This Shrimp Alfredo Pasta Bake is a warm and creamy dish that’s sure to please everyone. With tender pasta and juicy shrimp smothered in a cheesy Alfredo sauce, it’s a comforting meal!
It’s perfect for busy nights since it’s easy to throw together. Plus, who doesn’t love cheese bubbling on top? Trust me, your dinner table will love this gooey goodness! 🧀✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotini Pasta: This pasta shape holds sauce really well, but you can swap it for penne, fusilli, or even macaroni if you prefer. Just remember to cook it al dente since it will bake further in the oven!
Shrimp: Medium shrimp is perfect for this dish. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, you can use shrimp that’s frozen. Just thaw and rinse before adding. For a non-seafood version, cooked chicken or veggies like broccoli can work too!
Heavy Cream: I love using heavy cream for its richness, but you can use half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter sauce. Just note that it will be less creamy but still tasty.
Cheeses: Parmesan and mozzarella provide great flavor and melt beautifully. If you need a substitute, Pecorino Romano can replace Parmesan, while cheddar could work in place of mozzarella. Mix and match based on your taste!
How Do You Make Sure Your Alfredo Sauce Is Smooth?
The sauce can sometimes be tricky, but here’s how to keep it smooth:
- Cook the garlic briefly only to release its flavor, avoiding browning to prevent bitterness.
- When adding the cream and chicken broth, stir constantly while bringing it to a simmer. This helps prevent separation.
- Slowly melt the cheeses into the sauce, stirring continuously; this ensures they blend smoothly without clumping.
If you find the sauce too thick later, just add a splash more of chicken broth or cream to loosen it up!
How to Make Shrimp Alfredo Pasta Bake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pasta & Protein:
- 12 oz rotini pasta (or any short pasta)
- 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
Cooking Essentials:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp butter
For the Sauce:
- 3 cups heavy cream or half and half
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 1/2 cups grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: red pepper flakes for a little heat
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 15-20 minutes of preparation time plus 20-25 minutes of baking. In under an hour, you’ll have a delicious, comforting dinner that serves 6-8 people!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures it’s hot and ready for your Alfredo bake. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish well so that nothing sticks.
2. Prepare the Pasta:
Next, cook the rotini in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package directions, until it’s al dente, which means it still has a little bite. Drain it well and set aside.
3. Cook the Shrimp:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp to the skillet, seasoning them with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Sauté the shrimp until they are pink and cooked through, about 2-3 minutes per side. Once done, remove them from the skillet and set aside.
4. Make the Garlic Butter:
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, toss in the minced garlic, and sauté for about a minute until it smells amazing—just don’t let it burn!
5. Create the Sauce:
Pour the heavy cream and chicken broth into the skillet, bringing it to a gentle simmer. After it simmers, reduce the heat to low and stir in 1 cup of Parmesan cheese and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese until everything is melted and smooth. Season this creamy goodness with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like a bit of spice.
6. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Add the cooked pasta to the Alfredo sauce and toss until each piece is coated. Don’t forget to add half of the shrimp into the mix as well. Save the rest for topping later!
7. Assemble and Bake:
Transfer the pasta and shrimp mixture into your prepared baking dish. Top it with the reserved shrimp, and sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top for that cheesy crust. Pop it in the oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes until the cheese is all bubbly and golden brown.
8. Garnish and Serve:
Once your bake is ready, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a minute. Finish by garnishing with fresh chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy your creamy Shrimp Alfredo Pasta Bake with family and friends!
Happy cooking!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp in the fridge overnight or quickly by placing them in a sealed bag and submerging them in cold water. Drain and pat them dry before cooking.
What If I Don’t Have Heavy Cream?
No problem! You can replace heavy cream with half-and-half or even whole milk. Just keep in mind that the sauce will be less rich but still delicious!
Can I Prepare This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can assemble the pasta bake a day in advance. Just cover it tightly and refrigerate. When ready to bake, pop it in the oven directly from the fridge, but you might need to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover Shrimp Alfredo Pasta Bake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream to help restore some moisture if needed.