Garlic Shrimp Pasta Bake
A creamy, comforting dish that combines succulent shrimp, al dente pasta, and a rich garlic-infused sauce, all baked to golden perfection. This Garlic Shrimp Pasta Bake is an impressive yet straightforward dinner that’s perfect for both weeknight meals and special occasions.
Easy Garlic Shrimp Pasta Bake Recipe
There’s something magical about a bubbling pasta bake fresh from the oven, especially when it’s loaded with plump shrimp and infused with garlic. This Garlic Shrimp Pasta Bake Recipe brings together the classic pairing of seafood and pasta in a comforting casserole that’s sure to become a family favorite. Perfect for chilly fall evenings or as a crowd-pleasing dish during the holiday season, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into something truly special.
THIS RECIPE:
- Combines tender shrimp with pasta in a creamy, garlicky sauce
- Features a golden, crispy parmesan topping
- Can be prepped ahead for easy entertaining
- Uses pantry staples alongside fresh seafood
| Recipe Details | |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 20 minutes |
| Cook Time | 30 minutes |
| Total Time | 50 minutes |
| Servings | 6 portions |
| Yield | One 9×13 inch baking dish |
This Garlic Shrimp Pasta Bake is the ultimate comfort food with an elegant twist. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity—despite its impressive appearance, it comes together with minimal effort. The creamy sauce coats each piece of pasta perfectly, while the shrimp adds a delicate sweetness that balances the savory garlic notes. Even kitchen novices can create this restaurant-worthy dish with confidence.
Ingredients for Garlic Shrimp Pasta Bake Recipe
The quality of your ingredients makes all the difference in this Garlic Shrimp Pasta Bake Recipe. Since the dish has relatively few components, each one should shine. Fresh shrimp is particularly important—frozen is acceptable if properly thawed, but fresh will provide the best texture and flavor.
For the Pasta and Shrimp:
- 12 oz (340g) penne pasta (or other short pasta shape)
- 1 ½ lbs (680g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 teaspoon salt, divided
- ½ teaspoon black pepper, divided
For the Garlic Cream Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 8 cloves garlic, minced (about 3 tablespoons)
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk, at room temperature
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
For Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest
When selecting shrimp, look for firm specimens with a mild ocean smell—anything with a strong ammonia odor should be avoided. Size matters here; I recommend using large (31/40 count) or extra-large (26/30 count) shrimp for this dish.
| Ingredient Category | Recommended Quantity | Quality Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Pasta | 12 oz (340g) | Choose bronze-die extruded pasta for better sauce adhesion |
| Shrimp | 1 ½ lbs (680g) | Fresh or properly thawed frozen; sustainable sources preferred |
| Garlic | 8 cloves | Fresh bulbs with firm cloves; pre-minced not recommended |
| Cheese | 2 cups total | Freshly grated provides better melting properties than pre-packaged |
| Dairy | 3 cups combined | Full-fat products yield the creamiest sauce |
How to Make Garlic Shrimp Pasta Bake Recipe
Creating this Garlic Shrimp Pasta Bake involves several components that come together beautifully. The process starts with preparing the pasta and shrimp separately, making a luscious garlic cream sauce, and then combining everything for its final transformation in the oven. Each step builds flavor, resulting in a cohesive, delicious dish.
Preheat and prep: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta for 2 minutes less than package directions (it will finish cooking in the oven). Drain and set aside.
Prepare the shrimp:
- Pat shrimp dry with paper towels
- Season with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat
- Cook shrimp in a single layer for 1-2 minutes per side until just pink (do not overcook)
- Remove to a plate and set aside
Make the garlic cream sauce:
- In the same skillet, heat remaining olive oil and butter
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant
- Sprinkle in flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute
- Gradually whisk in milk, cream, and broth
- Add Italian herbs, remaining salt and pepper, and red pepper flakes if using
- Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes until thickened
- Remove from heat and stir in ¾ cup Parmesan cheese until melted
Combine and assemble:
- Gently fold cooked pasta and shrimp into the sauce
- Transfer mixture to the prepared baking dish
- Sprinkle with remaining Parmesan and all of the mozzarella cheese
Bake: Place in preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbling and golden on top.
Finish: Let the pasta bake rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley and lemon zest just before serving.
Pro tip: For a beautifully browned top, switch your oven to broil for the final 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Tips for Making Garlic Shrimp Pasta Bake Recipe
Take your Garlic Shrimp Pasta Bake Recipe from good to great with these professional insights:
- Don’t overcook the shrimp before adding them to the bake. They should be just pink, as they’ll continue cooking in the oven.
- Use room temperature dairy products for the sauce to prevent curdling and ensure smooth incorporation.
- Choose the right pasta shape that will hold the sauce well. Penne, rigatoni, shells, or fusilli are excellent choices.
- Season at every stage to build layers of flavor throughout the dish.
| Technique | Recommendation | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Pasta Cooking | 2 minutes underdone | Prevents mushy pasta in the final bake |
| Shrimp Preparation | Quick sear only | Ensures tender shrimp that won’t become rubbery |
| Sauce Consistency | Coat the back of a spoon | Perfect thickness for baking without drying out |
| Cheese Application | Reserve some for the top | Creates that desirable golden, cheesy crust |
When making the garlic cream sauce, the roux (butter-flour mixture) is crucial. Cook it just long enough to remove the raw flour taste but not so long that it darkens. This creates the perfect base for your sauce while maintaining its creamy white appearance.
Make-Ahead Instructions
This Garlic Shrimp Pasta Bake Recipe is ideal for planning ahead, making it perfect for entertaining or busy weeknights:
You can prepare components up to 24 hours in advance:
- Cook pasta, toss with a little oil to prevent sticking, and refrigerate
- Make the garlic cream sauce, cool completely, then refrigerate (it will thicken considerably—this is normal)
- Clean and season the shrimp, but wait to cook them until you’re ready to assemble
For complete make-ahead assembly:
- Prepare the entire dish up to the baking step
- Cover tightly with plastic wrap and then foil
- Refrigerate for up to 24 hours
- When ready to bake, remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking
- Remove plastic wrap, replace foil, and bake at 375°F for 30-35 minutes (slightly longer than the fresh version)
- Remove foil for the last 10 minutes to brown the top
Pro tip: If making ahead, consider slightly undercooking the shrimp even more than usual, as they’ll continue to cook during both the refrigeration period and extended baking time.
Storing Leftovers
Proper storage ensures your Garlic Shrimp Pasta Bake Recipe remains safe and delicious for additional meals:
- Allow leftovers to cool completely before refrigerating, but don’t leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours
- Store in airtight containers, dividing into portion sizes if desired
- Refrigerate for up to 3 days for best quality
- For reheating individual portions, microwave on medium power with a damp paper towel over the top to retain moisture
- For larger portions, reheat covered in a 325°F oven for 15-20 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F
The texture of the shrimp may change slightly upon reheating, but the flavor will still be delicious. Adding a splash of cream or milk when reheating can help revitalize the sauce if it seems dry.
Freezing Garlic Shrimp Pasta Bake Recipe
While dairy-based dishes can sometimes be challenging to freeze, this Garlic Shrimp Pasta Bake can be successfully frozen with proper technique:
- Cool the baked dish completely
- Portion into freezer-safe containers or wrap the entire baking dish securely with plastic wrap and then heavy-duty aluminum foil
- Label with contents and date
- Freeze for up to 2 months
For best thawing results:
- Transfer from freezer to refrigerator 24 hours before reheating
- Remove plastic wrap if used
- Cover with foil and bake at 325°F for 30-45 minutes until heated through (165°F internally)
- If the sauce appears to separate or become grainy, gently stir in a small amount of warm cream after reheating
Pro tip: For better quality after freezing, consider slightly undercooking the pasta even more than usual in the initial cooking phase, as it will soften further during the freezing and reheating process.
Serving Suggestions
Elevate your Garlic Shrimp Pasta Bake Recipe with these perfect pairings:
Side Dishes:
- A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette provides refreshing contrast
- Garlic bread or warm crusty Italian bread for soaking up the delicious sauce
- Roasted asparagus or broccolini adds a nutritious green element
- Sautéed cherry tomatoes with fresh basil brighten the rich dish
Presentation Ideas:
- Serve directly from the baking dish for family-style meals
- For more formal occasions, plate individual portions and garnish with additional fresh herbs and a lemon wedge
- A sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds color and a hint of heat
- Drizzle each serving with high-quality extra virgin olive oil for an elegant finishing touch
Beverage Pairings:
- White wine: Crisp Pinot Grigio or unoaked Chardonnay
- Beer: Light Belgian ale or wheat beer
- Non-alcoholic: Sparkling water with lemon or a crisp lemonade
Serve this pasta bake hot from the oven, allowing it to rest just 5-10 minutes before diving in. The ideal temperature captures the perfect balance of molten cheese while allowing the flavors to settle.
FAQ
Can I use frozen shrimp for this Garlic Shrimp Pasta Bake Recipe?
Yes! Frozen shrimp works perfectly in this dish. Thaw them completely in the refrigerator overnight or under cold running water, then pat them very dry with paper towels before cooking. The drying step is crucial for proper searing.
What can I substitute for heavy cream in this recipe?
For a lighter version, you can replace the heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk thickened with an additional tablespoon of flour in the roux. The sauce won’t be quite as rich but will still be delicious. For a dairy-free option, full-fat coconut milk can work, though it will alter the flavor profile.
My sauce seems too thick/thin. How can I fix it?
For sauce that’s too thick, gradually whisk in additional warm milk until you reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, create a slurry with 1 tablespoon cornstarch and 2 tablespoons cold water, then whisk into the simmering sauce until thickened.
Can I add vegetables to this pasta bake?
Absolutely! Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, peas, or roasted red peppers make excellent additions. Add vegetables after cooking the shrimp but before combining with the pasta. For leafy greens like spinach, simply stir them into the hot sauce to wilt before assembling.
Why did my sauce curdle/break during baking?
Dairy sauces can sometimes separate when exposed to high heat. To prevent this, ensure your milk and cream are at room temperature before adding to the roux, and don’t boil the sauce. If separation occurs, sometimes vigorously whisking the sauce after baking can help re-emulsify it.
This Garlic Shrimp Pasta Bake Recipe combines classic comfort food elements with elegant seafood for a dish that’s both impressive and approachable. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or simply elevating your weeknight dinner rotation, this versatile recipe delivers restaurant-quality results from your home kitchen. The balance of creamy sauce, al dente pasta, and perfectly cooked shrimp creates a memorable meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.
