Garlic Shrimp Mac and Cheese (Prawns)

Recipe video above. Plump, juicy garlicky shrimp WITH a silky creamy, cheesy macaroni AND a crunchy parmesan topping?? Be still my beating heart. BONUS: It's all made in ONE POT!PS Shrimp = prawns. I'm in Australia so I call them prawns, but made an exception for this as a nod to the States, being the home of Mac and Cheese as I know it. :)

Prep time: PT7M

Cook time: PT15M

Total time: PT22M

Rating

5 stars (35 reviews)

Keywords

Prawn Pasta Bake, Shrimp Mac and Cheese

Ingredients

500 g / 1 lb peeled shrimp/prawns (, large (Note 1))
3 garlic cloves (, finely chopped)
1 tbsp olive oil
50 g / 3 1/2 tbsp unsalted butter (, divided)
3 tbsp flour (, plain / all purpose)
2 cups milk (, preferably warmed (Note 2))
2 1/2 cups hot tap water
250 g / 8 oz elbow macaroni (, uncooked (2.5 cups))
1 1/2 cups cheese ((Cheddar, gruyere, or other), freshly grated (Note 3))
3/4 cup mozzarella cheese (, freshly grated (Note 3))
3/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp mustard powder
1/3 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated parmesan
1 tbsp olive oil

Steps

Preheat broiler/oven grill on high.
Breadcrumb Topping - Mix the ingredients together.
Partially cook shrimp / prawns Heat oil and melt 1 tbsp butter in a large, deep skillet or heatproof pot on the stove over high heat. Add shrimp (prawns), sprinkle with pepper, then cook for 1 minute. Add garlic and cook for another minute until the shrimp has changed colour but not fully cooked. Transfer to bowl.
Make Mac & Cheese Sauce - Turn heat down to medium. Melt remaining butter. Add flour and cook for 1 minute. Pour milk in slowly, stirring as you go. Once incorporated and lump free (use whisk if needed), stir in Seasonings, then water.
Cook macaroni - Once the liquid is hot, add macaroni. Cook for 8 minutes, stirring regularly, until macaroni is almost cooked through, then take it off the stove.
Stir in cheese and shrimp/prawns Add cheeses and stir through, then add shrimp. Taste for salt - tweak if needed. It should be saucy (see video) - it gets absorbed. Should still be saucy at this stage - sauce gets absorbed/thickens more in next step.
Sprinkle and broil/grill - Sprinkle over breadcrumbs, then place under the hot grill for just 2 - 3 minutes until the top is golden.
Serve - Sprinkle with parsley if desired and served immediately!

Nutitrion

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 558 kcal
Carbohydrates: 44 g
Protein: 32 g
Fat: 27 g
Saturated Fat: 13 g
Cholesterol: 168 mg
Sodium: 1176 mg
Sugar: 6 g

Reviews

Sharon Duris on 2025-05-12 (5 stars):
Wonderful!! Used Colossal Shrimp, and cut them up to help evenly distribute it.
Cynthia on 2025-01-13 (5 stars):
Amazing recipe....just like all of Nagi's recipes. My kids loved it. They all asked for seconds.
Patti Gervan on 2024-06-01 (5 stars):
I loved this recipe. Instead of plain water, i made a stock out of the prawn shells (takes 6 min). Excellent flavour and no wasting of those shells!
FranW on 2024-05-29 (5 stars):
I made this today for a lunch guest, using equal amounts of gruyere, mozz and red leister. It got rave reviews and a begging request to take home the leftovers. Another Nagi hit.
Anita on 2024-04-29 (5 stars):
If was soooo good but afterwards I found out the calories. This is a meal for a day you too busy to eat so calories still be under
Paula on 2024-03-05 (5 stars):
This was really lovely. I’ve never had macaroni cheese with shrimp before and probably never would have tried it. But being a Nagi recipe how could it fail to please? Again, Nagi works wonders and I’ll definitely make it again.
Jess H on 2023-10-17 (5 stars):
In step 8, make sure you bring the water to the boil first so the pasta actually cooks. Also, follow what Nagi says about using freshly grated cheese. I only had the packet one on hand and it definitely made the sauce a bit powdery. An easy recipe that turns out delicious!
Cassie on 2023-08-29 (5 stars):
Everyone loved it, no leftovers! I made some bacon first for bacon bits to put on top then cooked the shrimp in a little bacon fat. For the cheeses I used sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack. Love doing this all in one pan.
eia mandapat on 2023-03-11 (5 stars):
This is so delicious, Nagi! Always a hit at my house. My son can make it himself, it’s that easy! Spices are just right, no need to tweak, really. This is a keeper as well as a whole bunch of other yummies you’ve made. Thank you!
Dahls on 2023-02-06 (5 stars):
This is a great option for an alternative Mac and cheese flavour. So quick and tasty! I used cooked frozen prawns and they were fine. I accidentally added curry powder as well, it was actually a tasty touch.
Agi Ruciak on 2022-12-18 (5 stars):
Oh my word Nagi! Wow! A simple recipe that absolutely blew everyone away! On the table with a side salad within an hour meant happy guests all round! Thank you!