One skillet meals are essential for weeknight fuss- free meals! This recipe for The Best BBQ Shrimp Mac and Cheese is perfect and can be used with one skillet. Filled with three cheeses, plump seasoned shrimp, this mac and cheese lacks no flavor and will leave your family full and happy!
MAC AND CHEESE IS A NOSTALGIC AND CLASSIC MEAL!
In this paragraph, I will discuss the history of mac and cheese. It is a classic meal, everyone loves a creamy and hearty meal, right? The school year is upon us and quick and tasty meals are a life saver.
Jump to RecipeMac and Cheese has evolved over the years with a variety of toppings. This Three Cheese Shrimp Mac and Cheese recipe includes sharp cheddar, smoked gouda and pepper jack cheese, filled with seasoned shrimp, bbq sauce and breadcrumbs.
Looking for macaroni and cheese recipes? Need quick and tasty week night meals? Here are few of my favorites!
BBQ Smoked Chicken Mac and Cheese
TIPS TO MAXIMIZE TIME AND FLAVOR!
- Use a skillet big enough to handle the job!
- If you don't own a skillet, use a pot that can be used for sautéing, boiling and oven safe.
- Purchase peeled and deveined shrimp.
- Use good quality cheese and ditch the pre-shredded.
- Serve immediately for the creamiest results.
This recipe is sure to become a rotating speciality in your home. Here's how easy this recipe comes together, let's start with prepping and cooking the BBQ flavored shrimp first!
SHRIMP MARINADE AND COOKING INSTRUCTIONS
Begin by peeling and deveining the shrimp and placing on a paper towel to rid of any moisture. Place in a medium sized bowl or plate and add marinade seasonings. Stir shrimp to combine seasonings and set aside for 10-15 minutes to allow shrimp and seasonings to marry.
After the shrimp have marinated, turn the skillet on to medium heat and add one teaspoon of butter or oil. Sauté shrimp for three to five minutes partially cooking them through. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp as they'll continue to cook in the oven.
Next, clean your skillet with mild soap and water and fill with salty water to boil the pasta! Cook pasta according to package instructions.
HOW TO PREPARE CHEESE SAUCE FOR BBQ SHRIMP MAC AND CHEESE
Prepare cheese sauce first sautéing garlic and butter. Next, stir in heavy cream and cheese. Season with salt and pepper and turn heat off.
HOW TO ASSEMBLE BBQ SHRIMP MAC AND CHEESE
Mix macaroni, cheese sauce and shrimp and place in a baking dish and top with cheddar cheese and breadcrumbs. Top with remaining cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs and butter. The casserole is complete after placing in the broiler for 3-5 minutes.
Three Cheese Shrimp Mac and Cheese
Equipment
- Cast Iron Skillet
Ingredients
BBQ Shrimp Marinade
- 1 teaspoon Lemon Pepper Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1 tsp Paprika
- 1 wedge Lemon about 1 tbsp
- 1.5 teaspoon Liquid Smoke
Cheese Sauce
- 2 cups Heavy Whipping Cream
- 1.5 cups Sharp Cheddar
- 1 cup Smoked Gouda
- ½ cup Pepper Jack
- 1 teaspoon Butter
- 1 teaspoon Garlic
- 1 teaspoon Smoked Salt optional
- ¼ teaspoon White Pepper optional
Additional Ingredients
- 16 oz Elbow Macaroni
- ¼ cup BBQ Sauce
- ½ cup Breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Parsley
- 1-2 teaspoon Butter
Instructions
Additional Ingredients
- Prepare pasta according to package instructions.
BBQ Shrimp Marinade
- In a medium/large bowl, add shrimp marinade ingredients, stir and let marinate at least 15 minutes.
- In the skillet on medium/high heat, add 1 teaspoon oil and sauté shrimp until almost cooked through (shrimp will continue to cook in oven).
- Set aside until further use.
Three Cheese Sauce
- In a large sauté pan on medium heat, add butter and garlic paste.
- Sauté for 30 seconds and add heavy cream, whisk.
- Slowly add in all cheese (except ½ cup of cheddar) stirring until thick and bubbly, season with smoked salt and white pepper.
- Mix macaroni, cheese sauce and shrimp and place in a baking dish and top with cheddar cheese and breadcrumbs.
Final Assembly
- Broil for 3-5 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Drizzle with bbq sauce and garnish with freshly chopped parsley and enjoy!
Monique says
I usually have the traditional plain mac and cheese, but this looks so good I will definitely try this recipe. Thanks for sharing!
Shani | Coined Cuisine says
Oooooh this looks amazing. I love mac and cheese and I just bought a mini skillet like this!! Can't wait to try!
Tracey says
I love a one-skillet meal and this was delicious and SO easy! shrimp/ seafood can sometimes be intimidating for me but this came out perfectly! Thanks!
Crystal says
This recipe was delicious and so easy to follow Carita! Thank you for sharing! Your Mac and cheese never disappoints!!