Garlic Shrimp Pasta Bake Recipe

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If you’re craving a dish that combines tender, flavorful shrimp with creamy, cheesy pasta baked to golden perfection, you’ve got to try this Garlic Shrimp Pasta Bake Recipe. It’s the ultimate comfort meal with just the right balance of garlicky zest, rich cheeses, and succulent shrimp all mingling together in a warm, satisfying casserole. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe brings a comforting, homemade touch that’s sure to impress everyone at the table.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Garlic Shrimp Pasta Bake Recipe is delightfully simple, relying on straightforward ingredients that work in harmony to create layers of flavor and texture. Each element plays a key role: shrimp adds a juicy bite, pasta brings the heartiness, and the cheese sauce ties it all together with creamy, savory goodness.

• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined: Fresh or thawed shrimp are best for a sweet, ocean-fresh flavor.
• 1/2 pound pasta (any type): Choose your favorite shape; short pasta like penne or rotini hold sauce well.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds richness and helps cook the shrimp and aromatics perfectly.
• 1/2 cup chopped onion: Gives a mellow sweetness and depth of flavor.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: The signature ingredient for that irresistible garlicky punch.
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: Key for thickening the sauce to creamy perfection.
• 3 cups milk: Creates the smooth base of the luscious cheese sauce.
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Offers sharpness and gooey meltiness.
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty character that elevates every bite.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Balances and enhances all the flavors.
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Provides a gentle warmth and spice.

How to Make Garlic Shrimp Pasta Bake Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by setting your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures it’s hot and ready for a perfectly golden bake once your pasta and shrimp are cozy in the dish.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Boil your pasta according to the package directions until it’s al dente—tender but still firm to the bite. Drain it well and set it aside, so it’s ready to soak up all that cheesy, garlicky sauce.

Step 3: Sauté the Shrimp

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the shrimp and cook just until pink and opaque, which takes about 2 to 3 minutes—no more, or they’ll get rubbery. Then, transfer the shrimp to a plate and set them aside to keep warm.

Step 4: Cook the Aromatics

In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook them slowly for about 3 to 4 minutes until the onions are soft and translucent and the garlic has released its instantly recognizable aroma. This step builds a flavorful base for the sauce.

Step 5: Make the Roux

Sprinkle in the flour and stir continuously for 1 minute. This simple combination of flour and fat (from the olive oil) creates a roux that will thicken your sauce perfectly without lumps.

Step 6: Add Milk and Thicken

Slowly whisk in the milk bit by bit, blending it into the roux until the mixture is smooth. Bring this to a gentle simmer and keep stirring as it thickens, which usually takes about 5 minutes. You’re creating a silky cheese sauce base that clings to every bite.

Step 7: Stir in the Cheeses and Seasonings

Mix in the shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheeses together with salt and black pepper. Stir until all the cheese has melted into the sauce, creating a rich, velvety texture packed with flavor.

Step 8: Combine Pasta and Shrimp with Sauce

Return the cooked pasta and shrimp back to the skillet and fold everything into the cheese sauce. Make sure every piece is well coated so each serving bursts with that signature garlicky shrimp goodness.

Step 9: Transfer and Bake

Grease your 9×13-inch baking dish and pour the pasta-shrimp-cheese mixture evenly inside. Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the top is bubbling and lightly golden around the edges.

Step 10: Serve Hot and Enjoy

Once your Garlic Shrimp Pasta Bake Recipe is out of the oven, let it sit for a couple of minutes to settle before serving. Then dig in and savor every creamy, garlicky, cheesy mouthful!

How to Serve Garlic Shrimp Pasta Bake Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil adds a burst of color and fresh herbal brightness that contrasts beautifully with the rich cheese sauce. A lemon wedge on the side is also fantastic for adding a zesty lift.

Side Dishes

This Garlic Shrimp Pasta Bake Recipe pairs wonderfully with crisp, refreshing sides like a simple green salad tossed with vinaigrette or roasted vegetables such as asparagus or broccoli, which add a nice crunch and earthiness to your meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the bake in individual ramekins for a pretty, personalized touch or spoon it onto plates and top with toasted breadcrumbs for added texture. You could also layer it with sautéed spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for an extra flavor twist that your guests will notice and love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, making this a perfect recipe for quick lunches or second-night dinners.

Freezing

You can freeze the Garlic Shrimp Pasta Bake Recipe, but it’s best to do so before baking. Assemble everything and cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, bake it straight from frozen—just add extra baking time.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to preserve the creamy texture. Avoid microwaving when possible, as it can dry out the shrimp and sauce, but if you do, warm in short intervals and stir in between.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp in this Garlic Shrimp Pasta Bake Recipe?

Yes! Just make sure to fully thaw and pat the shrimp dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture in the dish.

What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

Short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or rigatoni are ideal because they hold the sauce well, but feel free to use your favorite kind.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

You can swap regular milk and cheeses for dairy-free alternatives, such as almond milk and vegan cheese, though the flavor and texture will be slightly different.

How spicy is the Garlic Shrimp Pasta Bake Recipe?

This recipe is mild by default, focusing on garlic and cheese flavors, but you can add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to spice it up according to your taste.

Can I prepare the sauce in advance?

Absolutely! Make the cheese sauce a day ahead, refrigerate it, and then combine with cooked pasta and shrimp before baking for a convenient, time-saving step.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Shrimp Pasta Bake Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate—comforting, flavorful, and surprisingly simple to prepare. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s worth making again and again. Give it a try and watch how quickly it disappears at your dinner table!

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