Shrimp Alfredo Bake
This creamy Shrimp Alfredo Bake is an easy casserole that combines pasta and shrimp in a homemade alfredo sauce, topped with mozzarella cheese and baked to perfection.
Equipment
- 9"x13" baking dish
- Saucepan
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 16 ounces penne pasta cooked according to package directions
- 1 cup Mozzarella cheese shredded
- 1 pound cooked shrimp peeled, deveined, and tails removed (about 20-25 pieces)
- parsley chopped fresh, optional
- ½ cup butter cut into large cubes
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese grated
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray. This helps heat the dish evenly and keeps the pasta from sticking.
- Boil penne according to package instructions, then drain and set aside. Salting the water adds flavor to every bite.
- In a large skillet over medium-low heat, add butter and heavy cream. Whisk until the butter melts and the mixture is smooth and combined.
- Stir in garlic, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Whisk so the garlic softens and the spices infuse the sauce.
- Bring the skillet to a gentle simmer, whisking constantly. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- Mix in Parmesan until it melts fully, then remove the pan from heat. The cheese creates a creamy texture and a nutty flavor.
- Toss the drained pasta and shrimp with the sauce, then spread it in your prepared dish. Top with mozzarella and bake, uncovered, for 20 minutes until bubbly and the cheese turns lightly golden. Serve immediately.
Notes
- If you want to avoid tough shrimp, watch the casserole at 20 minutes of baking and pull it once the cheese starts to brown.
- When pasta cooks to al dente, drain and toss with sauce before baking so it remains firm.
- If pasta tastes bland, add salt to boiling water before cooking so noodles absorb seasoning.
- If you like a little heat, stir a dash of red pepper flakes into the sauce before mixing with pasta and shrimp.
- If you prefer a crunchy top, mix 2 Tablespoons butter with 1 cup breadcrumbs and sprinkle over cheese before baking.