Shrimp Mac and Cheese elevates this childhood favorite to a gourmet recipe that kids and adults will love! Fancy enough for a special occasion, easy enough to make every day.

Have I mentioned that a macaroni and cheese obsession has been going on at our house...since I can't remember when? Yep. We have it ~~several~~ 4-5 times a month...at least. And, we're not talking about the microwave version with questionable cheese. It's the real deal! It doesn't take much longer to make either.

This is our special occasion version that incorporates lobster-like rock shrimp to take this recipe over-the-top.

It's quick to make because the shrimp is boiled, along with the pasta. Another option is to cook it on the stove-top. Check out this technique in Rock Shrimp in Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce (except you won't need the extra sauce.)

The result is a creamy, delicious gourmet mac and cheese!

Clean-Eating Swaps for Gourmet Mac and Cheese

Since this family favorite is here to stay, my only choice in the matter was to join the party and make it follow the guidelines for clean-eating. One easy switch was exchanging white pasta for a high fiber alternative. To that end, I have boxes and boxes (and boxes) of high fiber pasta shells in my pantry so I can whip up a batch at a moment's notice.

We also used whole wheat pastry flour to make the roux and used whole milk products for milk, butter and cheese. No short-cuts with pre-shredded cheese either.

The result is absolutely decadent, "adult" gourmet mac and cheese. It may not be the lowest calorie recipe I've ever made. But, it is one of the most delicious and has a place in a clean-eating diet. (Insert very big smile!)

I'd take this over sugary dessert any day of the week!

How to Make Shrimp Mac and Cheese

This mac and cheese recipe follows the typical process of preparing a roux, adding milk and spices and cooking until it thickens. Sharp cheddar and Parmesan cheeses are stirred in and then the entire cheesy mixture coats pasta shells and shrimp. The final dish will make you swoon!

We used rock shrimp, but any type will work. In case you're not familiar with rock shrimp, it tastes a bit like lobster and looks like a tiny lobster too. Sometimes, I refer to this recipe as my fake-out lobster mac and cheese!

To save time and a pot, we cooked the pasta and shrimp at the same time. However, they can be cooked separately. Rock shrimp cooks very quickly and can be cooked on the stove-top or broiled too. See Spicy Shrimp and Cauliflower Grits and Shrimp Zoodles for a quick stove-top method to cook shrimp and change the spices according to your tastes.

Either way, serve it on a special dish and savor every bite with someone you love!