Garlicky Shrimp Alfredo Bake

This garlicky shrimp alfredo bake transforms ordinary pasta night into something truly special. The creamy sauce, tender shrimp, and melty cheese create an irresistible comfort dish that feels indulgent while being surprisingly easy to prepare.

I first created this dish when my sister visited unexpectedly, and I needed something impressive with what I had in the pantry. Now it's requested at nearly every family gathering, and I've perfected it through countless iterations.

Ingredients

• Penne pasta: Forms the hearty base for this dish, providing the perfect nooks for capturing the creamy sauce
• Butter: Creates the rich foundation for our sauce, use unsalted to control seasoning
• Fresh garlic cloves: Provide aromatic flavor, always mince just before cooking for maximum impact
• Medium or large shrimp: Bring sweet, delicate seafood flavor, look for wild-caught when possible
• Fresh parsley: Adds bright color and fresh flavor, Italian flat-leaf varieties offer more intensity than curly
• All-purpose flour: Thickens our sauce without clumping, measure precisely for perfect consistency
• Milk: Creates the creamy base, whole milk produces the richest results
• Low-sodium chicken broth: Adds depth without overwhelming saltiness, homemade is ideal but store-bought works
• Mozzarella cheese: Brings that irresistible stretch factor, grate from a block for best melting
• Parmesan cheese: Provides savory depth and slight nuttiness, always use freshly grated for superior flavor
• Black pepper: Brightens all the flavors, freshly ground makes a noticeable difference
• Fresh tomatoes: Add juicy pops of acidity to balance the rich sauce, choose ripe, in-season varieties

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the pasta:

Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add penne and cook precisely according to package instructions until al dente, testing one minute before the suggested time. The pasta should offer slight resistance when bitten. Drain thoroughly but do not rinse, as the starch helps the sauce adhere. Return pasta to the warm pot to prevent sticking.

Cook the shrimp:

Melt one tablespoon butter in a large ovenproof skillet over medium heat until it begins to foam slightly. Add minced garlic and stir constantly for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Immediately add shrimp and two tablespoons of parsley, distributing evenly across the pan. Season with a pinch of salt and cook just until shrimp turn pink and opaque, approximately two minutes per side. Remove shrimp to a plate while preserving all pan juices.

Create the alfredo sauce:

In the same flavor-infused skillet, add remaining two tablespoons butter and allow to melt completely. Sprinkle flour evenly across the melted butter and whisk continuously for one to two minutes until the mixture turns golden and smells slightly nutty. Very slowly stream in milk and broth while whisking vigorously to prevent lumps. Continue whisking until mixture begins to simmer and thickens slightly.

Add cheese mixture:

Reduce heat to low and gradually add three-quarters cup mozzarella and quarter cup Parmesan, stirring constantly until completely melted and sauce becomes silky smooth. Season thoughtfully with salt and freshly ground black pepper, tasting as you go. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon but still be pourable.

Combine and assemble:

Return cooked shrimp to the skillet along with any accumulated juices. Add chopped tomatoes and cooked penne, gently folding everything together until evenly coated with sauce. If mixture seems too thick, add a small splash of milk to achieve desired consistency. Ensure even distribution of shrimp and tomatoes throughout the pasta.

Add final cheese layer:

Evenly sprinkle remaining quarter cup mozzarella and two tablespoons Parmesan across the top of the pasta mixture, creating a light but complete coverage. This will form a beautiful golden crust during baking.

Bake to perfection:

Place skillet in preheated oven and bake for five to seven minutes until cheese melts completely and edges begin to bubble. For an extra-crispy top, switch oven to broil setting for final two to three minutes, watching constantly to prevent burning. The ideal finish has light golden brown spots across the surface.

Garnish and serve:

Remove from oven and let rest for two minutes. Sprinkle with remaining tablespoon of fresh parsley for color and freshness. Serve directly from the skillet for a rustic presentation or transfer to a serving dish for more formal occasions.

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The fresh tomatoes are my secret weapon in this recipe. While many alfredo dishes can feel overwhelming rich, these juicy gems add bright bursts of acidity that cut through the creaminess perfectly. My grandmother always said a good pasta dish needs something to "wake up your mouth" between bites, and these tomatoes do exactly that.

Make Ahead Tips

This dish can be completely assembled up to the baking step and refrigerated, covered tightly with foil, for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, simply allow it to come to room temperature for 30 minutes before baking. You may need to add an additional 5-7 minutes to the baking time if starting from cold. The sauce will thicken considerably when chilled, so have extra milk on hand to thin it slightly before baking.

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Perfect Pairings

This rich pasta dish pairs beautifully with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon juice and olive oil to cleanse the palate. For wine pairings, reach for a crisp Pinot Grigio or unoaked Chardonnay that can stand up to the creamy sauce without overwhelming the delicate shrimp flavor. A slice of garlic bread on the side makes this a complete meal that satisfies even the heartiest appetites.

Customization Options

This versatile recipe welcomes countless variations. For a lighter version, substitute half and half for the milk and increase the chicken broth. Seafood lovers can add scallops or chunks of lobster alongside the shrimp. Vegetable additions like sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted red peppers blend beautifully with the creamy sauce. For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes to the garlic and butter mixture at the beginning of cooking.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use frozen shrimp for this dish?

Yes, frozen shrimp works well. Just thaw completely before cooking and pat dry with paper towels to ensure proper browning. For best results, use medium to large shrimp that have been peeled and deveined.

→ What can I substitute for the penne pasta?

Fettuccine, rigatoni, or farfalle (bow-tie) pasta make excellent alternatives. Choose a pasta shape that will hold the creamy sauce well. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta options also work with minimal adjustments to cooking time.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the components ahead of time - cook the pasta, make the sauce, and sauté the shrimp. Store separately in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, combine everything, add the cheese topping, and bake until hot and bubbly, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

→ How do I know when the shrimp are properly cooked?

Properly cooked shrimp turn from translucent gray to opaque pink and form a loose 'C' shape. They should be tender but with slight resistance when bitten. Overcooking results in a tight curl (like an 'O') and rubbery texture, so watch them carefully during cooking.

→ What sides pair well with Garlicky Shrimp Alfredo Bake?

Serve with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette, steamed asparagus, garlic bread, or roasted broccoli. The freshness of vegetables complements the richness of the dish. A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay also pairs beautifully.

→ Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely! Spinach, bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini make excellent additions. Sauté firmer vegetables with the garlic before adding the shrimp, or stir in quick-cooking vegetables like spinach just before baking to maintain texture and color.