Description
This Garlic Shrimp Pasta Bake is a comforting and savory dish featuring tender shrimp, al dente pasta, and a creamy cheese sauce baked to bubbly perfection. Combining fresh garlic, sautéed onions, and a blend of cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, this meal is perfect for a family dinner or casual gathering, delivering rich flavor and satisfying textures in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp and Pasta
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 pound pasta (any type)
Sauce and Seasonings
- 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
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the pasta dish later.
- Cook the pasta: Boil the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside to combine with the sauce later.
- Cook the shrimp: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp and set aside to prevent overcooking.
- Sauté aromatics: In the same skillet, add chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant, creating the flavor base for the sauce.
- Make the roux: Stir in the flour with the onions and garlic, cooking for 1 minute while constantly stirring to cook off the raw flour taste.
- Add milk and thicken: Gradually whisk in the milk to avoid lumps, bringing the mixture to a simmer. Cook for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Incorporate cheese and season: Stir in shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan, salt, and black pepper. Continue stirring until the cheeses are melted and the sauce is smooth and flavorful.
- Combine pasta and shrimp with sauce: Add the cooked pasta and shrimp back into the skillet, mixing thoroughly to coat everything evenly with the cheese sauce.
- Transfer to baking dish: Pour the pasta, shrimp, and sauce mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until the dish is bubbly and heated through.
- Serve: Remove from oven, let cool slightly, then serve hot and enjoy this comforting garlic shrimp pasta bake.
Notes
- You can use any type of pasta such as penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni based on preference.
- For a richer flavor, substitute some milk with heavy cream or add a pinch of nutmeg to the sauce.
- Make sure not to overcook the shrimp during the initial sautéing, as it will continue cooking during baking.
- To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to the sauce for added nutrition and texture.
