Meet your new crowd-pleasing comfort food: Garlic Shrimp Pasta Bake. This dish brings together succulent shrimp, perfectly cooked pasta, and a outrageously creamy, cheesy sauce that’s brightened up by fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon. Imagine bubbling, golden cheese pulled hot from the oven, mingling with garlicky shrimp and tender noodles—it’s a weeknight dinner that feels like a celebration. Whether you’ve got a family to feed or simply crave something indulgent yet simple, Garlic Shrimp Pasta Bake is about to become a regular in your meal rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What you’ll love about Garlic Shrimp Pasta Bake is that the ingredient list is wonderfully straightforward, yet every element pulls its weight for depth of flavor, gooey texture, or visual appeal. Here’s what you’ll need, along with handy tips for each item!
- Penne pasta: Its ridges hold all that luscious sauce and cheese—choose whole wheat for extra fiber if you prefer.
- Large shrimp, peeled and deveined: Fresh or thawed frozen shrimp make all the difference for juicy, plump bites.
- Unsalted butter: Adds that rich, melt-in-your-mouth base to the sauce without making it too salty.
- Fresh garlic, minced: Nothing compares to real garlic for deep, savory flavor—don’t skimp here!
- Red pepper flakes: A touch of heat enlivens the whole dish.
- All-purpose flour: This thickens your sauce, making it creamy instead of runny.
- Whole milk: Brings creaminess without being overly rich.
- Heavy cream: For silkiness that makes the sauce absolutely luxurious (swap for half-and-half to lighten up).
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Choose freshly grated for big flavor and gorgeous melting.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: The secret behind that irresistible cheesy stretch on top.
- Italian seasoning: A blend that brings a Mediterranean twist to every bite.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for balancing and boosting all the flavors.
- Olive oil: Adds a lovely fruity note and helps sauté the garlic without burning.
- Fresh parsley, chopped: A sprinkle at the end makes the colors and flavors pop.
- Lemon wedges for serving: That fresh squeeze of citrus cuts through the richness and brings it all together.
How to Make Garlic Shrimp Pasta Bake
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Dish
Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and lightly coat it with oil or nonstick spray. This little bit of effort ensures your cheesy pasta bake lifts out of the pan with golden, bubbling edges every time.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta just until al dente. This way, it stays firm even after baking. Once done, drain thoroughly and set aside—you’re building the base for your Garlic Shrimp Pasta Bake!
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic and Shrimp
In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter with olive oil over medium heat. Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, letting them sizzle till fragrant (about a minute). Add the shrimp and cook them for 2 to 3 minutes until they turn just pink—no overcooked rubbery shrimp here! Scoop the shrimp out and set aside, leaving all those garlicky juices in the pan.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
Sprinkle the flour right into your skillet and whisk it for about a minute to get rid of any raw flour taste. Slowly pour in the whole milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly until the sauce smooths out and thickens, about 3 to 4 minutes. This is where your Garlic Shrimp Pasta Bake gets its creamy signature! Dump in the Parmesan, mozzarella, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir till the cheese melts into a silky, savory sauce.
Step 5: Combine and Finish
Add the cooked pasta and shrimp back into the skillet, tossing to coat every nook in sauce. Spread everything evenly into your prepared baking dish. Pop it in the oven, uncovered, for about 20 minutes until the top is bubbling and lightly browned. A few minutes later, you’ll understand why Garlic Shrimp Pasta Bake is pure comfort food magic.
How to Serve Garlic Shrimp Pasta Bake
Garnishes
Right before serving, scatter a handful of fresh chopped parsley over the top for a burst of color and flavor. Don’t forget the lemon wedges; a squeeze of citrus juice just before you dig in makes the Garlic Shrimp Pasta Bake pop with brightness and balances the creamy sauce beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair your bubbling pasta bake with a crisp green salad dressed with a zippy vinaigrette, or some roasted asparagus for a little crunch. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette is an absolute must, ideal for scooping up the cheesy sauce clinging to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Transform Garlic Shrimp Pasta Bake into individual ramekins for a dinner party or serve right from the bubbling dish for rustic, family-style charm. For a fun twist, top each portion with extra lemon zest, or fold in baby spinach or sun-dried tomatoes before baking for a pop of color and flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To store leftover Garlic Shrimp Pasta Bake, let it cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it a satisfying meal prep option.
Freezing
You can easily freeze portions of the pasta bake. Simply wrap them tightly in foil or place in freezer-safe containers before baking or after baking and cooling completely. Garlic Shrimp Pasta Bake will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 2 months, perfect for no-fuss dinners down the line.
Reheating
To reheat leftovers, bake covered at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or use the microwave in short bursts, stirring gently between intervals to keep the sauce creamy. A fresh sprinkle of mozzarella or a dash of cream will restore that irresistible cheesy texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While penne is perfect for catching all the cheesy sauce, you can use rigatoni, fusilli, or even spaghetti broken in half—just stick to shapes that hold up well to baking.
What if I don’t have heavy cream?
No worries! You can swap in half-and-half or even whole milk for a lighter sauce. The bake will still turn out creamy and delicious, though not quite as rich.
Can I make Garlic Shrimp Pasta Bake ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the dish up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if it’s cold from the fridge.
Is this recipe spicy?
As written, Garlic Shrimp Pasta Bake has just a hint of heat from the red pepper flakes. Like it spicier? Add more to taste, or leave them out entirely for a milder family meal.
What can I add for more veggies?
This recipe is super flexible—try stirring in fresh spinach, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, or sautéed mushrooms to boost the nutrition and add even more flavor to your Garlic Shrimp Pasta Bake.
Final Thoughts
If comfort, ease, and flavor are what you’re after, make room in your kitchen for Garlic Shrimp Pasta Bake. Every forkful is pure cozy, cheesy bliss, and you’ll love sharing it with friends or family—though don’t be surprised if there are no leftovers. Give it a try soon and see why this recipe is destined to become your new favorite!
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Garlic Shrimp Pasta Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired, American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Garlic Shrimp Pasta Bake is a delicious and comforting dish that combines tender shrimp, al dente pasta, and a creamy, cheesy sauce baked to perfection. With a hint of garlic and Italian seasoning, this flavorful pasta bake is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 12 ounces penne pasta
Shrimp:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the pasta: Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Prepare the sauce: In a large skillet, melt the butter and olive oil. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes, then add the shrimp and cook until pink. Remove shrimp and set aside. Whisk in flour, then gradually add milk and heavy cream. Stir in cheeses, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Combine and bake: Add pasta and shrimp back to the skillet. Transfer mixture to baking dish and bake for 20 minutes until golden. Garnish with parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
Notes
- You can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream to lighten the sauce.
- For extra flavor, consider adding spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or mushrooms before baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 710 mg
- Fat: 23 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 47 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 195 mg
