Garlicky Shrimp Pasta Bake

This garlicky shrimp pasta bake is a comforting yet elegant dish that brings together tender shrimp, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich garlic-infused cream sauce, all baked until bubbly and lightly golden. It’s ideal for family dinners, gatherings, or when you want a restaurant-style meal at home with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is packed with bold garlic flavor and juicy shrimp, balanced by a creamy sauce that coats every piece of pasta. It’s easy to prepare, can be made ahead of time, and is versatile enough to customize with your favorite vegetables or cheeses. Best of all, it’s baked in one dish, making cleanup simple.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Penne pasta – 400 g
Raw shrimp, peeled and deveined – 500 g
Olive oil – 2 tablespoons
Unsalted butter – 2 tablespoons
Garlic, finely minced – 6 cloves
All-purpose flour – 2 tablespoons
Milk – 2 cups (480 ml)
Cooking cream – 1 cup (240 ml)
Grated mozzarella cheese – 1 ½ cups (170 g)
Grated Parmesan cheese – ½ cup (50 g)
Salt – 1 teaspoon
Black pepper – ½ teaspoon
Paprika – 1 teaspoon
Italian seasoning – 1 teaspoon
Red chili flakes – ¼ teaspoon (optional)
Fresh parsley, finely chopped – 3 tablespoons

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F). Lightly grease a large baking dish with olive oil.
2. Cook the penne pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add the shrimp, season with salt, black pepper, and paprika, and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until just pink. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
5. In the same skillet, add the flour and stir continuously for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the milk and cooking cream, stirring until smooth and slightly thickened.
6. Add Italian seasoning and red chili flakes if using. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
7. Stir in half of the mozzarella cheese and all of the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
8. Add the cooked pasta and shrimp to the sauce and gently mix until everything is well coated.
9. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and top with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
10. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is melted and lightly golden.
11. Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh parsley, and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Servings and timing

Servings: 6
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 35 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 15–20 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, adding a small splash of milk to keep the pasta creamy.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, frozen shrimp work well. Make sure they are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture.

What type of pasta works best?

Penne, rigatoni, or fusilli are ideal because they hold the creamy sauce well.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the pasta bake, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Is this recipe spicy?

It is mildly flavored. You can adjust the heat by adding or omitting red chili flakes.

Can I add vegetables to this pasta bake?

Yes, spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers are great additions and can be sautéed with the garlic.

Can I use only milk instead of cream?

You can, but the sauce will be less rich. Using cream gives the best texture and flavor.

How do I prevent overcooked shrimp?

Cook the shrimp just until pink before baking, as they will continue cooking in the oven.

Can I freeze this pasta bake?

It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight before reheating.

What can I serve with this dish?

A simple green salad or steamed vegetables pair well with this pasta bake.

Can I make it more garlicky?

Yes, you can add extra minced garlic or a small amount of garlic powder to intensify the flavor.

Conclusion

Garlicky shrimp pasta bake is a satisfying, crowd-pleasing dish that combines creamy comfort with fresh seafood flavor. Whether served for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, it’s a reliable recipe that delivers warmth, richness, and delicious results every time.

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