Basil-Shrimp Mac & Cheese Recipe

Name: Basil-Shrimp Mac & Cheese
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb medium shrimp (may be fresh or frozen. I buy already cleaned to save time); 8 ounces elbow macaroni (2 cups); 2 eggs, lightly beaten; ¼ cup butter, melted; 1 cup half-and-half; 1 ¼ cups Fontina cheese, shredded (5 oz.); ½ cup parmesan cheese, grated (the real stuff); 2 garlic cloves, minced; 2 tablespoons pine nuts, toasted; 1 ½ cups basil leaves, lightly packed fresh chopped; fresh basil leaf (optional garnish)

Servings: persons

1 lb medium shrimp (may be fresh or frozen. I buy already cleaned to save time)
8 ounces elbow macaroni (2 cups)
2 eggs, lightly beaten
¼ cup butter, melted
1 cup half-and-half
1 ¼ cups Fontina cheese, shredded (5 oz.)
½ cup parmesan cheese, grated (the real stuff)
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons pine nuts, toasted
1 ½ cups basil leaves, lightly packed fresh chopped
fresh basil leaf (optional garnish)

1
Thaw shrimp, if frozen.
2
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
3
Peel and devein shrimp, removing tails, if not using pre-cleaned shrimp.
4
Rinse shrimp; pat dry with paper towels.
5
Chop shrimp and set aside.
6
Cook macaroni according to package directions.
7
Drain and keep warm.
8
In large bowl stir together eggs, butter, half-and-half, 1 cup of the fontina cheese, 1/4 cup of the Parmesan cheese, garlic, pine nuts, chopped basil, and 1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper.
9
Stir in shrimp and macaroni.
10
Transfer to buttered 2-quart casserole.
11
Top with remaining cheeses.
12
Bake, uncovered, 40 to 45 minutes or until heated through and shrimp pieces are opaque.
13
Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
14
Top with fresh basil leaves as garnish.

626

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.
Leave out the nuts to make it nut-free, or swap in seeds for a similar crunch.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 11 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 1 lb medium shrimp (may be fresh or frozen. I buy already cleaned to save time), 8 ounces elbow macaroni (2 cups), 2 eggs, lightly beaten, ¼ cup butter, melted, and more.

Yes, Basil-Shrimp Mac & Cheese falls under the Seafood category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Basil-Shrimp Mac & Cheese

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions