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Special Diet Information

Coumadin® (Warfarin)
This recipe is NOT safe for Coumadin (warfarin) users.

Lactose
This recipe contains cheese and some of those who are lactose intolerant may be able to tolerate it.

Sodium
This is a low sodium recipe.

GERD / Acid Reflux
This recipe contains GERD triggers and those with GERD may wish to avoid it.

Gluten Sensitivity
This recipe is safe for those who are sensitive to gluten. Use gluten-free pasta in this dish.

 

"I'm not worried if I'm using four different cheeses and it's high in fat. It's real food. That's what's more important." -Tom Collicchio, Chef

The refrigerator light goes on...

My wife and I were talking about making lobster mac and cheese. A good dish, but not for every night with lobster being so cost prohibitive, and for a lot of folks it's not even an option because of availability.

This budget version with shrimp and the smoked paprika is quick and easy even for a weeknight and it keeps well for leftovers - reheat gently.


 

Smoky Shrimp Mac & Cheese

Servings: 4 | Serving size: about 2 cups

Cooking Time: 30 Minutes

This recipe can easily be multiplied and makes good leftovers. Reheat gently so you don't overcook the shrimp.

4 quarts water
8 ounces whole wheat or gluten-free rotini pasta
1 tsp olive oil
1 large onion (diced)
2 tsp smoked paprika
1/16 tsp cayenne pepper
2 large eggs
1/2 cup 2% milk (1% will work, too)
5 ounces reduced-fat cheddar cheese (grated)
8 ounces shrimp (peeled, deveined, and sliced lengthwise)
4 medium green onions (thinly sliced crosswise)
to taste fresh ground black pepper

Place the water in a medium stock-pot over high heat and bring to a boil.

Add the pasta and cook until done - about 15 minutes. Do not overcook: the pasta should be cooked al dente.

Place a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add the olive oil, and when it is hot, add the diced onion.

Stir the onions frequently and cook slowly, adjusting the heat to keep the onion from burning.

Cook for about 20 minutes until well caramelized.

Add the smoked paprika and cayenne pepper and cook for another 2 minutes.

Reduce the heat to low.

Combine the eggs and milk in a small bowl and whisk until smooth. Add the reduced-fat cheddar cheese and mix well.

Add the cheese mixture to the caramelized onions and fold together.

Add the shrimp and green onions.

Cook the mixture over medium heat. Don't let the mixture boil, and stir continuously.

When the sauce is very thick, remove from the heat.

When the pasta is done, drain well and return it to the pot over medium heat. Add the cheese and onion mixture and stir well.

Add fresh ground black pepper to taste, stir, and serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size: about 2 cups

Servings: 2

Amount Per Serving

Calories 444 Calories from Fat 117
% Daily Value
Total Fat 13g 17%
    Saturated Fat 6g 28%
    Monounsaturated Fat 4g
    Trans Fat 0g
Cholesterol 214mg 71%
Sodium 348mg 15%
Total Carbohydrates 49g 18%
    Dietary Fiber 7g 23%
    Sugars 5g
Protein 33g
Vitamin K 34mcg