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Shrimp macaroni gratin
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Shrimp Macaroni Gratin

Shrimp Macaroni Gratin is a comforting baked dish made with tender shrimp, macaroni, and a creamy homemade white sauce, finished with a golden, cheesy topping. This family-favorite gratin is perfect for cozy dinners and can be prepared ahead for an easy, satisfying meal.
Prep Time30 minutes
Cook Time12 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Author: Grace

Ingredients

  • 20 Medium raw shrimp
  • 4.4 oz Penne pasta (125g)
  • 1 tablespoon Olive oil
  • ½ Onion
  • 3.5 oz Broccoli (100g)
  • 3 tablespoon Butter
  • 4 tablespoon All-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon Consommé powder or Chicken powder
  • 1 clove Garlic / grated
  • 2 cups Milk
  • ¼ cup Heavy cream
  • ¼ teaspoon Sea salt
  • White pepper / to taste
  • ½ - 1 cup Shredded cheese / enough to cover the surface
  • ¼ cup Panko breadcrumbs / optional

Instructions

  • Preheat & prep shrimpPreheat the oven to 415°F (215°C). If using frozen shrimp, defrost them in cold salted water, then pat dry thoroughly with paper towels.
  • Start boiling waterBring a medium pot of water to a boil for cooking the penne pasta.
  • Prepare vegetablesThinly slice the onion and cut the broccoli into bite-sized florets.
  • Cook pasta and broccoliCook the penne according to the package instructions. During the last 2 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli to the same pot. Drain well, toss with olive oil, and set aside.
  • Warm the milk mixtureIn a microwave-safe container, combine the milk, consommé powder, and grated garlic. Microwave for about 30 seconds—it doesn’t need to be very hot, just warm.
  • Sauté onionIn a sauté pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until it becomes soft and translucent.
  • Cook shrimp and add flourAdd the shrimp and sauté until they start to cook through. Sprinkle in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, until no dry flour remains. Be careful not to let it burn.
  • Make the cream sauceGradually add the warm milk mixture while stirring to create a smooth cream sauce. Once thickened, add the heavy cream and season with salt and white pepper to taste.
  • Combine pasta and vegetablesAdd the cooked penne and broccoli to the sauce and mix until everything is well coated.
  • Assemble the gratinTransfer the mixture to an oven-safe dish (casserole or gratin dish). Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top, then add panko breadcrumbs for extra crispiness. (panko is optional)
  • BakeBake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.