A delicious Garlic Shrimp Pasta Bake is a comforting dish that combines tender shrimp with pasta in a creamy, cheesy garlic sauce. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings. Its rich flavors and bubbly texture will impress your family and friends, making it a standout choice for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: With a total time of only 45 minutes, you can have this delightful dish on the table in no time.
- Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of garlic, shrimp, and cheese creates a mouthwatering flavor that everyone will enjoy.
- Versatile Dish: You can easily customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or using different types of pasta.
- Great for Leftovers: This pasta bake reheats well, making it perfect for meal prep or enjoying as leftovers the next day.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love this cheesy, comforting meal, making it a hit at the dinner table.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the cooking process, it’s helpful to gather all necessary tools. Having everything ready will streamline your experience when making this Garlic Shrimp Pasta Bake.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large skillet
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Pot for boiling pasta
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Large skillet: Ideal for sautéing shrimp and making the creamy sauce in one pan.
- 9×13-inch baking dish: Perfect size for baking the entire pasta mixture evenly.
- Pot for boiling pasta: Ensures even cooking of pasta before mixing it with the sauce.
Ingredients
A creamy and cheesy pasta bake featuring tender shrimp, cooked pasta, and a flavorful garlic sauce, baked to bubbly perfection.
For the Shrimp and Pasta
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 pound pasta, any type
For the Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk
For Topping
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
How to Make Garlic Shrimp Pasta Bake
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) so that it’s ready when you need it for baking.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain it once cooked and set aside for later use.
Step 3: Sauté the Shrimp
In a large skillet over medium heat:
Heat the olive oil.
Add the shrimp and cook until pink and fully cooked, about 2-3 minutes.
Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
In the same skillet:
Add chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
Step 5: Add Milk
Gradually whisk in milk until smooth:
Bring to a simmer.
Cook until the mixture thickens, about 5 minutes.
Step 6: Combine Cheese & Seasoning
Stir in cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper:
Mix until melted and combined.
Step 7: Mix in Pasta & Shrimp
Add cooked pasta and shrimp to cheese sauce:
Stir well to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
Step 8: Transfer to Baking Dish
Pour mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish:
Step 9: Bake
Bake in preheated oven for 15-20 minutes:
Look for bubbly perfection before removing from oven.
Step 10: Serve Hot
Once baked, serve hot:
Enjoy your delicious Garlic Shrimp Pasta Bake!
How to Serve Garlic Shrimp Pasta Bake
Garlic shrimp pasta bake is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you want to keep it simple or elevate your meal, here are some serving suggestions to consider.
Pair with a Fresh Salad
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce topped with Caesar dressing, croutons, and Parmesan cheese complements the creamy pasta bake.
- Greek Salad: A refreshing mix of cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese adds a vibrant contrast to the rich flavors of the dish.
Add a Crunchy Bread
- Garlic Bread: Toasted baguette slices brushed with garlic butter enhance the garlic flavor and are perfect for scooping up the pasta.
- Focaccia: This soft Italian bread, seasoned with herbs and olive oil, makes an excellent side that pairs well with the creamy sauce.
Incorporate Seasonal Vegetables
- Roasted Broccoli: Lightly seasoned and roasted until tender, broccoli provides a nutritional boost and balances out the richness of the pasta.
- Grilled Asparagus: Fresh asparagus spears grilled with olive oil and lemon offer a lovely crunch alongside your pasta bake.
Serve with Wine
- Chardonnay: A chilled glass of Chardonnay pairs wonderfully with seafood dishes like this garlic shrimp pasta bake.
- Sauvignon Blanc: The crisp acidity of Sauvignon Blanc enhances the flavors of both shrimp and garlic in this dish.
How to Perfect Garlic Shrimp Pasta Bake
Perfecting your garlic shrimp pasta bake involves attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure it’s a hit every time.
- seasoning: Adjust salt and pepper levels according to taste; seafood benefits from a touch more seasoning.
- Fresh ingredients: Use fresh shrimp for better texture and flavor. Frozen shrimp works too but be sure to thaw them properly.
- Creamy sauce consistency: If your cheese sauce seems too thick, add a splash more milk for desired creaminess before mixing in the pasta.
- Baking time watch: Keep an eye on your bake towards the end. Remove it once it’s bubbling but not overcooked for best results.
Best Side Dishes for Garlic Shrimp Pasta Bake
Pairing side dishes with your garlic shrimp pasta bake can enhance your meal experience. Here are some great options:
- Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette adds freshness and balance to your hearty main dish.
- Grilled Zucchini: Seasoned zucchini strips grilled until tender provide a healthy side that’s easy to prepare.
- Steamed Green Beans: Simple yet elegant, green beans steamed until crisp-tender complement the richness of the pasta bake perfectly.
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and acidity that contrasts beautifully with creamy dishes.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn is a delightful addition that pairs well with garlic flavors; serve it with butter for extra indulgence!
- Risotto Cakes: For something unique, crispy risotto cakes bring an interesting texture and flavor combo next to your pasta bake.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Garlic Shrimp Pasta Bake, it’s easy to overlook small details that can affect the final dish. Here are some common mistakes and tips on how to avoid them.
- Skipping the seasoning: Not seasoning your shrimp or pasta can lead to bland flavors. Always add salt and pepper when cooking to enhance taste.
- Overcooking the shrimp: Cooking shrimp for too long makes them rubbery. Cook just until they turn pink, which takes about 2-3 minutes.
- Not measuring ingredients: Using too much or too little of key ingredients, like flour or cheese, can alter texture. Measure carefully for best results.
- Ignoring pasta cooking time: Undercook your pasta slightly before baking, as it will continue to cook in the oven. Follow package instructions but reduce cooking time by a minute or two.
- Using low-quality cheese: Low-quality cheese may not melt well, affecting creaminess. Choose good quality cheddar and Parmesan for optimal flavor and texture.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Garlic Shrimp Pasta Bake can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
Freezing Garlic Shrimp Pasta Bake
- Freeze in a sealed container or freezer-safe bag.
- It can last up to 2 months in the freezer.
Reheating Garlic Shrimp Pasta Bake
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 20 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring between sessions, until warm.
- Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Garlic Shrimp Pasta Bake and their answers.
Can I use frozen shrimp for Garlic Shrimp Pasta Bake?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just thaw them completely before cooking for even results.
What type of pasta works best?
Any type of pasta works well, but penne or rotini hold the sauce nicely.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare it fully and store it in the refrigerator before baking. Just bake when you’re ready to serve.
How do I customize my Garlic Shrimp Pasta Bake?
You can add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers, or use different cheeses based on your preference.
Final Thoughts
Garlic Shrimp Pasta Bake is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with various ingredients based on what you have on hand. This comforting dish is perfect for family dinners or gatherings, so don’t hesitate to give it a try!
Garlic Shrimp Pasta Bake
Indulge in the delightful flavors of Garlic Shrimp Pasta Bake, a comforting dish that effortlessly combines tender shrimp, pasta, and a rich, creamy garlic sauce. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for busy weeknight dinners or special occasions. With its cheesy goodness and satisfying texture, it’s destined to impress family and friends alike.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 pound pasta (any type)
- 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
- Salt
- Black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil, add shrimp, and cook until pink (2-3 minutes). Remove the shrimp.
- In the same skillet, sauté onion and garlic until softened (3-4 minutes), then stir in flour for 1 minute.
- Gradually whisk in milk until smooth; simmer for about 5 minutes until thickened.
- Stir in cheddar and Parmesan cheeses with salt and pepper until melted.
- Combine cooked pasta and shrimp with the cheese sauce thoroughly.
- Pour into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and bake for 15-20 minutes until bubbly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
