Why You Should Make This Garlic Shrimp Pasta Bake Today
Craving a comforting, delicious, and easy-to-make meal that feels like a restaurant-quality dish? This Garlic Shrimp Pasta Bake is the perfect solution! Combining tender shrimp, al dente pasta, and a creamy, garlicky sauce, this dish is baked to perfection with a golden, cheesy crust. It’s perfect for a family dinner, a gathering with friends, or even meal prep for the week. The best part? It’s ready in under an hour! So grab your apron, and let’s create this mouthwatering masterpiece that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Pasta and Shrimp:
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk (whole milk or half-and-half for creaminess)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Garlic Shrimp Pasta Bake
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Garlic Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Sprinkle in the flour, whisking constantly to create a roux. Cook for about 1 minute until the flour is golden.
- Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Continue cooking and stirring until the sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, ground nutmeg, and season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Combine and Assemble the Bake
- Add the cooked pasta and half of the sautéed shrimp to the sauce, stirring until everything is well coated.
- Transfer the pasta and shrimp mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with the remaining shrimp.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
Step 5: Bake and Serve
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly with a golden crust.
- Remove from the oven, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Variation: You can add some vegetables like spinach, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms to the pasta for extra flavor and nutrients.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
- Make-Ahead: Prepare the dish up to the point of baking, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake as directed when ready to serve.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking.
Q: What type of pasta is best for this dish?
A: Penne pasta is ideal because its shape holds the sauce well. However, you can use any short pasta like rigatoni, fusilli, or ziti.
Q: Can I substitute the heavy cream with a lighter option?
A: If you prefer a lighter dish, you can substitute the heavy cream with more milk or use a light cream alternative. The sauce will be slightly less rich but still delicious.
For another amazing dinner idea, check out our Banana Cream Cheesecake Bars Recipe.