Description
This Shrimp Pasta Bake is a delightful combination of succulent shrimp, tender pasta, and a creamy, cheesy sauce. It’s a perfect dish for a family dinner or a special occasion. The golden, bubbly cheese on top adds a wonderful texture and flavor, making it a crowd-pleaser. This dish is not only delicious but also easy to prepare, making it a great option for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) pasta (such as penne or rigatoni)
- 1 lb (450g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 cups (480ml) heavy cream
- 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth
- 1 cup (100g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup (100g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup (120ml) white wine (optional)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Prepare the shrimp: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the aromatics: In the same skillet, add the butter and let it melt. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 1 minute until fragrant.
- Make the sauce: Pour in the white wine (if using) and let it simmer for about 2 minutes until it reduces slightly. Add the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Add the cheese and seasonings: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Continue to simmer the sauce until it thickens slightly, about 5-7 minutes.
- Combine the pasta and shrimp: Add the cooked pasta and shrimp to the skillet, tossing to coat them evenly with the sauce. If the skillet is not large enough, you can transfer everything to a large mixing bowl to combine.
- Assemble the bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the pasta and shrimp mixture to a large baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake the dish: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is golden brown.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Tips
- For added flavor, you can sauté some mushrooms or bell peppers along with the onions.
- If you prefer a lighter version, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- This dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. Simply reheat it in the oven before serving.
Enjoy your delicious and comforting Shrimp Pasta Bake! 🍤🍝🧀
Feel free to let me know if you have any other requests or need further assistance.