This creamy pasta bake combines succulent shrimp and a rich garlic Alfredo sauce topped with melted cheeses. It is a fast, one-pan meal that delivers a sophisticated flavor in under 30 minutes.

List of ingredients

12 oz. penne – use al dente for best texture.
3 tbsp. butter, divided – used for sautéing and the roux.
3 cloves garlic, minced – adds a pungent, savory base.
1 lb. raw medium or large shrimp, peeled and deveined – ensures easy eating.
2 tbsp. freshly chopped parsley, plus more for garnish – provides a fresh herbal note.
Kosher salt – used for seasoning and boiling pasta.
2 tbsp. all-purpose flour – thickens the Alfredo sauce.
3/4 c. milk (preferably whole or 2%) – creates the creamy base.
1/4 c. low-sodium chicken broth – adds depth to the sauce.
1 c. shredded mozzarella (microbial-rennet), divided – for gooey stretch.
1/4 c. plus 2 tbsp. freshly grated Parmesan (microbial-rennet), divided – for sharp saltiness.
Freshly ground black pepper – provides a mild heat.
1 c. chopped tomatoes (2 large) – adds brightness and acidity.

step-by-step instructions

Prepare Pasta: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the penne according to the package directions until al dente, then drain well.
Sauté Shrimp: In a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the minced garlic, shrimp, and parsley, seasoning with salt; cook for about 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque, then transfer shrimp to a plate while keeping the pan juices.
Make the Sauce: Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in the same skillet. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute, then whisk in the milk and broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in 3/4 cup of mozzarella, 1/4 cup of Parmesan, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked shrimp, chopped tomatoes, and drained penne to the skillet. Toss everything together until evenly coated, adding a splash of extra milk if the sauce appears too thick.
Bake and Melt: Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of mozzarella and 2 tablespoons of Parmesan over the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 5 to 7 minutes until the cheese is completely melted.
Final Touch: Remove from the oven and garnish with additional fresh parsley before serving.

Expert Cooking Tips for Success

Use an Oven-Safe Skillet to Simplify Cleanup

Selecting a cast iron or stainless steel skillet that can go directly into the oven prevents the need for transferring the pasta to a baking dish. This method preserves the sauce’s consistency and reduces the number of dishes to wash.

Avoid Overcooking the Shrimp

Shrimp cook very rapidly and can become rubbery if left in the pan too long. Remove them as soon as they turn pink and opaque, as they will finish heating through during the final baking step.

Sauté Garlic Carefully to Prevent Burning

Garlic can burn quickly over medium heat, which creates a bitter taste in the sauce. Add the garlic to the butter just before the shrimp to ensure it softens without browning too deeply.

Utilize Whole Milk for Maximum Creaminess

Whole milk contains a higher fat content, which results in a velvety and rich Alfredo sauce. If you use skim milk, the sauce may be thinner and lack the traditional mouthfeel of a baked pasta.

Cook Pasta Slightly Under the Package Directions

Since the pasta will spend several minutes in the oven with the sauce, cooking it slightly under al dente prevents it from becoming mushy. This ensures the penne retains a firm bite in the final dish.

Ingredient Substitutions and Modifications

Replacing Penne with Other Pasta Shapes

While penne is excellent for holding sauce, you can use rigatoni or fusilli for similar results. Avoid using very thin pastas like spaghetti, as they may clump together during the baking process.

Using a Different Type of Milk

You can substitute whole milk with heavy cream for an even richer sauce, though you may need to slightly reduce the amount of butter. Unsweetened almond or soy milk can be used for a dairy-free alternative, though the texture will differ.

Vegetable Broth Instead of Chicken Broth

To make the dish more versatile, replace the chicken broth with a high-quality vegetable broth. This maintains the savory depth of the sauce without changing the overall flavor profile of the shrimp.

Alternative Cheese Options

If mozzarella is unavailable, provolone or mild white cheddar can provide a similar melt. For the Parmesan, a Pecorino Romano offers a saltier, sharper alternative that pairs well with seafood.

Adding Different Vegetables

You can incorporate frozen peas, chopped spinach, or diced bell peppers to add more nutrients. Sauté these vegetables along with the garlic before starting the roux for the sauce.

Flavor Variations to Try

Adding a Hint of Lemon

Stirring in a tablespoon of fresh lemon juice or adding lemon zest to the garnish brightens the dish. The acidity cuts through the richness of the Alfredo sauce and complements the shrimp perfectly.

Incorporating Red Pepper Flakes for Heat

For a spicy kick, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic. This creates a subtle heat that balances the creaminess of the mozzarella and Parmesan.

Adding Fresh Spinach for Color

Fold in a handful of fresh baby spinach just before adding the pasta to the skillet. The heat from the sauce will wilt the spinach quickly, adding a vibrant green color and earthy flavor.

Using Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Replace the fresh tomatoes with chopped sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil for a more concentrated, sweet-tart flavor. This variation gives the dish a more Mediterranean character.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Pairing with Garlic Bread

Warm, toasted garlic bread is the ideal accompaniment to soak up the extra Alfredo sauce. Use a baguette sliced lengthwise, brushed with garlic butter, and toasted until golden brown.

Adding a Side Green Salad

A crisp garden salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich, cheesy pasta. Use mixed greens, cucumber, and a lemon-olive oil dressing to cleanse the palate.

Serving with Steamed Broccoli

Steamed broccoli florets can be served on the side or mixed directly into the bake. The broccoli absorbs the garlic sauce and adds a healthy, crunchy element to the meal.

Choosing the Right Beverage

Pair this dish with a chilled sparkling water or a non-alcoholic white grape spritzer. The bubbles and acidity help balance the richness of the butter and cream.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Refrigerating Leftovers Properly

Store any remaining pasta bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Allow the dish to cool slightly before sealing to prevent excess condensation from making the pasta soggy.

Freezing the Pasta Bake

While creamy sauces can separate when frozen, you can freeze this dish for up to two months. Wrap it tightly in foil and plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn.

Reheating in the Oven

To maintain the best texture, reheat leftovers in the oven at 325°F covered with foil. Add a tablespoon of milk to the pasta before heating to loosen the sauce.

Microwave Reheating Tips

When using a microwave, heat the pasta in short intervals, stirring in between. Adding a splash of water or milk prevents the cheese from becoming oily and the pasta from drying out.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Dealing with a Sauce That Is Too Thick

If the sauce becomes too thick after adding the pasta, whisk in a tablespoon of milk or chicken broth at a time. Do this over low heat until the desired creamy consistency is reached.

Fixing a Sauce That Is Too Thin

If the sauce is too runny, let it simmer for an additional two to three minutes before adding the shrimp and pasta. You can also stir in a small amount of extra Parmesan cheese to thicken it naturally.

Preventing Shrimp from Becoming Rubbery

Ensure the skillet is sufficiently hot before adding the shrimp to get a quick sear. Avoid stirring the shrimp too frequently; let them sit for two minutes per side for the best texture.

Handling Cheese That Won’t Melt

If the cheese remains intact after baking, increase the oven temperature slightly or place the skillet under the broiler for one minute. Ensure you are using freshly shredded cheese, as pre-shredded versions often contain anti-clumping agents that hinder melting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Ensure they are completely thawed and patted dry with paper towels before sautéing to prevent the sauce from becoming watery.

Do I have to use an oven-safe skillet?

No, if you do not have one, you can transfer the combined pasta and sauce into a standard baking dish. Simply grease the dish with butter before adding the mixture.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

You can substitute the butter with olive oil, the milk with unsweetened cashew milk, and use vegan mozzarella and Parmesan alternatives. The flavor will be slightly different, but the structure remains the same.

How do I keep the tomatoes from making the sauce watery?

Seed the tomatoes by removing the watery pulp and seeds before chopping them into cubes. This ensures you get the flavor and texture of the tomato without adding excess liquid to the sauce.