If there’s one dish that perfectly balances comfort, decadence, and a little bit of luxury, it’s Baked Shrimp Mac and Cheese. Imagine the creamy dreaminess of classic mac and cheese, now made lavish with juicy shrimp, two types of melty cheese, and a golden, crispy topping. Each forkful is packed with flavor, layered textures, and a bit of heat from cayenne that keeps things interesting. Whether you’re prepping for a family gathering or simply craving something extraordinary, this recipe will be your new ace in the hole for both cozy nights and special celebrations.

Baked Shrimp Mac and Cheese Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Baked Shrimp Mac and Cheese is in its simple, well-chosen staples that come together for maximum flavor and unbeatable comfort. Each ingredient has a role—some bring cheesy goodness, others offer velvety creaminess or an irresistible crunch, and the shrimp take it all up a notch.

Cavatappi Pasta: These spiral-shaped noodles hold onto every drop of cheese sauce for the perfect bite every time.
Unsalted Butter: Gives richness to the sauce and adds delicious flavor to the breadcrumb topping.
Garlic Powder: Adds a background layer of savory warmth without overpowering the cheese.
Onion Powder: Delivers a subtle aromatic sweetness, rounding out the spice blend.
Cayenne Pepper: Brings just enough zing to cut through the creaminess; feel free to adjust if you like it milder.
Kosher Salt: Essential for enhancing all the other flavors in the dish.
Black Pepper: Adds a gentle heat and earthiness, balancing the cheese and seafood.
All-Purpose Flour: Helps thicken the cheesy béchamel sauce to cozy perfection.
Half and Half: Makes the sauce extra creamy without being too heavy.
Gruyere Cheese: Melts wonderfully, bringing a slightly nutty, sophisticated note.
White Cheddar Cheese: Adds sharpness and classic mac and cheese flavor.
Medium Raw Shrimp: The star of the show! Fresh, plump shrimp turn this casserole truly special.
Panko Breadcrumbs: Offer crunchy texture for that irresistible golden topping.
Grated Parmesan: Intensifies the savory umami and crisps up the crust.
Fresh Chopped Parsley: Optional, but adds vibrant color and a fresh finish.

How to Make Baked Shrimp Mac and Cheese

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F—this ensures everything bubbles and browns just right. Lightly spray a deep 9×13-inch baking dish, so your Baked Shrimp Mac and Cheese will be easy to serve up later. While you do this, you can also set out your half and half to take the chill off, helping your sauce come together smoothly.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil, then add your cavatappi. Cook just shy of al dente; you want those noodles with a little bite since they’ll bake further in the oven. Drain them very well, so you don’t water down your rich cheese sauce, and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Spiced Butter Base

In a Dutch oven or deep skillet over medium-low heat, melt 4 tablespoons of butter. As soon as it’s melted, add the garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, and black pepper. Stir these spices into the butter for about 30 seconds, just until they’re fragrant—this little move unlocks so much flavor and forms a delicious foundation for your cheese sauce.

Step 4: Build the Creamy Cheese Sauce

Sprinkle in the flour and whisk steadily; aim for a smooth, bubbly roux, which thickens your sauce later. After two minutes, begin to slowly pour in the half and half, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Turn up the heat a touch and bring it to a gentle simmer, letting it thicken over about five minutes. Creamy, dreamy beginnings!

Step 5: Add Melty Cheese

In a separate bowl, toss together both cheeses. Remove your pot from the heat and fold in half of this gorgeous cheese blend. Watch as it turns silken and luscious—you’ll know you hit the jackpot when it stretches from the whisk in perfect ribbons.

Step 6: Combine Pasta, Shrimp, and Sauce

Toss your raw shrimp and tender pasta into the pot, gently folding to coat every noodle and shrimp with cheese sauce. This is where the Baked Shrimp Mac and Cheese magic really happens, transforming everyday ingredients into something extraordinary.

Step 7: Assemble the Topping

In a small bowl, melt the last 2 tablespoons of butter. Toss with panko and Parmesan until every crumb is gleaming. This golden topping bakes up crisp, contrasting perfectly with the creamy filling underneath.

Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection

Pour the saucy shrimp and pasta mixture into your prepared dish. Scatter the remaining cheese evenly across the top, followed by the panko mixture. Slide it into the oven for 20-25 minutes, just until everything is bubbly and the top is gloriously golden. For even more crunch, slip it under the broiler for the last minute or two, but watch carefully. Let it rest for about 10 minutes to set before serving. A sprinkle of parsley adds just the right finishing touch.

How to Serve Baked Shrimp Mac and Cheese

Garnishes

A shower of fresh chopped parsley brightens both the flavor and appearance of your Baked Shrimp Mac and Cheese, while a little extra Parmesan never hurt anyone. For a bit of zing, feel free to serve with wedges of lemon or a light dusting of cayenne, especially if your crowd loves a little spice.

Side Dishes

Pair this creamy casserole with crunchy, vibrant sides that add contrast. A crisp green salad with vinaigrette, sautéed garlicky green beans, or even simple roasted broccoli all make perfect accompaniments, keeping your meal balanced and satisfying without stealing the show.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, scoop individual servings of Baked Shrimp Mac and Cheese into ramekins for an upscale touch. Hosting a buffet? Offer it in a big, rustic serving dish with a ladle and a toppings bar—think extra cheeses, chopped scallions, even a dash of hot sauce. Or keep it classic and serve family style, letting the bubbling top tempt your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Pack any leftovers into airtight containers and keep them in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors will deepen and mingle, making day-two helpings just as tempting as the day you baked it.

Freezing

Baked Shrimp Mac and Cheese can be frozen, though for best texture, do so before baking—assemble, cover tightly, and freeze up to two months. If you’re freezing already-baked leftovers, wrap portions well. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

For best results, reheat gently, covered with foil, in a 350°F oven until warmed through—about 20-25 minutes. Add a splash of milk if it looks a little dry. For smaller portions, the microwave works in a pinch, but be careful not to overdo it, as shrimp can overcook quickly.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While cavatappi is fantastic at holding onto all that creamy sauce, elbow macaroni, shells, or penne are all great alternatives if that’s what you have on hand.

Is it okay to use pre-cooked shrimp?

You can, but raw shrimp are recommended. They cook perfectly in the oven as the dish bakes, staying juicy rather than rubbery. If you use pre-cooked, toss them in at the last minute, just before baking, and reduce the baking time slightly.

Can I make Baked Shrimp Mac and Cheese without the cayenne?

Of course! The cayenne is there for a small kick, but if your crowd prefers things mild, feel free to leave it out or swap in smoked paprika for a different flavor profile.

What cheese substitutions work well here?

Feel free to get creative with your cheese blend—Fontina, Havarti, or even a bit of mozzarella can be swapped for part of the Gruyere or cheddar. Just make sure you have both a meltable and a slightly sharp cheese for the best flavor.

Can I assemble this dish ahead of time?

Definitely! Assemble everything up to just before baking, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if you’re starting from cold.

Final Thoughts

Trust me on this: once you serve Baked Shrimp Mac and Cheese, you’ll be amazed at how delighted everyone is—yourself included! There’s just something magical about this creamy, cheesy pasta with tender shrimp and a perfectly crispy top. So gather your ingredients and make it yours; your kitchen is about to smell absolutely incredible.