Creamy Shrimp Pasta Bake

Recipe by Amelia Grace

Creamy Shrimp Pasta Bake tosses tender shrimp and pasta in a rich garlic cream sauce before baking under melted cheese until golden and bubbling.

Course: Main

Cuisine: Italian-American

Difficulty: Easy

Servings

Prep time

20 minutes

Cooking time

30 minutes

Calories

540 kcal

50 minutes

Ingredients

1 lb penne pasta

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

3 tbsp butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

2 cups heavy cream

1 cup chicken or seafood broth

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

1 cup grated parmesan cheese

½ tsp red pepper flakes

2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

1 tsp salt

½ tsp black pepper

Directions

Preheat oven to 400°F and cook pasta until just shy of al dente; drain and set aside.

In a large skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Stir in heavy cream, broth, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes; simmer until slightly thickened.

Add shrimp and cook for 2 minutes, just until starting to turn pink.

Stir in cooked pasta and half the cheese, then transfer everything to a baking dish.

Top with remaining mozzarella and parmesan, then bake for 15-18 minutes until bubbling and golden.

Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Total number of serves:

1 bowl

Calories:

540 kcal

Cholesterol:

185 mg

Sodium:

680 mg

Potassium:

410 mg

Sugar:

3 g

Protein:

29 g

Calcium:

320 mg / 25% DV

Iron:

2.4 mg / 13% DV

There's a particular kind of dinner that feels like a hug the moment you smell it baking, and this Creamy Shrimp Pasta Bake is exactly that for me. I first made it on a chilly October evening when I wanted something that felt indulgent but didn't require babysitting the stove all night. One batch of bubbling, golden cheese later, I knew this recipe was staying in permanent rotation.

What inspired this dish was actually a craving — half shrimp scampi, half baked mac and cheese, with nowhere near the fuss of either. I wanted the briny sweetness of shrimp paired with a sauce rich enough to coat every noodle, then finished under the broiler until the top turned deeply golden and slightly crisp at the edges.

The first bite tells you everything: creamy, garlicky, a little decadent, with just enough bite from the pasta and tender shrimp woven throughout. It's the kind of dinner that quiets a table.

The Inspiration Behind This Recipe

I've always loved the idea of taking a restaurant-style seafood pasta and turning it into something you can bake in one dish and walk away from. This recipe borrows from classic Italian-American seafood pasta traditions but leans into the comfort-food territory of a baked casserole, giving you the best of both worlds.

Why This Cooking Method Works

Baking the pasta after it's been tossed in a creamy sauce allows the cheese to melt into every crevice while the top layer caramelizes slightly, adding texture contrast you just don't get from a stovetop version. The shrimp are added partway through cooking so they stay tender and never turn rubbery.

Flavor Profile: What to Expect

Expect garlicky richness, a touch of sweetness from the shrimp, and a cheesy, creamy sauce that clings to every noodle. A pinch of red pepper flakes and fresh herbs at the end keep it from tasting one-note.

Tips for Making the Best Creamy Shrimp Pasta Bake

Don't overcook the shrimp before baking — they'll finish cooking in the oven. Use freshly grated cheese rather than pre-shredded for the smoothest sauce, and always undercook your pasta slightly since it keeps cooking in the oven.

Serving Suggestions

I love serving this with a crisp green salad and garlic bread to mop up every bit of sauce. A simple roasted vegetable side works beautifully too.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave with a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce back up.

Why This Recipe Deserves a Spot in Your Rotation

It's comforting, crowd-pleasing, and easy enough for a weeknight but special enough for guests. Few dishes manage both so effortlessly.

Recommended Drink Pairing

A chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc complements the creamy, garlicky sauce beautifully. For a non-alcoholic option, try sparkling water with a splash of lemon and mint — it keeps things light against all that richness.

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