This Shrimp Alfredo Pasta Bake is creamy and cheesy, bringing together tender shrimp and pasta in a comforting dish. It’s perfect for a cozy family dinner!
You’ll love how easy it is to whip up! Just mix, bake, and watch it disappear from the table. Honestly, who can resist the cheesy goodness? 🦐🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Penne Pasta: This is a great choice because its shape holds onto the sauce really well. If you don’t have penne, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, like rigatoni, fusilli, or even spaghetti.
Shrimp: Go for large, fresh shrimp if you can. Frozen shrimp works too; just make sure it’s thawed and well-drained. If shrimp isn’t your thing, consider using cooked chicken or even vegetables like broccoli or zucchini for a veggie bake!
Heavy Cream: This gives the dish its creamy texture. If you’re looking to lighten it up, try using half-and-half or a combination of milk and cream. Non-dairy options like coconut cream could also work but will change the flavor a bit.
Parmesan Cheese: This contributes a lovely salty flavor. If you can’t find it, you can use Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano as substitutes. For a dairy-free version, look for vegan cheese alternatives.
How Do You Make the Perfect Alfredo Sauce?
Making a creamy Alfredo sauce may seem tricky, but it’s all about the timing and the heat. Here’s how to do it:
- Start with medium heat to melt the butter and sauté the garlic — you want it fragrant but not burnt.
- When adding heavy cream, keep the heat low enough to simmer without boiling. This keeps the cream from separating.
- Gradually add the cheese and stir constantly. This helps the cheese melt evenly and prevents clumping.
Stir until the sauce is smooth and thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. If it gets too thick, a splash of more milk or cream can help adjust the consistency.
Shrimp Alfredo Pasta Bake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Dish:
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for topping
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, plus more for garnish
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Optional: red pepper flakes for a little heat
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish takes approximately 15 minutes to prep and about 25 minutes to bake. With a total time of around 40 minutes, you’ll have a comforting, creamy Shrimp Alfredo Pasta Bake ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Pasta:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it reaches al dente. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Shrimp:
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper. Sauté the shrimp in the skillet until they turn pink and opaque, about 2 minutes per side. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.
3. Make the Creamy Alfredo Sauce:
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Then, pour in the heavy cream and milk, stirring to combine. Allow the mixture to come to a gentle simmer.
4. Add Cheese and Seasonings:
Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese into the sauce, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth. Next, stir in the Italian seasoning, along with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes for a little heat.
5. Combine Pasta and Shrimp:
Once the sauce is ready, add the cooked pasta and sautéed shrimp into the skillet. Toss everything gently to ensure the pasta and shrimp are evenly coated in the creamy sauce.
6. Bake to Perfection:
Transfer the shrimp Alfredo mixture into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese and extra Parmesan on top. Bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on the edges.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve hot, and indulge in this creamy, comforting Shrimp Alfredo Pasta Bake that’s sure to please everyone at the table!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Absolutely! If you’re using frozen shrimp, be sure to thaw them completely before cooking. You can do this by placing them in the refrigerator overnight or by running them under cold water in a sealed bag for about 10-15 minutes. Pat them dry to remove excess moisture before sautéing.
What Other Pasta Shapes Can I Use?
While penne is a great choice, you can substitute it with any pasta shape you enjoy! Fusilli, rigatoni, or even rotini work well for holding the creamy sauce. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions, keeping an eye on doneness.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the microwave or on the stove over low heat. If the sauce has thickened, you can add a splash of milk to loosen it up while reheating.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the pasta and sauce ahead of time! Just assemble everything in the baking dish, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready, bake it straight from the fridge, but you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.