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

Garlicky Shrimp Alfredo Bake

Featured in Family Dinner Ideas.

This garlicky shrimp alfredo bake transforms basic pasta into pure comfort food bliss by combining perfectly cooked jumbo shrimp sautéed with loads of fresh garlic, tender penne pasta, and a scratch-made alfredo sauce that puts store-bought versions to shame. The whole dish gets topped with a generous layer of mozzarella and fresh parmesan cheese, then broiled until golden and bubbly, creating an irresistible cheesy crust while keeping everything underneath creamy and delicious. You'll love how the rich sauce coats every bite of this decadent casserole.
A young woman with long, wavy hair wearing glasses is seated at a table, holding a menu and looking thoughtfully to the side in a softly lit restaurant.
Updated on Fri, 10 Jan 2025 20:34:30 GMT
Print Recipe Pin Recipe Send Recipe Jump To Recipe
A creamy pasta dish topped with grilled shrimp and melted cheese, served in a black baking dish. Pin it
A creamy pasta dish topped with grilled shrimp and melted cheese, served in a black baking dish. | quickierecipe.com

This Garlicky Shrimp Alfredo Bake is a creamy, cheesy, and garlicky masterpiece that's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting family meal. Packed with tender shrimp, flavorful garlic, and a rich Alfredo sauce, it's a dish that comes together in under 30 minutes but tastes like a restaurant-quality meal. With layers of melty mozzarella and Parmesan, this dish is sure to be a hit with the whole family.

INGREDIENTS

  • 10 oz penne: The pasta base that holds the creamy sauce and shrimp together. Cooked until al dente to maintain a perfect bite.
  • 3 tbsp butter: Used for sautéing the shrimp and creating the rich Alfredo sauce.
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a bold garlicky flavor to the shrimp and Alfredo sauce.
  • 1 lb medium or large shrimp, peeled and deveined: Tender, juicy shrimp that are the star of this dish.
  • 3 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (divided): Adds a fresh and slightly peppery flavor, with a pop of color for garnish.
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the sauce, creating a velvety texture.
  • 3/4 cup milk: The base of the Alfredo sauce, adding creaminess and richness.
  • 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth: Adds depth of flavor to the sauce without overpowering the other ingredients.
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Creates that gooey, melty texture that makes this bake irresistible.
  • 1/4 cup + 2 tbsp shredded Parmesan cheese: Adds sharp, savory flavor to the sauce and topping.
  • Freshly ground black pepper: Seasons the dish and balances the creaminess of the sauce.
  • 2 large tomatoes, chopped (about 1 cup): Adds freshness and slight acidity to cut through the richness of the Alfredo sauce.

VARIATIONS

  • Vegetable Add-ins: Add spinach, broccoli, or even sun-dried tomatoes for extra texture and flavor.
  • Spicy Twist: For a little heat, stir in red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper into the Alfredo sauce.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Swap out the penne for gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary needs.
  • Protein Boost: Add cooked chicken or bacon to make the dish even heartier.

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1:
Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the penne according to package directions until al dente. Drain and return to the pot.
Step 2:
In a large ovenproof skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the minced garlic, shrimp, and 2 tablespoons of parsley. Season with salt and cook the shrimp until pink and no longer opaque, about 2 minutes per side. Transfer the shrimp to a plate, leaving the juices in the skillet.
Step 3:
In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Let it melt, then whisk in the flour, cooking for 1-2 minutes until golden. Slowly add the milk and chicken broth, whisking constantly to avoid lumps, and bring the mixture to a simmer.
Step 4:
Stir in ¾ cup mozzarella and ¼ cup Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Season with freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Step 5:
Return the shrimp to the skillet, along with the chopped tomatoes and cooked penne. Toss everything together until the pasta and shrimp are evenly coated with the sauce. If the mixture is too thick, add a splash of milk to loosen it up.
Step 6:
Top the dish with the remaining ¼ cup mozzarella and 2 tablespoons Parmesan. Bake for 5-7 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For an extra golden top, broil for 2-3 minutes, but keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
Step 7:
Once the bake is ready, garnish with the remaining tablespoon of parsley and serve warm.

Serving and Storage Tips

  • This Garlicky Shrimp Alfredo Bake is best served hot and fresh, straight from the oven. Pair it with garlic bread and a light green salad for a complete meal.
  • If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of milk to bring back the creamy texture.
  • For a crowd, you can easily double the recipe and bake it in a larger dish, perfect for family gatherings or potlucks.

Tips from well-known chefs

  • Chef Giada De Laurentiis: "For an extra kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the Alfredo sauce for a subtle heat that balances the creaminess."
  • Chef Rachael Ray: "Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and creaminess in the sauce—it melts better and adds more richness than pre-grated cheese."
  • Chef Ina Garten: "Make sure your butter is fully melted and whisk constantly when making the Alfredo sauce to ensure a smooth, lump-free texture."

Garlicky Shrimp Alfredo Bake

Garlicky Shrimp Alfredo Bake is a creamy and comforting pasta dish filled with tender shrimp, garlic, and a rich Alfredo sauce. A perfect weeknight meal that's easy to make and incredibly delicious!

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
25 Minutes
Total Time
40 Minutes
By: Meryem

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Italian-American

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

01 10 oz penne.
02 3 tbsp butter.
03 3 cloves garlic, minced.
04 1 lb medium or large shrimp, peeled and deveined.
05 3 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (divided).
06 2 tbsp all-purpose flour.
07 3/4 cup milk.
08 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth.
09 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese.
10 1/4 cup + 2 tbsp shredded Parmesan cheese.
11 Freshly ground black pepper, to taste.
12 2 large tomatoes, chopped (about 1 cup).

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat the oven to 350°F. In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the penne according to package directions until al dente. Drain and return to the pot.

Step 02

Meanwhile, in a large ovenproof skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the minced garlic, shrimp, and 2 tablespoons of parsley. Season with salt and cook the shrimp until pink and opaque, about 2 minutes per side. Transfer the shrimp to a plate, keeping the juices in the skillet.

Step 03

In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and allow it to melt. Add the flour and whisk until golden, about 1-2 minutes. Slowly add the milk and chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a simmer.

Step 04

Stir in 3/4 cup mozzarella and 1/4 cup Parmesan until the sauce is creamy. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

Step 05

Return the shrimp to the skillet, add the chopped tomatoes and cooked penne, and toss until everything is well combined. If the mixture is too thick, add a splash of milk to loosen it up.

Step 06

Sprinkle the top with the remaining 1/4 cup mozzarella and 2 tablespoons Parmesan.

Step 07

Bake in the preheated oven for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Broil for an additional 2-3 minutes until the top is golden and crispy, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.

Step 08

Garnish with the remaining tablespoon of parsley and serve warm.

Notes

  1. This Garlicky Shrimp Alfredo Bake is a creamy, cheesy dish that’s packed with garlicky goodness and tender shrimp. It’s an easy-to-make, comforting meal perfect for a busy weeknight or special family dinner.
  2. The dish pairs wonderfully with garlic bread and a simple side salad for a complete meal.
  3. You can store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large pot.
  • Ovenproof skillet.
  • 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