Creamy Baked Shrimp Pasta

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Description

Creamy Baked Shrimp Pasta is a comforting, cheesy, and flavorful dish that combines juicy shrimp, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich creamy sauce, all baked together until golden and bubbly. It’s the ultimate family-friendly dinner that feels indulgent yet simple to prepare, making it perfect for weeknights or special occasions.

 Ingredients For Creamy Baked Shrimp Pasta

  • 12 oz (340 g) pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine work best)

  • 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined

  • 2 tbsp olive oil or butter

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 small onion, finely chopped

  • 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter version)

  • 1 cup milk

  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • 1 cup ricotta cheese (optional for extra creaminess)

  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour

  • ½ tsp paprika

  • ½ tsp Italian seasoning (oregano, thyme, basil)

  • Salt & black pepper, to taste

  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta: Boil pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

  2. Prepare shrimp: Season shrimp with salt, pepper, and paprika. In a skillet, heat olive oil/butter and sauté shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side until pink. Remove and set aside.

  3. Make creamy sauce:

    • In the same skillet, add onion and garlic, cook until fragrant.

    • Stir in flour, cook 1 minute.

    • Gradually whisk in milk and cream, stirring until thickened.

    • Add Parmesan, half of the mozzarella, and Italian seasoning. Stir until melted and creamy.

  4. Combine pasta & sauce: Add cooked pasta and shrimp into the sauce, tossing well.

  5. Bake: Transfer mixture into a greased baking dish, top with remaining mozzarella (and ricotta if using). Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.

  6. Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy hot.

Servings

  • Serves 4 people generously.

 Nutritional Info (per serving, approx.)

  • Calories: 520

  • Protein: 34 g

  • Carbohydrates: 45 g

  • Fat: 23 g

  • Fiber: 2 g

  • Sodium: 650 mg

  • Sugars: 5 g

(Values may vary depending on ingredients and cheese choices.)

 Notes

  • Use raw shrimp (not pre-cooked) for the best flavor.

  • Can substitute shrimp with chicken, salmon, or scallops.

  • For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt or light cream cheese instead of heavy cream.

  • Add veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli for extra nutrition.

 Tips

  • Don’t overcook shrimp—they finish cooking in the oven.

  • Slightly undercook pasta before baking so it doesn’t get mushy.

  • Mix in red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melting and flavor.

 Health Benefits

  • High in protein from shrimp, supporting muscle health.

  • Calcium & phosphorus from cheese for bone strength.

  • Contains omega-3 fatty acids (from shrimp) for heart and brain health.

  • Customizable with vegetables to boost fiber and antioxidants.

Q/A Section

Q1: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the pasta and sauce, cover tightly, refrigerate up to 24 hours, then bake when ready. Add 10 extra minutes baking time if chilled.

Q2: Can I freeze it?
Yes. Freeze in an airtight container before baking. When ready, thaw overnight in fridge and bake until heated through.

Q3: What pasta shape works best?
Short, sturdy pasta like penne, rigatoni, or ziti holds the creamy sauce better than long pasta.

Q4: Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes, substitute with gluten-free pasta and use cornstarch or gluten-free flour for the sauce.

Q5: How do I make it more flavorful?
Add white wine when making the sauce, or sprinkle breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan on top before baking for a crunchy finish.

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