🍤🧄 Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Bake 🧀🍝

Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Bake is a creamy, cheesy comfort dish featuring tender shrimp, al dente pasta, a rich garlic butter-Parmesan sauce, and a golden, bubbly cheese topping. It’s an easy weeknight dinner that’s elegant enough to serve to guests.

Prep Time

• Prep: 15 minutes
• Cook: 20 minutes
• Bake: 20 minutes
• Total: 55 minutes

Servings: 6

---

Ingredients

Pasta & Shrimp

• 12 oz (340 g) penne, rigatoni, or rotini
• 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Garlic Butter Sauce

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Cheese Topping

• 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

---

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook the pasta until al dente (about 1–2 minutes less than the package directions).
3. Drain and set aside.

2. Cook the Shrimp

1. Season the shrimp with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Cook the shrimp for 1–2 minutes per side, just until pink.
4. Transfer to a plate.

3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

1. In the same skillet, melt the butter.
2. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute.
4. Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream until smooth.
5. Simmer for 3–4 minutes, stirring often.
6. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes until the sauce is smooth.

4. Assemble

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Combine the cooked pasta, shrimp, and garlic butter sauce.
3. Transfer to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
4. Sprinkle evenly with mozzarella and Parmesan.

5. Bake

1. Bake for 18–20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
2. For a golden top, broil for 2–3 minutes, watching carefully.
3. Garnish with parsley before serving.

---

Serving Suggestions

• 🥖 Garlic bread
• 🥗 Caesar or garden salad
• 🥦 Roasted broccoli
• 🥬 Steamed asparagus
• 🍋 Lemon wedges

---

Variations

🍄 Mushroom Garlic Shrimp Bake

Add 8 oz (225 g) sautéed mushrooms to the sauce.

🥬 Spinach Parmesan Bake

Stir in 2 cups of fresh spinach before baking.

🌶 Cajun Shrimp Pasta Bake

Replace the paprika and Italian seasoning with 2 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning.

🦀 Seafood Bake

Add lump crab meat or scallops for an extra-special seafood casserole.

---

Approximate Nutrition (Per Serving)

• Calories: 590
• Protein: 35 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fat: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g

Nutrition values are approximate and will vary based on the ingredients used.

Tips for the Best Pasta Bake

• Cook the pasta just until al dente, as it will continue cooking in the oven.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for a smoother, richer sauce.
• Avoid overcooking the shrimp before baking—they’ll finish cooking in the oven.
• Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving so the sauce thickens slightly. 🍤🧄🧀🍝