1. Home
  2. Recipes
  3. Shrimp Alfredo Garlic Bake

Shrimp Alfredo Garlic Bake

Featured in Simple, Tasty Pasta for Every Day.

This shrimp Alfredo garlic bake turns regular pasta into a cheesy, golden-brown masterpiece. Sauté shrimp with garlic, mix them into a homemade creamy Alfredo sauce, and pour it over perfectly cooked pasta. Top the whole thing with mozzarella and parmesan, then bake until the cheese melts and turns bubbly. It’s comfort food with a rich, indulgent twist that you'll want to make over and over.
Pin it Share it Send it Print it Jump To Recipe
Emily Watson
Updated on Tue, 15 Apr 2025 20:53:43 GMT
A delicious creamy pasta topped with shrimp and melted cheese, served warm in a baking dish. Pin it
A delicious creamy pasta topped with shrimp and melted cheese, served warm in a baking dish. | thefamilycooks.com

This Creamy Garlic Prawn Pasta Bake blends rich cheese, zesty garlic, and succulent prawns into a fantastic comfort dish perfect for busy nights or family gatherings. The luscious sauce hugs every pasta curve, while the prawns add a delightful seafood flavor that makes this meal taste totally restaurant-worthy. Whipped up in just half an hour but packed with so much flavor, this cheesy delight will definitely win over everyone at your table.

WHAT YOU'LL NEED

  • 10 oz penne: Forms the hearty foundation that soaks up all that yummy sauce. Cook it just firm enough for the right texture.
  • 3 tbsp butter: Needed for cooking the prawns and starting off that delicious creamy sauce.
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced: Brings that aromatic punch that makes this dish truly mouthwatering.
  • 1 lb medium or large shrimp, peeled and deveined: The succulent stars that make this pasta extra special.
  • 3 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (divided): Brings brightness and a pop of green to liven up the dish.
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour: Works magic to give your sauce that perfect thickness.
  • 3/4 cup milk: Creates the silky foundation for your creamy sauce.
  • 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth: Adds extra savory notes without making things too salty.
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Creates those irresistible stretchy cheese pulls when you dig in.
  • 1/4 cup + 2 tbsp shredded Parmesan cheese: Adds that nutty, salty kick throughout the dish.
  • Freshly ground black pepper: Balances the creaminess with a touch of spice.
  • 2 large tomatoes, chopped (about 1 cup): Offers juicy bursts that cut through the richness.

VARIATIONS

  • Veggie Boost: Toss in some fresh spinach, chopped broccoli, or tangy sun-dried tomatoes for extra crunch and flavor.
  • Heat It Up: Mix in some red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne to give your sauce a nice kick.
  • No Gluten Needed: Just swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta and enjoy the same great taste.
  • Meatier Version: Throw in some grilled chicken or crispy bacon pieces for an even heartier meal.

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1:
Set your oven to 350°F. Grab a large pot, fill with water, add salt, and bring to a boil. Cook your penne until just tender. Drain and put back in the pot.
Step 2:
Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a big oven-safe pan over medium heat. Toss in your garlic, prawns, and 2 tablespoons parsley. Add a pinch of salt and cook until prawns turn pink, about 2 minutes on each side. Move prawns to a plate but leave the juices behind.
Step 3:
Add the other 2 tablespoons of butter to the same pan. Once melted, stir in flour and cook until it turns slightly golden, around 1-2 minutes. Slowly pour in milk and broth while stirring constantly to avoid clumps, then let it bubble gently.
Step 4:
Mix in ¾ cup mozzarella and ¼ cup Parmesan until everything melts together smoothly. Sprinkle in some black pepper to your liking.
Step 5:
Add the prawns back to the pan along with diced tomatoes and cooked pasta. Mix everything together until all pasta and prawns are coated in sauce. If it seems too thick, splash in a bit more milk.
Step 6:
Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup mozzarella and 2 tablespoons Parmesan on top. Bake for 5-7 minutes until cheese gets all bubbly. For a golden crust, broil for 2-3 minutes but watch closely so it doesn't burn.
Step 7:
Sprinkle the last tablespoon of parsley on top and serve right away while it's still nice and hot.

How to Serve and Store

  • This garlic prawn pasta tastes best when it's fresh out of the oven. Try serving it with some buttery garlic bread and a simple green salad on the side.
  • Got some left? Pop it in a sealed container and keep it in your fridge for up to 2 days. When you want to eat it again, warm it up in the microwave or oven with a splash of milk to bring back the creaminess.
  • Need to feed more people? No problem - just double everything and use a bigger baking dish. It's perfect for when you've got the whole gang coming over.

Advice from famous chefs

  • Chef Giada De Laurentiis: "Try adding just a tiny pinch of chili flakes into your sauce - it'll wake up all those creamy flavors without making it actually spicy."
  • Chef Rachael Ray: "Always grab a block of Parmesan and grate it yourself - the sauce gets way creamier and tastier than with the pre-shredded stuff in bags."
  • Chef Ina Garten: "Make sure your butter's completely melted and keep whisking your sauce non-stop - that's how you'll get that perfectly smooth texture without any lumps."

Shrimp Alfredo Garlic Bake

Shrimp Alfredo Garlic Bake is a comforting pasta casserole loaded with juicy shrimp, a garlicky Alfredo sauce, and melted cheese. It’s an easy dinner that hits the spot every time!

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
25 Minutes
Total Time
40 Minutes

Category: Pasta

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Italian-American

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

01 10 ounces of penne pasta.
02 3 tablespoons of butter.
03 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped.
04 1 pound of shrimp, cleaned and shell-free.
05 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (save some for garnish).
06 2 tablespoons regular flour.
07 3/4 cup of milk.
08 1/4 cup chicken stock, low sodium.
09 1 cup of mozzarella, shredded.
10 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons of Parmesan, grated.
11 Black pepper, freshly cracked, to your liking.
12 2 large tomatoes, diced (around 1 cup).

Instructions

Step 01

Bring salted water to a boil in a large pot. Add penne and cook following the package instructions for al dente. Drain and toss it back into the pot.

Step 02

On medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter in an oven-safe skillet. Toss in the garlic, shrimp, and 2 tablespoons of parsley. Add a little salt and sauté the shrimp until they turn pink and firm, about 2 minutes on each side. Place the shrimp on a plate, leaving any juices in the skillet.

Step 03

Use the same skillet and stir in the last 2 tablespoons of butter, letting it melt. Mix in the flour, cooking for 1-2 minutes until it’s a pale golden color. Gradually whisk in the milk and chicken stock, bringing it to a gentle simmer.

Step 04

Blend 3/4 cup of mozzarella and 1/4 cup Parmesan into the sauce until smooth and rich. Use salt and ground black pepper to adjust the flavor.

Step 05

Toss in the shrimp, the diced tomatoes, and the cooked pasta into the skillet. Stir to coat everything evenly. If it’s a bit too thick, pour in a splash of milk to thin it out.

Step 06

Sprinkle the top with the 1/4 cup of mozzarella and 2 tablespoons of Parmesan you set aside earlier.

Step 07

Place the skillet in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbling. Switch to broil for 2-3 minutes to crisp up the top, but keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn.

Step 08

Sprinkle the last bit of parsley over the top and serve it while warm.

Notes

  1. This Creamy Garlic Shrimp Bake is loaded with cheesy, garlicky flavors and tender seafood. It’s easy to whip up whether you’re on a busy schedule or planning something special for family night.
  2. Serve it with a crisp side salad and some garlic bread to round out the meal.
  3. Store any extras in the fridge for up to two days.

Tools You'll Need

  • A big pot.
  • Skillet that can go in the oven.
  • An oven.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 500
  • Total Fat: 25 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 45 g
  • Protein: 30 g