If you’re craving a comforting, cheesy dish that’s bursting with flavor, look no further than this Garlic Shrimp Pasta Bake Recipe. It’s a delightful blend of tender shrimp, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich, garlicky cheese sauce baked to bubbly perfection. This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing meal that’s perfect for family dinners or casual get-togethers. Once you try this Garlic Shrimp Pasta Bake Recipe, it’s sure to become one of your favorite go-to dishes for any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this Garlic Shrimp Pasta Bake Recipe is simple, but each one plays a crucial role in building the dish’s irresistible flavor and texture. From the juicy shrimp and tender pasta to the creamy cheese sauce infused with garlic, every item works together to create a perfect harmony that’s both rich and satisfying.
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined: Provides succulent seafood flavor and a tender bite.
- 1/2 pound pasta (any type): Acts as a hearty base that soaks up the creamy sauce beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a subtle, fruity richness while sautéing the shrimp and aromatics.
- 1/2 cup chopped onion: Gives a mild sweetness and depth of flavor to the sauce.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: The star ingredient that infuses the dish with irresistible pungency and warmth.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the sauce to the perfect creamy consistency.
- 3 cups milk: Creates the luscious base of the cheese sauce.
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Adds sharpness and gooey texture to the sauce.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a nutty, salty kick that elevates the dish.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors throughout the bake.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle heat and balances the richness of the cheese sauce.
How to Make Garlic Shrimp Pasta Bake Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Cook the Pasta
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it warms up, cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain it well and set it aside. The pasta will soak up the creamy sauce later, so slightly firm noodles work best to prevent mushiness after baking.
Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes until they turn pink and opaque. It’s important not to overcook them here because they’ll continue cooking in the oven. Once done, remove the shrimp and set aside to keep their tender texture intact.
Step 3: Cook the Aromatics
In the same skillet, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. These create the flavor foundation for the sauce. Allow them to soften gently over 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally so the garlic releases all its pungent aroma without burning.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce
Sprinkle the flour over the softened onion and garlic, stirring constantly for about one minute to cook out the raw flour taste. Slowly whisk in the milk, creating a smooth mixture free of lumps. Bring this to a gentle simmer and cook until it thickens, which should take about five minutes. Then, stir in the shredded cheddar, grated Parmesan, salt, and black pepper until everything is melted and blended into a luxuriously creamy sauce.
Step 5: Combine and Bake
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet along with the drained pasta. Toss everything gently but thoroughly to coat every piece in the cheesy garlic sauce. Transfer this delicious mix to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Slide it into the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until the top is bubbly and lightly golden. This finishing step melds all the flavors perfectly and adds a warm, inviting touch to the dish.
How to Serve Garlic Shrimp Pasta Bake Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil on top adds a fresh, vibrant color and a hint of herbal brightness that perfectly complements the rich cheese sauce. For an extra punch, a dash of red pepper flakes gives a subtle heat that wakes up the palate.
Side Dishes
Because the Garlic Shrimp Pasta Bake Recipe is rich and creamy, light sides like a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette or steamed seasonal vegetables work beautifully to balance out the meal. Garlic bread or crusty baguette also pairs wonderfully, inviting you to soak up every last bit of the sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Individual servings baked in ramekins create an impressive presentation for dinner parties. Layering the shrimp and pasta alternately with cheese sauce in a glass casserole dish showcases the colorful layers visually. You can also top the bake with toasted breadcrumbs for added texture and a delightful crunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself lucky enough to have leftovers from your Garlic Shrimp Pasta Bake Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep fresh for up to three days while maintaining their creamy goodness and succulent shrimp flavors.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well, making it a perfect make-ahead option. Place the bake in a freezer-safe container or cover the baking dish tightly with foil and plastic wrap. It will keep for up to two months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, typically 15-20 minutes, to maintain that wonderful texture. Alternatively, the microwave works for a quicker option, but be sure to cover the dish to keep the moisture locked in.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this Garlic Shrimp Pasta Bake Recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp works perfectly. Just make sure to thaw them completely, pat dry to remove excess moisture, and cook as directed to avoid watery sauce.
What type of pasta is best for this bake?
Any pasta you love will work, but short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or shells hold the sauce best. Even spaghetti can be adapted if you prefer the thinner strands.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can substitute milk and cheeses with plant-based alternatives, but keep in mind the flavor and consistency will differ slightly. Nutritional yeast can also add a cheesy taste.
Is it possible to add vegetables to the dish?
Absolutely! Spinach, peas, or diced bell peppers can be stirred in before baking for extra color and nutrition without overpowering the garlic and shrimp flavors.
Can I double the recipe for larger gatherings?
Definitely! Just use a larger baking dish or split into two and adjust the baking time slightly to ensure it heats evenly and cooks thoroughly.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Shrimp Pasta Bake Recipe is one of those dishes that just feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s creamy, cheesy, garlicky, and full of tender shrimp—all baked to bubbly perfection. Whether you’re feeding family or friends, it’s a straightforward recipe that delivers impressive flavor every time. Grab these simple ingredients and dive in—you’ll soon see why this has become such a beloved favorite.
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Garlic Shrimp Pasta Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Garlic Shrimp Pasta Bake is a creamy, cheesy comfort dish that combines succulent shrimp with tender pasta baked in a rich garlic cheese sauce. Perfect for a family dinner or meal prep, it blends sautéed shrimp and aromatic garlic with a velvety cheese sauce, all finished in the oven to achieve a bubbly, golden top.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Pasta
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 pound pasta (any type)
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the pasta dish later.
- Cook Pasta: Boil the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to prevent overcooking during the baking stage.
- Cook Shrimp: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp and cook for about 2-3 minutes until they turn pink and are cooked through. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add chopped onions and minced garlic. Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant, which will build the base flavor for the sauce.
- Make Roux: Stir in the flour into the onion and garlic mixture and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to avoid lumps and to cook out the raw flour taste.
- Prepare Sauce: Gradually whisk in the milk to create a smooth sauce. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes until it thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Add Cheese and Seasoning: Stir in the shredded cheddar, grated Parmesan, salt, and black pepper, mixing until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is well combined.
- Combine Pasta and Shrimp: Add the cooked pasta and shrimp back into the skillet with the cheese sauce. Stir gently to ensure everything is evenly coated.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the pasta mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, smoothing out the top for even baking.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and the dish is heated through.
- Serve: Remove from oven and serve hot. Enjoy your comforting garlic shrimp pasta bake!
Notes
- You can use any type of pasta you prefer, such as penne, fusilli, or rotini.
- For a creamier texture, you can substitute half of the milk with heavy cream.
- To add more flavor, consider sprinkling extra Parmesan or breadcrumbs on top before baking.
- Make sure not to overcook the shrimp during sautéing to keep them tender and juicy.
- This dish can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat thoroughly before serving.
