Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta Bake Cheddar Bliss
Recipe Introduction
Ever have one of those days where only pure comfort will do? You know? Something warm, cheesy, and utterly satisfying? That's exactly when cheesy shrimp pasta comes to the rescue.
Honestly, this recipe is like a big hug in food form!
This bake is a creamy, dreamy combination of pasta, juicy shrimp, and a whole lotta cheese. It's inspired by classic American comfort food.
Think of it as a sort of seafood mac and cheese upgrade, perfect for when you fancy some comfort food pasta .
Plus, it's got that touch of garlic to really bring it home.
What's the Story Behind this Cheddar Shrimp Pasta?
This recipe brings together influences from both Italian and American cuisine. It's the kinda dish you might find at a family gathering.
It's proper tasty and proper easy. This cheesy shrimp pasta is a medium difficulty recipe. The prep takes about 20 minutes.
Cooking time is around 30 minutes. It makes about 6 servings. So, enough to share... or not!
Why You'll Absolutely Love This Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta Bake
This garlic shrimp pasta recipe isn't just delicious; it's got a bit of protein from the shrimp. Making it slightly healthier than your average cheesy pasta.
It's also perfect for a weeknight shrimp pasta dinner. It's way more exciting than beans on toast, that's for sure! What makes it special? The combination of cheddar and mozzarella.
Trust me, it is a winning combo. It's also delicious as Shrimp pasta bake .
Right then, let's talk ingredients! You know, the proper bits and bobs you need to make this creamy garlic shrimp pasta bake .
Don't worry, it's not too fussy. We're aiming for delicious, not difficult, yeah?
Ingredients & Equipment
This cheesy shrimp pasta is a hug in a bowl. A seafood mac and cheese if you will! But first, let's make sure we have the right stuff.
Main Ingredients
Here's what you'll need.
- Shrimp: 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined. Get good quality ones, yeah? Fresh is best, but frozen will do in a pinch. Just make sure they smell of the sea, not fishy.
- Olive Oil: 1 tbsp
- Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. Honestly, the fresher the garlic, the better this garlic shrimp pasta recipe will be.
- Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 tsp (optional, if you like a bit of a kick).
- Pasta: 1 lb (450g) penne, rigatoni, or shells. Whatever takes your fancy!
- Unsalted Butter: 4 tbsp (57g)
- All-Purpose Flour: 4 tbsp
- Milk: 3 cups (720ml) whole or 2%. Full fat gives it that extra richness, you know?
- Salt: 1/2 tsp plus extra for the pasta water (be generous!)
- Black Pepper: 1/4 tsp freshly ground if you can.
- Nutmeg: 1/4 tsp (adds a lovely warmth).
- Cheddar Cheese: 2 cups (approx. 225g) shredded sharp cheddar, divided. Seriously, get a good cheddar for this cheddar shrimp pasta . It makes all the difference!
- Mozzarella Cheese: 1 cup (approx. 115g) shredded mozzarella.
- Parmesan Cheese: 1/4 cup grated Parmesan.
Seasoning Notes
Don't skip these! They're the secret to a flavour bomb!
- Garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. That's your shrimp flavour base. Simple but effective.
- Nutmeg in the cheese sauce? Trust me. It's lush.
- Don't have red pepper flakes? A pinch of cayenne will do the trick. Want it mild? Leave it out!
Equipment Needed
Nothing too fancy here, thank goodness!
- Large pot. For cooking the pasta, obviously.
- Large skillet. For cooking the shrimp and making the sauce.
- 9x13 inch baking dish . This is where the magic happens.
- Colander. Essential for draining the pasta.
- Whisk. To keep the cheese sauce smooth as silk.
Don't have a whisk? A fork will do at a push. No baking dish? A large oven safe frying pan is your friend.
Making this shrimp pasta bake should be easy, breezy, and cheesy! This easy shrimp pasta dinner is a goodie.
Cooking Method: Baking Your Way to Creamy Shrimp Pasta Bake
Right then, let's talk about the magic behind turning simple ingredients into a show stopping cheesy shrimp pasta . Baking isn't just about sticking something in the oven and hoping for the best, you know? It's about creating layers of flavour and texture that bubble away together in perfect harmony.
And honestly, nothing beats that feeling when you pull out a golden, gooey, comfort food pasta masterpiece!
Prep Steps: Getting Your Ducks in a Row
First things first: mise en place , darling. That's fancy talk for "get your stuff together". Peel and devein your 1 lb (450g) of shrimp.
Grate those cheeses 2 cups of sharp cheddar and 1 cup of mozzarella, ready to go. Chop 2 cloves of garlic.
Get that 9x13 inch baking dish out. Honestly, it’s like prepping for a military operation. You wouldn't want to get halfway through and realize you're missing the cheddar, would you?
To save some time, cook your 1 lb (450g) pasta while you prep the other bits. But don't overcook it ! Al dente is the key it'll finish cooking in the oven.
Trust me on this one!
step-by-step: From Hob to Oven Heaven
- Cook the pasta until al dente. Drain it.
- Sauté the garlic in 1 tbsp of olive oil until fragrant. Add the shrimp, a pinch of red pepper flakes (optional), salt and pepper. Cook 'em until they turn pink, about 3- 5 minutes . Set aside.
- Melt 4 tbsp of butter in the same skillet. Whisk in 4 tbsp of flour until smooth. Slowly whisk in 3 cups of milk until smooth. Simmer until it thickens.
- Take it off the heat. Stir in 1 1/2 cups of cheddar and the mozzarella.
- Add the pasta and shrimp to the cheese sauce. Mix it all up.
- Pour the mixture into your baking dish. Top with the remaining cheddar and 1/4 cup Parmesan.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375° F ( 190° C) for 20- 25 minutes .
- Let it rest for 5- 10 minutes before serving.
Pro Tips: Taking It Up a Notch
Want to make your baked shrimp pasta truly exceptional? Here’s a little secret. Use a really good quality sharp cheddar . It makes all the difference.
Don’t overcrowd the baking dish. If you’re making a huge batch, use two dishes. It'll bake more evenly. Another one, if you're feeling extra , try broiling the top for the last minute or two.
Keep a close eye, though! You want golden brown, not burnt to a crisp.
Now go on, make yourself some creamy shrimp pasta bake . It is also a great easy shrimp pasta dinner . You deserve it!
Recipe Notes for the Best Cheesy Shrimp Pasta
Right then, let's chat about how to really nail this cheesy shrimp pasta. It's not just about following the steps, you know? It's about adding your own touch and making it your comfort food pasta masterpiece.
Honestly, I’ve made this creamy shrimp pasta bake so many times, I've learned a thing or two! Let's dive in.
Plating Like a Pro!
Presentation matters, doesn't it? For this cheesy shrimp pasta , think rustic charm. Serve it straight from the baking dish for that comforting, home cooked vibe.
A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of colour. Fancy something more elevated? Portion it into bowls, and garnish with a lemon wedge.
A side of garlic bread is almost compulsory! I love pairing it with a crisp white wine or even a light beer.
Storage Secrets
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This shrimp pasta bake keeps well. Pop it in an airtight container and into the fridge.
It'll be good for 3-4 days . To reheat, microwave until heated through, or bake in a preheated oven at 350° F ( 175° C) until bubbly.
Freezing is possible, but the sauce might change texture a bit. If freezing, let it cool completely, wrap well, and freeze for up to 2 months .
Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Remix Time!
Want to shake things up? You got it. For a lower carb option, use zucchini noodles instead of pasta. For a vegetarian shrimp pasta , add some roasted veggies such as broccoli or mushrooms.
You could also make it gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta and flour. It is a very flexible seafood mac and cheese
Nutrition Lowdown
Okay, let’s be real, this isn’t exactly health food, but it's delicious! A serving is roughly 650 calories . You will get a good dose of protein (around 40g from the shrimp and cheese) and carbohydrates (around 50g from the pasta), and fat (approximately 35g ).
The shrimp provides some healthy omega-3 fatty acids, too. Think of it as a treat that nourishes the soul!
So there you have it! Your guide to elevating this cheesy shrimp pasta recipe . Don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own.
It's all about having fun in the kitchen and creating something you love. Now go on, get cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make cheesy shrimp pasta ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the cheesy shrimp pasta in the baking dish ahead of time, cover it tightly with cling film, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to bake, just pop it in the oven, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it's heated through.
Just like preparing a Sunday roast the night before!
What's the best way to store leftover cheesy shrimp pasta?
Leftover cheesy shrimp pasta should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It'll keep well for 3-4 days. When reheating, you might want to add a splash of milk or cream to loosen up the sauce as it can thicken up a bit in the fridge nobody likes a dry pasta bake, eh?
My cheese sauce is lumpy! What did I do wrong, and how can I fix it?
Lumpy cheese sauce is a classic kitchen conundrum, but don't fret! It usually happens when the flour isn't fully incorporated into the butter, or the milk is added too quickly. Try using an immersion blender to smooth out the sauce. Alternatively, strain the sauce through a fine mesh sieve to remove the lumps.
Just keep whisking next time like you're trying out for Bake Off!
Can I use frozen shrimp in this cheesy shrimp pasta recipe?
You certainly can! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely before cooking and pat them dry with paper towels. This will help them brown nicely in the pan. Nobody wants soggy shrimp ruining their cheesy pasta dreams.
I'm not a fan of cheddar. What other cheeses work well in this cheesy shrimp pasta?
If cheddar isn't your cup of tea, don't worry, you've got options! Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or even a blend of Parmesan and provolone would all be delicious in this dish. Experiment and find what cheesy flavour profile you enjoy the most, then get cooking!
Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta Bake Cheddar Bliss
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 650 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 35g |
| Fiber | 0g |
