🦐🧀 Cheesy Baked Shrimp Pasta Casserole

Description

“My house smells so heavenly when this comes out of the oven! Everything is jumping to eat it!”

This dish is pure comfort food — tender pasta baked in a creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce, topped with juicy shrimp and golden melted cheese. The rich aroma of garlic, butter, and cheese fills the kitchen, making it impossible to wait for the first bite. A perfect family-style dinner that’s indulgent yet easy to make, this casserole will be a new weeknight or special-occasion favorite.

📝 Ingredients

• 12 oz (340 g) pasta (penne, rigatoni, or ziti)
• 1 lb (450 g) shrimp, peeled & deveined
• 2 tbsp olive oil (or butter)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk (warm)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 tsp salt (to taste)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp paprika (optional)
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 ½ cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

🍳 Instructions

1. Cook Pasta: Boil pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare Shrimp: Season shrimp with a pinch of salt, pepper, and paprika. Sear in a skillet with olive oil for 1–2 minutes per side until lightly pink (they’ll finish cooking in the oven). Remove and set aside.
3. Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter/olive oil. Add garlic, sauté for 1 minute. Whisk in flour, cooking 1 minute. Slowly add warm milk, cream, and broth, whisking until smooth. Simmer until thickened. Stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
4. Assemble: In a greased baking dish, combine pasta with sauce. Sprinkle half the mozzarella. Arrange shrimp on top, then cover with remaining mozzarella.
5. Bake: Place in preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
6. Serve: Garnish with parsley and serve hot!

🥗 Servings

• Makes 6 servings
• Perfect for family dinner or potluck

📌 Notes

• Use large shrimp for best presentation.
• If you love spice, add red pepper flakes or cayenne to the sauce.
• Can be prepped ahead: assemble casserole, refrigerate, and bake before serving.
• For extra cheesiness, mix in cheddar or Gruyère with the mozzarella.

💡 Tips

• Don’t overcook shrimp during searing — they finish in the oven.
• Add veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli for balance.
• Use slightly undercooked pasta so it doesn’t get mushy when baked.
• Let casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking to thicken and set.

🔢 Nutritional Info (per serving, approx.)

• Calories: ~480 kcal
• Protein: 30 g
• Fat: 22 g
• Carbs: 38 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Sodium: ~850 mg

🌟 Benefits

• Protein-packed from shrimp and cheese.
• Calcium & minerals from dairy and seafood.
• Comfort food satisfaction while still offering lean seafood protein.
• Family-friendly — crowd-pleaser with kids and adults alike.

❓ Q & A

Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A: Yes! Just thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.

Q: Can I make this without cream?
A: Swap heavy cream for evaporated milk or extra broth + 1 tbsp cream cheese.

Q: What pasta works best?
A: Short pastas like penne, rigatoni, or ziti hold the sauce well.

Q: Can this be made ahead?
A: Yes — assemble, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hrs. Bake when ready.

Q: Can I make it lighter?
A: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, and reduce cheese slightly.