Garlic Shrimp Mac and Cheese (Prawns)

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

1. Preheat broiler/oven grill on high.
2. Breadcrumb Topping – Mix the ingredients together.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. Sprinkle and broil/grill – Sprinkle over breadcrumbs, then place under the hot grill for just 2 – 3 minutes until the top is golden.
8. Serve – Sprinkle with parsley if desired and served immediately!