This Shrimp Alfredo Bake is a creamy and cheesy delight! With tender shrimp, pasta, and a rich alfredo sauce, it’s the perfect cozy meal to warm your heart.
I love how easy this dish is to whip up. Just mix everything, bake it until golden, and enjoy! Plus, it’s great for impressing guests, or just treating yourself. Who can resist creamy pasta? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I like using ziti, penne, or rigatoni since they hold onto the sauce well. If you’re in a pinch, any short pasta will work, or even gluten-free options like chickpea or brown rice pasta.
Shrimp: Fresh shrimp gives the best flavor, but if you’re short on time, frozen shrimp is just fine! Just make sure to thaw them completely before using.
Heavy cream: This adds richness to the sauce, but you can substitute half-and-half or whole milk if you want a lighter version. Just keep in mind it won’t be as creamy.
Cheese: Parmesan is key for that cheesy flavor! However, if you’re out, Pecorino Romano works well too. For mozzarella, feel free to use any cheese blend you enjoy; cheddar can also be a fun twist.
How Do I Achieve the Right Creamy Consistency for My Alfredo Sauce?
Making the perfect Alfredo sauce is all about balancing richness with the right texture. Here’s how to do it:
- Start by melting the butter and cooking the garlic just until fragrant. This adds depth to your sauce.
- When adding cream and milk, bring it to a gentle simmer—not a boil, or it may separate. Stir constantly to keep it smooth.
- Add the cheese gradually while stirring, ensuring it melts evenly. This will help create that creamy consistency without clumping.
- If your sauce seems too thick, don’t hesitate to add a little more milk to loosen it up.
With these tips, your Alfredo sauce will be spot-on every time! Enjoy your baking!
How to Make Shrimp Alfredo Bake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dish:
- 12 oz pasta (ziti, penne, or rigatoni)
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 tsp salt (to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper (to taste)
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
To prepare this delicious Shrimp Alfredo Bake, you’ll need about 10 minutes for prep and 20 minutes for baking. So, in roughly 30 minutes, you’ll have a creamy, cheesy dish ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is key for getting that perfectly baked top on your dish!
2. Cook the Pasta:
Boil some salted water in a large pot. Once it’s boiling, cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. It should still have a little bite to it. After cooking, drain the pasta and set it aside for later.
3. Sauté the Shrimp:
In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Once done, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.
4. Prepare the Alfredo Sauce:
In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant. Then, pour in the heavy cream and whole milk, stirring frequently, and bring it to a gentle simmer.
5. Mix in the Cheese:
Add the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and the optional red pepper flakes into the skillet. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly—this should take about 3-5 minutes.
6. Combine Everything:
Add the cooked pasta and sautéed shrimp into the sauce. Stir gently to ensure that everything is evenly coated in that delicious creamy sauce!
7. Bake It:
Transfer the pasta and shrimp mixture into a greased baking dish. Next, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once baked, take the dish out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Before serving, sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley on top for a delightful finish!
Enjoy your creamy, cheesy Shrimp Alfredo Bake!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen shrimp works perfectly fine. Just make sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator or run it under cold water before cooking. Pat them dry to prevent excess water in your dish.
Can I Prepare This Dish in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the pasta and sauce ahead of time and combine them with the shrimp right before baking. Store the mixture in the fridge for up to 24 hours, then bake as directed when you’re ready to serve.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the microwave or on the stove over low heat. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of milk to bring it back to a creamy consistency!
What Other Vegetables Can I Add?
Feel free to add vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or broccoli for extra flavor and nutrients! Just sauté them briefly with the shrimp or cook them until tender before mixing them into the dish.
