Basil-Shrimp Mac & Cheese

Submitted by Teri8551

"From Better Homes & Garden. Classic mac & cheese casserole is modernized by replacing American and/or cheddar cheese with a buttery-flavored fontina cheese and Parmesan. A touch of garlic and the addition of shrimp results in a totally innovative creation. Fontina is a traditional Italian cheese that is often served as a dessert cheese"

 

• Ready In: 1hr 15mins
• Ingredients: 11
• Yields: 2 qt casserole
• Serves: 6

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
• 1⁄4 cup butter, melted
• 1 cup half-and-half
• 1 1⁄4 cups Fontina cheese, shredded (5 oz.)
• 1⁄2 cup parmesan cheese, grated (the real stuff)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons pine nuts, toasted
• 1 1⁄2 cups basil leaves, lightly packed fresh chopped
• fresh basil leaf (optional garnish)

directions

1. Thaw shrimp, if frozen. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Peel and devein shrimp, removing tails, if not using pre-cleaned shrimp.
3. Rinse shrimp; pat dry with paper towels.
4. Chop shrimp and set aside.
5. Cook macaroni according to package directions.
6. Drain and keep warm.
7. 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.
8. Stir in shrimp and macaroni.
9. Transfer to buttered 2-quart casserole. Top with remaining cheeses.
10. Bake, uncovered, 40 to 45 minutes or until heated through and shrimp pieces are opaque.
11. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
12. Top with fresh basil leaves as garnish.