Garlic Shrimp Pasta Bake Recipe

Shrimp: Peeled and deveined, these are the star protein of the dish, offering a sweet and delicate flavor.

Pasta: The base of the dish, providing a hearty and satisfying texture.

Garlic: Adds a robust and aromatic flavor that complements the shrimp perfectly.

Heavy cream: Creates a rich and creamy sauce that ties all the ingredients together.

Parmesan cheese: Adds a savory and nutty flavor, melting into the sauce for extra richness.

Olive oil: Used for sautéing the garlic and shrimp, adding a subtle fruity flavor.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.

Pepper: Adds a hint of spice and depth to the flavor profile.

Parsley: Fresh and vibrant, used as a garnish to add a pop of color and freshness.

When sautéing the garlic in olive oil, ensure you do not let it brown too much, as this can impart a bitter flavor to the dish. Instead, cook it just until it becomes fragrant, which usually takes about 30 seconds to a minute. This will enhance the overall flavor of your garlic shrimp pasta bake.

• shrimp - Substitute with chicken breast: Chicken breast can provide a similar protein content and texture when cooked, making it a suitable alternative for those who do not consume seafood.

• pasta - Substitute with zucchini noodles: Zucchini noodles offer a low-carb and gluten-free option, while still providing a similar texture to traditional pasta.

• garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots can provide a milder, yet still aromatic, flavor that complements the dish well.

• heavy cream - Substitute with coconut milk: Coconut milk offers a dairy-free alternative that still provides a rich and creamy texture.

• parmesan cheese - Substitute with nutritional yeast: Nutritional yeast provides a cheesy flavor and is a great vegan alternative to parmesan cheese.

• olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a similar healthy fat profile and a high smoke point, making it suitable for cooking.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a savory umami flavor, reducing the need for additional salt.

• pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper can add a bit of heat and spice, enhancing the overall flavor profile.

• fresh parsley - Substitute with cilantro: Cilantro offers a fresh and vibrant flavor that can complement the dish similarly to parsley.

• Allow the Garlic Shrimp Pasta Bake to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the dish soggy.

• Transfer the cooled pasta bake into an airtight container. If you don't have a container large enough, you can use a baking dish covered tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap.

• Store the container in the refrigerator. The Garlic Shrimp Pasta Bake will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.

• For longer storage, consider freezing. Place the pasta bake in a freezer-safe container or wrap it tightly with aluminum foil and then plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn.

• Label the container with the date so you can keep track of its freshness. The Garlic Shrimp Pasta Bake can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.

• When ready to reheat, thaw the pasta bake in the refrigerator overnight if frozen.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the pasta bake to an oven-safe dish if it’s not already in one.

• Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent the top from drying out. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. If you prefer a crispy top, remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of baking.

• Alternatively, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave. Place a serving on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a microwave-safe lid or another plate, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, or until hot.

• Garnish with fresh parsley before serving to refresh the flavors and add a touch of color.

• Oven Method

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Transfer the leftover pasta bake to an oven-safe dish if it's not already in one.
  3. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent the pasta from drying out.
  4. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the shrimp and pasta are heated through.
  5. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes to let the top get slightly crispy.

• Stovetop Method

  1. Place the leftover pasta bake in a large skillet or saucepan.
  2. Add a splash of heavy cream or chicken broth to help rehydrate the pasta and prevent it from sticking.
  3. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp and pasta are warmed through.
  4. If needed, add a bit more parmesan cheese to enhance the flavor.

• Microwave Method

  1. Place a portion of the leftover pasta bake in a microwave-safe dish.
  2. Add a tablespoon of water or heavy cream to keep the pasta moist.
  3. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape.
  4. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, then stir.
  5. Continue microwaving in 30-second intervals until the shrimp and pasta are heated through.

• Air Fryer Method

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the leftover pasta bake in an air fryer-safe dish.
  3. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent the pasta from drying out.
  4. Heat for about 10-15 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.
  5. Remove the foil for the last 3-5 minutes to let the top get slightly crispy.

• Oven: Used to bake the pasta dish at 375°F (190°C) until it becomes bubbly and golden on top.

• Large skillet: Essential for sautéing the garlic, cooking the shrimp, and preparing the cream sauce.

• Pot: Necessary for boiling the pasta until it reaches an al dente texture.

• Colander: Used to drain the cooked pasta after boiling.

• Baking dish: The vessel where you combine the cooked pasta, shrimp, and sauce before baking.

• Wooden spoon: Handy for stirring the garlic, shrimp, and sauce in the skillet.

• Measuring cups: Needed to measure out the heavy cream and parmesan cheese accurately.

• Measuring spoons: Useful for measuring the olive oil and chopped parsley.

• Chef's knife: Essential for mincing the garlic and chopping the fresh parsley.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for mincing garlic and chopping parsley.

• Tongs: Useful for handling and removing the shrimp from the skillet.

• Mixing bowl: Optional, but can be used to combine the pasta, shrimp, and sauce before transferring to the baking dish.

• Grater: Needed to grate the parmesan cheese if it is not pre-grated.

• Oven mitts: Important for safely handling the hot baking dish when removing it from the oven.

Prep ingredients ahead: Peel and devein the shrimp and mince the garlic the night before to save time.

Use pre-cooked pasta: Opt for pre-cooked pasta to cut down on cooking time.

One-pan method: Cook the shrimp and make the sauce in the same skillet to reduce cleanup.

Preheat oven early: Start preheating your oven while you prep other ingredients to save time.

Grate cheese in advance: Grate the parmesan cheese ahead of time and store it in the fridge.