Garlicky Shrimp Alfredo Bake (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Pasta

01 - 285g penne pasta

→ Seafood

02 - 450g medium or large shrimp, peeled and deveined

→ Sauce Base

03 - 45g butter, divided
04 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
06 - 180ml milk, plus extra if needed
07 - 60ml low-sodium chicken broth

→ Cheese

08 - 100g shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
09 - 45g shredded Parmesan cheese, divided

→ Produce

10 - 3 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped, divided
11 - 2 large tomatoes, chopped (about 240g)

→ Seasonings

12 - Salt, to taste
13 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

# Instructions:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook penne according to package directions until al dente. Drain and return to pot.
02 - In a large ovenproof skillet over medium heat, melt 15g of butter. Add minced garlic, shrimp, and 2 tablespoons of parsley. Season with salt and cook until shrimp are pink and opaque, about 2 minutes per side. Transfer shrimp to a plate, preserving the pan juices.
03 - In the same skillet, add remaining 30g butter and melt completely. Whisk in flour until golden, about 1-2 minutes. Gradually add milk and chicken broth, whisking continuously until mixture comes to a simmer.
04 - Reduce heat to low and stir in 75g mozzarella and 30g Parmesan until sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
05 - Return shrimp to skillet. Add chopped tomatoes and cooked penne, tossing until well combined. If mixture seems too thick, add a splash of milk to achieve desired consistency.
06 - Sprinkle the remaining 25g mozzarella and 15g Parmesan evenly over the top of the mixture.
07 - Transfer skillet to preheated 180°C oven and bake for 5-7 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
08 - Switch oven to broil setting and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until top is golden and crispy. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
09 - Remove from oven, garnish with remaining tablespoon of parsley and serve immediately while hot.

# Notes:

01 - For best results, use freshly grated cheese rather than pre-packaged shredded cheese, as it melts more smoothly.
02 - If you don't have an ovenproof skillet, transfer the mixture to a baking dish before adding the final cheese topping and baking.