Garlic Shrimp Pasta Bake Recipe

When it comes to comfort food that’s both easy to prepare and loaded with flavor, a Garlic Shrimp Pasta Bake stands out as a fan favorite. Combining succulent shrimp, al dente pasta, and a creamy, garlicky sauce baked to perfection, this dish hits all the right notes. Whether you’re planning a weeknight dinner, a family gathering, or a casual get-together, this garlic shrimp pasta bake is sure to impress. Let’s dive into a detailed recipe that covers everything from ingredients and preparation to tips for making it your own.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

Start by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions. For this recipe, penne pasta works great because its shape holds onto the creamy sauce and shrimp, but you can use other short pastas like rigatoni, fusilli, or farfalle if preferred. To do this:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Add the pasta and cook for 1-2 minutes less than the package suggests, as the pasta will continue cooking in the oven.
• Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside.

This step is essential to ensure your pasta doesn’t become too soft when baked later on. The goal is to have it perfectly al dente.

2. Prepare the Shrimp

While the pasta is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook them until they turn pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side, depending on their size. Shrimp cook quickly, so be careful not to overcook them.

• Season the shrimp with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) to add a little heat.
• Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.

Be sure to leave the oil and any leftover bits of shrimp in the pan, as you’ll use this to build your garlic sauce later.

3. Make the Garlic Sauce

In the same skillet where the shrimp were cooked, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté it until fragrant, about 1 minute. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.

Next, sprinkle the flour over the garlic and stir it well to make a roux (a mixture of fat and flour). Cook this mixture for about 1-2 minutes, constantly stirring to prevent burning.

Slowly whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, around 3-4 minutes.

• Add the heavy cream, chicken broth, and 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese to the sauce. Stir everything together until well combined.
• Season with garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika (if using). Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
• Simmer the sauce for an additional 2-3 minutes, then remove it from the heat.

This sauce is the backbone of your pasta bake, providing that creamy, garlicky goodness that ties everything together.

4. Assemble the Pasta Bake

Now, it’s time to bring everything together:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shrimp, and garlic sauce. Toss everything together to coat the pasta and shrimp evenly with the creamy sauce.
• Transfer the pasta and shrimp mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Use a spatula to spread the mixture evenly in the dish.

5. Add Cheese and Topping

Now comes the fun part—cheese and crunch:

• Sprinkle the grated mozzarella and remaining Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the pasta.
• If you like a crispy topping, sprinkle panko breadcrumbs over the cheese layer.
• You can drizzle a little extra melted butter over the breadcrumbs for an extra golden finish.

This cheese and breadcrumb topping will become bubbly and golden as it bakes, creating a wonderful contrast to the creamy pasta beneath.

6. Bake

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown. If you added panko breadcrumbs, they should be crispy and golden on top.

After baking, remove the dish from the oven and let it sit for 5-10 minutes before serving. This will help the dish set and make it easier to cut into portions.

7. Garnish and Serve

Before serving, garnish the pasta bake with freshly chopped parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice for a fresh, bright contrast to the rich flavors of the dish.

Tips for Success

1. Use Fresh Shrimp: While frozen shrimp work perfectly fine, fresh shrimp will elevate the flavor of your dish. Look for shrimp that are firm and have a slight sheen. Make sure to peel and devein them before cooking.

2. Customize the Heat: The red pepper flakes are optional, but they add a nice kick to the dish. If you prefer a spicier version, consider adding a diced jalapeño to the garlic sauce or using cayenne pepper.

3. Make Ahead: This dish is perfect for meal prep or entertaining. You can assemble it ahead of time, refrigerate it, and then bake it when you’re ready. Just be sure to extend the baking time by 10-15 minutes if it’s been refrigerated.

4. Cheese Varieties: While mozzarella is the classic cheese for this bake, feel free to experiment with other cheeses. Gruyère, cheddar, or even a little goat cheese would add unique flavors.

5. For Extra Creaminess: If you want your pasta bake to be extra creamy, use half-and-half or add an extra 1/2 cup of heavy cream to the sauce. You can also stir in some cream cheese or mascarpone for added richness.

Variations of Garlic Shrimp Pasta Bake

If you want to make this dish even more personalized, there are a few ways to tweak the recipe to suit your preferences or dietary needs.

1. Vegetarian Version: If you’re not a fan of shrimp or are cooking for vegetarians, replace the shrimp with sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach. These ingredients will soak up the creamy garlic sauce and still offer a satisfying dish.

2. Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and gluten-free flour to make the dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

3. Low-Carb or Keto-Friendly: Swap the pasta with zucchini noodles (zoodles) or a cauliflower-based pasta. You could also increase the amount of shrimp and vegetables for a more protein-packed meal.

Conclusion

A Garlic Shrimp Pasta Bake is a simple yet satisfying meal that combines the bold flavors of garlic, shrimp, and a creamy cheese sauce with the heartiness of pasta. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy night in, this dish is sure to please. With a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can create a delicious, comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion. So, get in the kitchen, gather your ingredients, and start baking your way to a flavorful, satisfying dinner tonight!

Yield: 6

Garlic Shrimp Pasta Bake Recipe

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When it comes to comfort food that’s both easy to prepare and loaded with flavor, a Garlic Shrimp Pasta Bake stands out as a fan favorite. Combining succulent shrimp, al dente pasta, and a creamy, garlicky sauce baked to perfection, this dish hits all the right notes. Whether you’re planning a weeknight dinner, a family gathering, or a casual get-together, this garlic shrimp pasta bake is sure to impress. Let’s dive into a detailed recipe that covers everything from ingredients and preparation to tips for making it your own.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 35 minutes

Total Time 50 minutes

Ingredients

• 8 oz (about 2 cups) pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite type)
• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned, drained)
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (for topping)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish or a similar sized casserole dish.
   
2. Cook Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package instructions, but undercook it by about 1-2 minutes (it will continue cooking in the oven). Drain and set aside.
   
3. Cook Shrimp: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until they are pink and opaque. Remove from heat and set aside.
   
4. Make Garlic Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil and butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Add the red pepper flakes (if using) and season with salt and black pepper. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
   
5. Combine Pasta and Shrimp: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shrimp, and diced tomatoes. Pour the garlic sauce over the mixture and toss to coat evenly.
   
6. Assemble the Bake: Transfer the pasta and shrimp mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese evenly on top. Add the panko breadcrumbs for a crispy topping.
   
7. Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.
   
8. Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.

Notes

Shrimp: If you prefer, you can use pre-cooked shrimp to save time. Just add it to the sauce at the end to warm through.

Vegetarian Option: Replace the shrimp with sautéed vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers for a vegetarian version.

Make-Ahead: This dish can be assembled in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.

Spicy Kick: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your spice preference or omit them entirely for a mild version.