Ah, a Seaside Comfort Shrimp Pasta Bake—think creamy, cheesy, and seafood-forward, with tender shrimp baked right into pasta for ultimate comfort food vibes. Here’s a detailed recipe:
Seaside Comfort Shrimp Pasta Bake
Ingredients (Serves 4)
For the pasta:
- 8 oz (225 g) pasta (penne, rotini, or shells)
- 1 lb (450 g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon paprika or Old Bay seasoning (optional)
For the sauce:
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
- ½ cup heavy cream (optional, for extra richness)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley or Italian seasoning
- Salt & pepper to taste
For topping:
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (panko preferred for crispiness)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- ¼ cup extra Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the pasta
- Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the shrimp
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Season shrimp with salt, pepper, and paprika/Old Bay.
- Sauté shrimp 2–3 minutes per side until just pink. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Make the creamy sauce
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in flour and cook 1–2 minutes to form a roux.
- Gradually whisk in milk (and cream, if using) until smooth.
- Stir in garlic, cheddar, Parmesan, parsley, salt, and pepper. Cook until cheese melts and sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine pasta and shrimp
- In a large bowl, mix cooked pasta, shrimp, and creamy sauce until evenly coated.
- Transfer to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Add the topping
- Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and Parmesan.
- Sprinkle evenly over the pasta.
- Bake
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
- Serve
- Garnish with extra parsley or a squeeze of lemon if desired.
- Enjoy with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Tips for Best Results
- Don’t overcook shrimp before baking; they’ll cook more in the oven.
- Use pasta slightly undercooked (al dente) since it will bake in the oven and absorb sauce.
- Add spinach, mushrooms, or peas for extra veggies.
- For a richer flavor, swap half the milk for half-and-half.
If you want, I can also give a “ultimate indulgent version” with smoked bacon, extra cheese, and a garlic cream sauce that’s almost restaurant-style comfort food.
Do you want me to do that version?
