This is the moment to add an extra pinch of Creole seasoning and cayenne pepper if you want more kick. Then, stir in all the cheeses and keep mixing until melted fully into a silky, rich sauce. Taste it and adjust salt, pepper, or spices to your liking.
Step 7: Combine and Bake
Fold your cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until every noodle is decadently coated. Transfer the mixture to a greased 2-quart baking dish, and sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top. Artfully arrange the shrimp on top. Bake at 375℉ (190℃) for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the whole dish is bubbling and golden—exactly the eye candy your dinner deserves.
Step 8: Serve
Fresh from the oven, sprinkle with chopped parsley, crispy bacon bits, or breadcrumbs for context and crunch—feel free to make this your own. The aroma alone will have everyone eager to dig in!
How to Serve Shrimp Creole Mac and Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes like chopped parsley add a pop of bright color and a refreshing note that balances the creamy richness of the dish. Crispy bacon pieces also add a smoky crunch, while breadcrumbs offer a delightful texture contrast on top. Don’t be shy with these—they elevate the experience beautifully!
Side Dishes
Since the Shrimp Creole Mac and Cheese Recipe is already rich and filling, pair it with light, crisp sides for balance. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or steamed green beans with a squeeze of lemon would be perfect companions to complement and contrast the bold flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a show-stopping dinner, serve this mac and cheese in individual ramekins with a shrimp perched on top for each guest. You can also bake it in a large cast iron skillet to bake and serve straight from the oven for that rustic, family-style charm. Either way, presentation adds an extra layer of fun and festivity.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Shrimp Creole Mac and Cheese Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, so you might find the reheated dish even more delicious—just be sure to reheat gently to keep the shrimp tender.
Freezing
You can freeze this mac and cheese, but for best texture, freeze before baking. Store the unbaked mixture in a freezer-safe dish, tightly covered, for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual. This trick prevents rubbery shrimp and watery sauce from freezing after baking.
Reheating
To bring leftovers back to life, warm portions in the oven at 350℉ (175℃) until heated through and bubbly, about 15-20 minutes. If time is tight, the microwave works but covering the dish will help keep moisture in. Add a splash of milk if the sauce seems thickened after storage.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for the Shrimp Creole Mac and Cheese Recipe?
Absolutely! Just thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before seasoning. Using fresh or quality frozen shrimp will give you the best texture and flavor.
How spicy is the Shrimp Creole Mac and Cheese Recipe?
It has a gentle kick from the Creole seasoning and optional cayenne pepper, but you can easily adjust the spice level to your taste—either dial it back for milder or kick it up for more heat.
What cheeses work best in this recipe?
The blend of sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan provides a perfect balance of sharpness, meltiness, and umami depth. Feel free to experiment, but these three really create that iconic texture and flavor.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
While this recipe shines with shrimp, you could swap the shrimp for hearty veggies like roasted bell peppers or mushrooms and still enjoy a delicious Creole-inspired mac and cheese.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
You can substitute dairy milks with unsweetened plant-based alternatives and try dairy-free cheese, but keep in mind this may affect the creaminess and flavor a bit. Experiment with what works best for you!
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Shrimp Creole Mac and Cheese Recipe that makes it a standout dish for any occasion. It’s comfort food with a bold twist, combining creamy, cheesy indulgence and spicy, flavorful shrimp that will captivate your family and friends. So next time you want to impress or simply treat yourself, dive into this recipe—you won’t regret it!
Print
Shrimp Creole Mac and Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Shrimp Mac and Cheese is a flavorful twist on the classic comfort food, combining tender shrimp seasoned with Creole spices and a rich, creamy cheese sauce. The macaroni is enveloped in a luscious blend of evaporated milk, whole milk, and broth, then topped with a mixture of mozzarella, Parmesan, and sharp cheddar cheese. Baked to a golden bubbly perfection and garnished with parsley, bacon, and breadcrumbs, this dish delivers a satisfying balance of creamy texture and savory seafood goodness in just 35 minutes.
Ingredients
Pasta and Shrimp
- 1 (8-ounce) package (230g) macaroni
- 1 pound (450g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1–2 teaspoons (4-8g) Creole seasoning
Cheese Sauce
- 3 tablespoons (42g) unsalted butter
- 1 small onion, minced (about ½ cup)
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons (23g) all-purpose flour
- 1 (12-ounce) can evaporated milk
- 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
- ¾ cup (180ml) broth or milk
- ½–1 teaspoon (2-4g) Creole seasoning (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon (1g) cayenne pepper (optional)
- ½ cup (113g) grated mozzarella
- ½ cup (45g) grated Parmesan
- 1 cup (235g) grated sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish (Optional)
- Chopped parsley
- Bacon
- Breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook your macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to be combined with the cheese sauce later.
- Season Shrimp: Place the peeled and deveined shrimp in a bowl or plate. Season evenly with salt, pepper, and 1-2 teaspoons of Creole seasoning. Toss to coat the shrimp thoroughly and set aside.
- Cook Shrimp: Heat butter in a deep cast iron skillet over medium heat. Once melted and bubbling stops, add the shrimp. Cook just until they start turning pink but aren’t fully cooked through, as they will finish cooking in the oven. Remove shrimp from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and onion. Sauté over medium heat until onion softens and wilts, about 3 minutes, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
- Make Roux: Sprinkle the flour into the butter and onion mixture. Whisk continually until the flour is fully absorbed and the mixture thickens slightly, cooking for about one minute to remove the raw flour taste.
- Make Cheese Sauce: Gradually whisk in the evaporated milk, followed by whole milk and broth. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3-5 minutes until it thickens. Add extra Creole seasoning and cayenne pepper if you prefer more spice. Stir in mozzarella, Parmesan, and half of the sharp cheddar cheese. Continue stirring until the cheeses melt completely and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine and Bake: Mix the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, stirring until every piece is well coated. Transfer the mixture to a lightly greased 2-quart baking dish. Sprinkle with the remaining cheddar cheese and arrange the partially cooked shrimp on top. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and optionally top with chopped parsley, cooked bacon, and breadcrumbs for added texture and flavor. Serve hot and enjoy your rich and creamy shrimp mac and cheese.
Notes
- Do not overcook the shrimp in the skillet; they will finish cooking in the oven to prevent toughness.
- You can substitute the broth with additional milk if preferred for a creamier sauce.
- Adjust the amount of Creole seasoning and cayenne pepper to control the spice level.
- For a crispier topping, add breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter before baking.
- Use freshly grated cheese for the best melting and flavor results.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
