Creamy Shrimp Pasta Bake: A Comforting, Flavorful Dish! 🍤🧀🍝
This Creamy Shrimp Pasta Bake is a decadent, flavor-packed dish that combines tender shrimp, rich cheese, and perfectly cooked pasta. It’s the ultimate comfort food that’s perfect for dinner or special occasions!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❤️
✅ Rich & Creamy – A heavenly combination of heavy cream, Parmesan, and mozzarella.
✅ Easy to Make – Simple steps with an impressive result!
✅ Flavorful Shrimp – Sweet, succulent shrimp with garlic and a touch of heat.
✅ Golden & Crispy Topping – A perfectly baked, crunchy topping with panko and Parmesan.
Ingredients You’ll Need 🛒
For the Pasta Bake:
8 ounces of penne or rotini pasta
1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup dry white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc)
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust based on spice preference)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Juice of 1 lemon
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Topping:
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions 👩🍳
Cook the Pasta
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Shrimp
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes until they start to turn pink.
Pour in the white wine, salt, and pepper, and let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes.
Stir in the lemon juice and heavy cream, bringing it to a gentle simmer.
Mix in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined.
Combine Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the shrimp mixture. Stir until the pasta is evenly coated.
Assemble the Bake
Transfer the pasta and shrimp mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
Top it with the shredded mozzarella cheese.
Prepare the Topping
In a small bowl, mix together the panko breadcrumbs, olive oil, and 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese.
Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the pasta bake.
Bake
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
Garnish and Serve
Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Pro Tips for the Best Pasta Bake 🔥
✔ Adjust the spice – If you like more heat, increase the red pepper flakes.
✔ Cook the shrimp properly – Don’t overcook the shrimp to keep them tender and juicy.
✔ Use a mix of cheeses – Try adding a bit of Asiago or Gruyere for extra flavor depth.
Serving Suggestions 🍽️
✨ Serve with a crisp green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
✨ Pair with a glass of white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, to complement the flavors.
✨ Leftovers? Store in an airtight container and reheat in the oven for best results.
Final Verdict: Creamy, Cheesy, and Irresistible!
This Creamy Shrimp Pasta Bake is a showstopper—creamy, cheesy, and bursting with flavor. It’s perfect for a family dinner or any occasion that calls for a comforting, indulgent meal. Try it tonight and treat yourself! 😍