Dive into a flavorful journey with this indulgent garlic shrimp pasta bake. Succulent shrimp, al dente pasta, and a creamy garlic sauce meld together under a golden crust of melted cheese. This dish is perfect for a cozy dinner or entertaining guests.
Ingredients:
- 12 oz (340g) penne pasta
- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) baking dish and set aside.
- Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet and season with salt and pepper. Cook until the shrimp turn pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour to create a roux, and cook for 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the cooked pasta and shrimp to the skillet, tossing until well coated with the sauce.
- Transfer the pasta and shrimp mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side, if desired.
- Enjoy your delicious garlic shrimp pasta bake hot out of the oven!
