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Shrimp Alfredo Bake - Creamy, Cozy, and Weeknight-Friendly

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 12 ounces dried penne or ziti
  • 1 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined (medium or large; tails off)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups heavy cream (or 1 1/2 cups cream + 1/2 cup milk)
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth (or seafood stock)
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for topping
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded low-moisture mozzarella
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more for pasta water
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or basil, for garnish
  • Lemon wedges for serving (optional but brightens the dish)

Method
 

  1. Preheat and prep: Heat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with 1 teaspoon olive oil or nonstick spray.
  2. Cook the pasta: Boil in well-salted water until just shy of al dente, 1–2 minutes less than package directions. Drain and set aside; toss with 1 teaspoon olive oil to prevent sticking.
  3. Season the shrimp: Pat dry. Toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, and Italian seasoning if using.
  4. Sear quickly: Heat a large skillet over medium-high. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook 1 minute per side until just turning opaque. Transfer to a plate; they will finish in the oven.
  5. Build the Alfredo base: Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the same skillet. Sauté garlic 30 seconds until fragrant.
  6. Thicken the sauce: Whisk in flour and cook 1 minute. Slowly stream in cream and broth, whisking to smooth out lumps.
  7. Season and melt: Add red pepper flakes (if using), remaining salt and pepper. Simmer 3–4 minutes, stirring, until slightly thickened and glossy. Off heat, stir in Parmesan until melted.
  8. Combine: In a large bowl, toss pasta with Alfredo sauce and half the mozzarella. Fold in shrimp (reserve a few for the top if you like).
  9. Assemble the bake: Spread into the prepared dish. Sprinkle remaining mozzarella and a little extra Parmesan on top.
  10. Bake: Cook uncovered 15–18 minutes, until bubbling around the edges and lightly golden on top. For more color, broil 1–2 minutes, watching closely.
  11. Finish and serve: Rest 5 minutes. Sprinkle with parsley. Serve with lemon wedges for a bright squeeze over each portion.