Description
A rich and cheesy Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Bake featuring succulent shrimp, tender pasta, and a creamy garlic butter sauce. This comforting dish is easy to make and perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine)
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
- ½ tsp paprika
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Sauté the Shrimp
- Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add shrimp, season with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque, then remove from skillet.
- Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce
- Melt 4 tbsp butter in the same skillet.
- Add garlic and red pepper flakes; sauté for 1 minute.
- Stir in heavy cream, chicken broth, lemon juice, and Parmesan cheese.
- Simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Combine & Assemble
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix pasta, shrimp, and garlic butter sauce in a large bowl.
- Fold in cherry tomatoes (if using).
- Bake the Pasta
- Transfer to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly on top.
- Bake uncovered for 15-20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Garnish & Serve
- Let cool slightly, then sprinkle with fresh parsley.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes or microwave in 30-second intervals.
- Variations:
- Add more spice with extra red pepper flakes or hot sauce.
- Make it creamier with ½ cup of ricotta or cream cheese.
- Swap pasta for zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for a low-carb option.
- Use scallops, chicken, or crab instead of shrimp.
- Mix in fresh basil or oregano for extra depth.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta, Shrimp Pasta Bake, Cheesy Shrimp Pasta, Comfort Food Pasta, Easy Shrimp Recipe