Spoon Simple
Trader Joe's Lobster Mac and Cheese (Argentinian Red Shrimp)
A homemade take on Trader Joe's indulgent lobster mac — made with their Wild Caught Raw Argentinian Red Shrimp, which has a sweet, lobster-like flavor at a fraction of the cost. Creamy cheddar-Gruyère sauce, buttery shrimp, and a golden panko top.
Prep 10 min
Cook 25 min
Total 35 min
Serves 4
Ingredients
Step 1 — Cook the Argentinian red shrimp
- 1 lb Trader Joe's Wild Caught Raw Argentinian Red Shrimp (thawed, peeled, deveined)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- ½ tsp Old Bay seasoning
- Salt and pepper
Step 2 — Cook the pasta
- 12 oz cavatappi or elbow macaroni
- Salted water (for boiling)
Step 3 — Make the cheese sauce
- 4 tbsp butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1½ cups sharp cheddar (shredded)
- ½ cup Gruyère cheese (shredded)
- 2 tbsp cream cheese
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp white pepper
- ½ tsp salt
- Pinch of nutmeg
Step 4 — Top and bake
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp butter (melted)
- 2 tbsp fresh chives (chopped)
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- 1
Cook the Argentinian red shrimp
Pat thawed shrimp completely dry — this is key for a good sear. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds. Add shrimp in a single layer, season with Old Bay, salt, and pepper. Cook 1½–2 minutes per side until opaque and curled. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
- 2
Cook the pasta
Cook pasta in salted boiling water until just al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain.
- 3
Make the cheese sauce
Preheat oven to 375°F. In the same skillet (or a large saucepan), melt 4 tbsp butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk and cream. Cook, stirring constantly, until thickened, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in cheddar, Gruyère, cream cheese, Dijon, garlic powder, white pepper, salt, and nutmeg until smooth.
- 4
Assemble and bake
Fold pasta and shrimp into the cheese sauce, adding pasta water a splash at a time if needed for a silky consistency. Pour into a greased 9×13 baking dish. Mix panko with melted butter and sprinkle over the top. Bake 15–18 minutes until bubbling and golden. Rest 5 minutes, then garnish with chives and serve with lemon wedges.
Nutrition per serving: 590 cal · 34g protein · 48g carbs · 30g fat · 2g fiber
For informational purposes only. Not medical or dietary advice. Verify ingredients for allergens, cooking times, and safe internal temperatures before serving.
