Carnivore Mac & Cheese for National Pasta Day!

Ah, figlio mio, today Nonna is going to teach you how to make a beautiful dish: Carnivore Macaroni and Cheese, but with a twist! Instead of using pasta, we’re going to use small shrimp—the perfect little bite-sized substitute that makes this dish 100% carnivore. And for the cheese sauce, we’re going to use a bit of sodium citrate to make it creamy, smooth, and irresistible. Trust me, once you try this version, you won’t even miss the pasta!

So, let’s get started—mangiamo!

Ingredients:

For the cheese sauce, you’ll need sodium citrate, which we’ll make ourselves using a mix of citric acid, baking soda, and water. This helps to make the cheese sauce smooth and perfectly melty.

For the Cheese Sauce:

• 1 teaspoon citric acid
• 2 tablespoons water
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded (or any other cheese you love)
• 1 cup gruyère or mozzarella (for added creaminess)
• ½ cup heavy cream

For the "Macaroni":

• 1 pound small shrimp (like the ones you can find at Walmart—peeled, deveined, and cooked)

Optional Add-ins and Toppings:

• Crispy bacon bits for extra crunch
• Pork panko sprinkled on top for some texture
• A dash of smoked paprika for a smoky flavor
• Crumbled blue cheese for a tangy twist
• Drizzle of melted butter on top (because, why not?)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Sodium Citrate

First, we’re going to make the sodium citrate solution. This is what’s going to make our cheese sauce smooth and prevent it from becoming grainy.

1. In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon citric acid with 2 tablespoons water.  Stir until it’s dissolved.
2. Then, slowly add 1 tablespoon of baking soda and mix well. Be careful—it’ll fizz! That’s normal.
3. Once the fizzing stops, you have your sodium citrate solution ready to go.

Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce

1. In a saucepan over medium heat, pour the sodium citrate solution in.
2. Add the ½ cup heavy cream and stir to combine.
3. Gradually add the cheddar and gruyère (or mozzarella), stirring constantly until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little more cream or water to thin it out.

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp "Macaroni"

While your cheese sauce is melting into perfection, take your small shrimp and give them a quick sauté in a skillet with a little butter or bacon grease—just to warm them up. If they’re already cooked, you just want to heat them through.

Step 4: Combine the Shrimp and Cheese Sauce

Now, pour your melted cheese sauce over the shrimp and gently mix until all the shrimp are coated in that delicious cheesy goodness.

Step 5: Optional Add-ins and Toppings

Now is your chance to add anything extra to take this dish to the next level! Sprinkle bacon bits, pork panko, or maybe even a little blue cheese on top. If you want a bit of color and smokiness, a dash of smoked paprika will do the trick.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve this rich, creamy dish while it’s hot, and trust me, everyone will be asking for seconds.

Serving Suggestions:

• This dish pairs beautifully with a side of crispy pork belly or pan-fried eggs for extra protein.
• For some variety, you could even try this with scallops or chunks of lobster instead of shrimp for a special occasion.
• If you’re feeling fancy, drizzle some truffle oil on top, and you have yourself a decadent meal!

Macros (Per Serving, Approximate):

• Yield: 4 servings
• Portion Size: About 1 cup per serving
• Calories: 400 kcal
• Fat: 30g
• Protein: 28g
• Total Carbs: 2g
• Sugars: 0g
• Sugar Alcohols: 0g
• Net Carbs: 0g
• Fat-to-Protein Ratio: About 1.07:1

Why This Recipe Works on Carnivore:

The shrimp provides a delicious, bite-sized base that is high in protein and super low in carbs. It takes the place of traditional pasta but keeps the dish light and carnivore-friendly. The cheese sauce, made with sodium citrate, is rich, creamy, and smooth—without needing any flour or starch to thicken it! Plus, the heavy cream adds a beautiful texture and fat content, which is perfect for staying satiated and fueling your body on a carnivore or keto diet.

You can personalize this dish with different cheeses or add-ins like bacon or even pork rinds for crunch. It's so versatile!

So, figli miei, there you have it—Carnivore Macaroni and Cheese made with shrimp and a beautifully smooth cheese sauce. A perfect, hearty dish for any day of the week. Buon appetito!

Nonna loves you, and remember—cheese makes everything better!