If you are craving a dish that combines the irresistible flavors of tender shrimp, creamy garlic sauce, and perfectly baked pasta, you are in for a treat with this Garlic Shrimp Pasta Bake Recipe. Imagine luscious penne pasta enveloped in a rich, cheesy garlic sauce, studded with succulent shrimp that have just the right hint of spice and garlic punch. This casserole is the ultimate comfort food, effortlessly blending texture, taste, and aroma that would quickly become a family favorite or an impressive dinner party centerpiece. Once you try this Garlic Shrimp Pasta Bake Recipe, your weeknight dinners will never be the same again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is the first step towards creating this mouthwatering dish. The ingredients are straightforward and each one plays an essential role in building the distinct layers of flavor, texture, and color in this Garlic Shrimp Pasta Bake Recipe.
- 12 oz penne or rigatoni pasta: These tube-shaped pastas hold onto the sauce beautifully, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.
- 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined): Fresh or thawed shrimp add a delicate sweetness and make the bake a seafood lover’s dream.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Used to sauté the shrimp and garlic, bringing out their natural aroma.
- 4 cloves garlic (minced): The heart of the recipe, garlic infuses the sauce and shrimp with irresistible warmth and depth.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a slight kick of spice, balancing the richness beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Helps create a creamy, velvety sauce that coats the pasta perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Acts as the thickening agent for the garlic cream sauce.
- 1 1/2 cups milk: Provides a smooth, creamy base without overpowering the dish.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Adds extra indulgence and richness to the sauce.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Brings nutty, savory depth to the creamy sauce.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (divided): Gives the dish that irresistible, gooey topping and melty interior texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the natural flavors of shrimp and cheese.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Provides a subtle hint of warmth and spice.
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional): A fresh garnish that brightens the rich flavors with a pop of color.
How to Make Garlic Shrimp Pasta Bake Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cooking your pasta until al dente. This means the pasta should be tender but still have a slight bite, which ensures it won’t become mushy during baking. Once cooked, drain the pasta well and set it aside. This simple step lays the foundation for absorbing that creamy, garlicky sauce later.
Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp and Garlic
Next, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Cook the shrimp just until they turn pink and opaque — about 2 to 3 minutes. This quick sauté keeps the shrimp tender and juicy. Then, remove the shrimp to a plate and leave the fragrant garlic-infused oil in the skillet for the sauce.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce
In the same skillet, melt butter and whisk in the flour to create a roux. Cooking it for about a minute helps remove any raw flour taste. Slowly whisk in the milk and cream, stirring constantly until the mixture is smooth and starts to thicken, which takes around 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, half of the mozzarella, salt, and pepper until everything is beautifully melted and combined into a luscious sauce.
Step 4: Combine Pasta, Shrimp, and Sauce
Return the cooked pasta and shrimp to the skillet and fold everything together gently, ensuring every piece of pasta is luxuriously coated with the creamy garlic sauce. This fusion is where the magic happens — creamy, cheesy, and bursting with flavor.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Transfer the shrimp and pasta mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella evenly over the top. Place the dish in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 15 to 20 minutes until the cheese topping is bubbly, golden, and slightly crispy on the edges. The baking step melds the flavors perfectly and creates that comforting casserole appeal.
How to Serve Garlic Shrimp Pasta Bake Recipe
Garnishes
Before serving, sprinkle chopped parsley over the top for a vibrant splash of green and fresh herbal notes. This simple garnish enhances the look and adds a lovely fresh contrast to the creamy richness.
Side Dishes
This Garlic Shrimp Pasta Bake pairs amazingly well with crisp green salads dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette or garlic-roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli. The freshness and crunch of the sides balance the creamy pasta perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fancy dinner party, serve portions in individual ramekins and garnish with a sprig of fresh basil or extra Parmesan. Alternatively, you can add sun-dried tomatoes or sautéed spinach inside the pasta bake for a colorful twist to impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Garlic Shrimp Pasta Bake can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. It retains its creaminess and flavor well, making it an excellent choice for next-day lunches or dinners.
Freezing
This recipe freezes wonderfully. After baking and cooling completely, portion the pasta bake into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftover pasta bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and bubbly, about 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave single servings, but the oven helps revive the fresh-baked texture and cheese topping best.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While rigatoni or penne works great because they hold sauce well, you can substitute fusilli, shells, or any other sturdy pasta. Just ensure it’s cooked al dente to prevent mushiness after baking.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Swap the butter for a plant-based alternative and use dairy-free milk and cheese substitutes. The creaminess won’t be quite the same, but it’ll still be delicious.
Can I prepare the Garlic Shrimp Pasta Bake Recipe ahead of time?
You can assemble the entire dish a day in advance, cover it, and refrigerate before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
What can I add to make it spicier?
Increase the red pepper flakes to your taste or add a splash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture. Fresh jalapeños or chili powder can also be stirred into the sauce for more heat.
Can I substitute chicken for shrimp?
Definitely! Diced or sliced chicken breast or thighs can be used instead of shrimp. Just be sure to cook the chicken thoroughly before combining it with the sauce and pasta.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Shrimp Pasta Bake Recipe is truly a crowd-pleaser, perfect for cozy nights or special gatherings. Its creamy, garlicky goodness paired with tender shrimp and perfectly baked pasta is irresistible. I encourage you to give this recipe a try—you’ll find it’s not only delicious but incredibly satisfying and surprisingly simple. Once you do, it may just become a new staple in your home kitchen!
Print
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: American
- Diet: Pescatarian
Description
This Garlic Shrimp Pasta Bake is a comforting and flavorful dish combining al dente pasta, succulent shrimp, and a creamy garlic sauce baked to golden perfection. Ideal for a family dinner, it features a rich Parmesan and mozzarella cheese blend with a hint of heat from red pepper flakes, garnished with fresh parsley for brightness.
Ingredients
Pasta and Shrimp
- 12 oz penne or rigatoni pasta
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the dish.
- Cook pasta: Boil the pasta in salted water until al dente, then drain and set aside to keep warm.
- Cook shrimp: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add shrimp, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook for 2–3 minutes until shrimp turn pink. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
- Make the sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux. Slowly whisk in milk and cream until the mixture is smooth. Cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add cheese and seasoning: Stir in Parmesan cheese, half of the mozzarella, salt, and black pepper until cheese is melted and sauce is well combined.
- Combine pasta and shrimp with sauce: Add the cooked pasta and shrimp to the skillet, gently stirring to coat everything evenly with the creamy sauce.
- Prepare to bake: Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15–20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from oven, sprinkle with chopped parsley if desired, and serve hot for a delicious meal.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken for shrimp or add spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and variety.
- For a lighter version, replace heavy cream with all milk to reduce fat content.
