Garlic Shrimp Pasta Bake

Rate this recipe
Be the first to rate
By Published

Are you looking for a delicious and easy-to-make dinner recipe that will satisfy your cravings?

Jump to recipePin it
Garlic Shrimp Pasta Bake
Prep
20 min
Cook
25 min
Total
45 min
Servings
6

Method

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

  2. Boil a large pot of lightly salted water. Add penne and cook for about 11 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is tender but still firm. Drain and set aside.

  3. While the pasta is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of butter and oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until it becomes fragrant (around 30 seconds). Add shrimp, 2 tablespoons of parsley, and dill. Cook the shrimp for 1 1/2 to 2 minutes per side, until they turn bright pink and the meat is opaque. Transfer the shrimp to a plate, leaving the cooking juices in the pan.

  4. In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour until it is fully combined and starts to turn golden (around 30 seconds to 1 minute). Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and then the milk. Stir in the tomatoes, lemon juice, salt, and pepper, and bring the mixture to a simmer.

  5. Stir in 1/2 cup of Parmesan and Romano cheeses until they begin to melt and the sauce becomes creamy. Add 1 tablespoon of mozzarella cheese, then mix in 1/2 of the cooked pasta. If there is enough sauce to coat it, add more pasta. Stir in the cooked shrimp and then top with

About this recipe

Are you looking for a delicious and easy-to-make dinner recipe that will satisfy your cravings? Look no further than garlic shrimp pasta bake! This mouthwatering dish combines the flavors of succulent shrimp, savory garlic, and al dente pasta, all baked to perfection. In this article, we'll explore the steps to create this delectable meal, along with some tips and tricks to make it even better. So, let's dive in and discover the wonders of garlic shrimp pasta bake!

Prepare the Ingredients

Before we begin, let's gather all the necessary ingredients for our garlic shrimp pasta bake. You'll need fresh shrimp, pasta of your choice, garlic cloves, cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, mozzarella cheese, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Don't forget to preheat your oven to the recommended temperature, as we'll be baking our dish to perfection!

Cook the Pasta

The first step in creating garlic shrimp pasta bake is to cook the pasta until it's al dente. Remember, al dente means "to the tooth" in Italian, indicating that the pasta should be cooked until it's firm but still has a slight bite to it. This will ensure that the pasta doesn't become mushy after baking. Drain the pasta and set it aside for now.

Sauté the Shrimp and Garlic

Next, let's sauté our shrimp and garlic to infuse them with incredible flavors. Heat some olive oil in a pan over medium heat and add the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic until it becomes fragrant and slightly golden, then add the shrimp. Cook the shrimp until they turn pink and opaque, ensuring they are fully cooked. Set aside the cooked shrimp and garlic.

Assemble and Bake

Now comes the fun part – assembling the garlic shrimp pasta bake! In a large baking dish, combine the cooked pasta, sautéed shrimp and garlic, halved cherry tomatoes, and torn fresh basil leaves. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste. Mix everything together gently, making sure all the ingredients are evenly distributed.

Top the dish with shredded mozzarella cheese, allowing it to melt and form a golden-brown crust during baking. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake until the cheese is bubbly and the dish is heated through. The aroma filling your kitchen will be simply irresistible!

Enjoy Your Garlic Shrimp Pasta Bake

Once the garlic shrimp pasta bake is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. The flavors will have melded together beautifully, creating a mouthwatering dish that's ready to be devoured. Serve it hot and garnish with some fresh basil leaves for an extra pop of flavor.

Whether you're cooking for a weeknight dinner or hosting a dinner party, garlic shrimp pasta bake is sure to impress your guests. Its rich and comforting flavors will have everyone coming back for seconds. So, don't wait any longer – head to your kitchen and start cooking this delectable dish!

Frequently asked questions

. Can I use frozen shrimp for garlic shrimp pasta bake?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp for this recipe. Just make sure to thaw them before cooking and follow the same steps as mentioned above.

. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! While mozzarella cheese is commonly used in this recipe, you can experiment with other cheeses like cheddar or Parmesan for a unique twist.

. Can I add vegetables to the dish?

Definitely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms to enhance the nutritional value and taste of the dish.

. Can I make garlic shrimp pasta bake ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dish ahead of time and refrigerate it until you're ready to bake. Just remember to adjust the baking time accordingly, as the dish may take longer to heat through.

. Can I substitute the shrimp with chicken or tofu?

Of course! If you're not a fan of shrimp, you can substitute it with cooked chicken or tofu for a delicious alternative. Adjust the cooking time accordingly based on your chosen protein.

. How long does garlic shrimp pasta bake last in the refrigerator?

Garlic shrimp pasta bake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container to maintain its freshness.

. Can I freeze garlic shrimp pasta bake?

Yes, you can freeze garlic shrimp pasta bake for future enjoyment. Simply place it in a freezer-safe container and store it for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.

. What side dishes go well with garlic shrimp pasta bake?

Garlic shrimp pasta bake pairs well with a fresh green salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables. These sides complement the flavors of the dish and provide a well-rounded meal.

Now that you have all the information you need, it's time to get cooking! Gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and indulge in the delightful flavors of garlic shrimp pasta bake. Bon appétit!

AprilCook, recipe developer and the heart of Chefwiz. More about April

More dinner

See all →