This Shrimp Alfredo Pasta Bake is creamy, cheesy, and filled with tender shrimp! It’s a great way to enjoy pasta with a rich flavor that’s sure to please everyone.
I love how easy it is to whip up this dish—just mix it all together, pop it in the oven, and let the magic happen. Perfect for busy nights! 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotini Pasta: This twisty pasta holds onto the creamy sauce well. If you don’t have rotini, penne or fusilli are great alternatives that work just as nicely.
Shrimp: Fresh shrimp is best, but frozen shrimp can also be used. Just thaw it completely before cooking. If you’re not a fan of shrimp, chicken or vegetables like broccoli or spinach can be tasty substitutes.
Olive Oil: I like the flavor of olive oil, but you can use vegetable oil or butter if that’s what you have on hand. Each will give a slightly different taste, so choose what you prefer!
Parmesan Cheese: While I love using freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor, you can use pre-grated. Pecorino Romano can also be a nice substitute if you’re looking for a stronger cheese flavor.
Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs add extra crunch, but regular breadcrumbs work too. If you’re gluten-free, switch to gluten-free breadcrumbs for a similar effect.
How Do I Make a Creamy Alfredo Sauce Without It Getting Lumpy?
Making a smooth Alfredo sauce takes a bit of care, but it’s pretty simple! The key is to whisk continuously and gradually add your liquids. Here’s how to do it:
- After cooking the minced garlic, whisk in the flour to create a roux. Keep stirring for about 1-2 minutes to cook off the raw flour taste.
- Slowly pour in the whole milk and heavy cream while whisking well to prevent lumps. This helps evenly incorporate the flour into the liquid.
- Keep whisking as you cook the sauce over medium heat. It should gradually thicken in about 4-5 minutes.
Watching closely at this stage helps ensure your sauce stays creamy and delicious!
How to Make Shrimp Alfredo Pasta Bake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta Bake:
- 12 oz rotini pasta
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko preferred)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Shrimp Alfredo Pasta Bake will take about 40-50 minutes in total. You’ll need around 15 minutes for preparation and about 20-25 minutes for baking. Give it a few minutes to cool before serving. Perfect for a cozy dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your pasta bake cooks evenly. While that’s heating, grease a baking dish to prepare for later.
2. Cook the Pasta:
Next, cook the rotini pasta in a pot of boiling salted water according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (cooked but still firm to the bite). Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside for now.
3. Sauté the Shrimp:
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the shrimp and lightly season with salt and pepper. Cook the shrimp until they’re pink and opaque, which should take about 2-3 minutes on each side. When cooked, remove them from the pan and set aside.
4. Create the Alfredo Sauce:
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté it for about 1 minute until it’s fragrant—be careful not to burn it! Whisk in the flour and stir for 1-2 minutes to make a roux; this adds thickness to your sauce.
5. Make It Creamy:
Gradually pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Keep cooking and stirring until the sauce thickens, which should take about 4-5 minutes. Once thick, stir in 3/4 cup of Parmesan cheese and half of the mozzarella cheese, mixing until everything is melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat.
6. Mix in Pasta and Shrimp:
Add the cooked pasta and shrimp to your creamy Alfredo sauce. Gently fold everything together until the pasta and shrimp are well-coated in the sauce.
7. Assemble the Pasta Bake:
Transfer your pasta mixture into the greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
8. Top with Breadcrumbs:
In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with the remaining Parmesan cheese and the last tablespoon of olive oil. Sprinkle this breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the pasta. Then, add the remaining mozzarella cheese on top for a delicious cheesy finish.
9. Bake to Perfection:
Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. The aroma will have your mouth watering!
10. Let it Rest and Serve:
Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. This helps it set up a bit. Finally, garnish with freshly chopped parsley to add a pop of color and freshness.
Enjoy your deliciously creamy and flavorful Shrimp Alfredo Pasta Bake with family and friends!
Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?
Absolutely! While rotini is great for holding onto the sauce, you can use penne, fusilli, or even farfalle if you prefer. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as different pasta shapes may vary slightly.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Shrimp?
No problem! Frozen shrimp works well too. Just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. You can place the frozen shrimp in a sealed plastic bag and submerge it in cold water for quicker thawing.
Can I Prepare This Dish in Advance?
Yes, you can! Prepare everything up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake it, just increase the baking time by a few minutes to ensure it’s heated through.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in the oven or microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. You might want to add a splash of milk to keep it creamy!
