Shrimp Pasta Casserole Recipe

Bubbling with cheesy goodness and studded with tender shrimp, this Shrimp Pasta Casserole is the ultimate weeknight comfort dish you’ll want to make again and again. Creamy, lemon-kissed sauce, succulent shrimp, and perfectly cooked penne—all baked to golden perfection in one dreamy casserole!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t you love recipes where every ingredient plays a delicious role? The lineup for this Shrimp Pasta Casserole is super approachable, yet each element adds a special something—like creaminess, zesty brightness, or that irresistible cheesy pull!

• Penne Pasta: Its tube shape is perfect for holding onto all the luscious sauce. Cook just until al dente for the best texture in your casserole.
• Butter & Olive Oil: The dream team—they add richness and help everything brown beautifully while sautéing.
• Garlic: Minced fresh for the best aroma; it infuses the sauce and shrimp with mouthwatering flavor.
• Shrimp: Use raw, peeled, and deveined shrimp for juicy bites throughout—no tough, rubbery pieces here!
• Dried Parsley: Adds bright, herby notes and a pop of green.
• All-Purpose Flour: Essential for thickening the sauce into creamy perfection.
• Chicken Broth: Layers in savory depth and balances the creaminess, so it’s flavorful but not heavy.
• Milk: Brings the perfect level of creaminess to the base without making it too rich.
• Lemon Juice: Don’t skip it! This splash of citrus wakes up the whole dish and highlights the shrimp.
• Salt & Pepper: Simple seasonings that tie everything together.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese: Salty, nutty, and crucial for that melty, cheesy top and thickened sauce.
• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Just a touch for extra gooeyness and a golden brown finish.

Variations

This Shrimp Pasta Casserole is so easy to tweak to suit your mood or pantry! Don’t be afraid to swap in your favorite ingredients, make it lighter, or even bulk it up for hungry crowds—the possibilities are endless.

• Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the garlic for a gentle kick that pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce.
• Go Gluten-Free: Just substitute your favorite gluten-free pasta and use a cup-for-cup GF flour blend to keep it comforting and safe for everyone.
• Veggie Boost: Stir in a handful of baby spinach, chopped bell peppers, or even peas for extra color and nutrition.
• Swap in Different Cheeses: Try Monterey Jack or fontina for a new cheesy twist, or sprinkle with a little smoked gouda for extra depth.

How to Make Shrimp Pasta Casserole

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta just until al dente—it should have the slightest bite so it doesn’t turn mushy in the oven. Drain well and set aside while you work your shrimp magic.

Step 2: Sauté Shrimp and Garlic

Melt a tablespoon of butter with olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and let it become fragrant and golden (just about 30 seconds—don’t let it burn!). Add the shrimp and parsley, sautéing until the shrimp are pink and just cooked through, about 4-5 minutes. Scoop out the shrimp but leave those flavorful juices in the skillet for the next step.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

Add the remaining two tablespoons of butter to the same skillet over medium heat. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk constantly—it should form a smooth paste. Gradually pour in chicken broth and then milk, whisking so the sauce stays silky. Stir in the lemon juice, salt, and pepper to brighten everything up.

Step 4: Melt in the Cheese

Lower the heat and add the Parmesan and a couple tablespoons of mozzarella. Stir until the cheese is totally melted and the sauce thickens to a dreamy, pourable consistency—it should easily coat the back of a spoon.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Stir the cooked penne and about three-quarters of the shrimp into the cheesy sauce, giving everything a good toss so every bite gets some love. Scatter the remaining shrimp and mozzarella on top, then pop the skillet in a 350°F oven. Bake for about 10 minutes, just until the cheese melts and forms a lightly golden lid. Serve hot and bask in rave reviews!

How to Serve Shrimp Pasta Casserole

Garnishes

For a fresh, restaurant-worthy finish, sprinkle your Shrimp Pasta Casserole with a shower of chopped parsley or fresh basil. A final grate of Parmesan at the table also adds extra flair and a nutty touch!

Side Dishes

This casserole practically begs for a crisp green salad, but garlic bread, roasted asparagus, or lemony sautéed green beans make excellent companions for soaking up every bit of creamy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Shrimp Pasta Casserole straight from a decorative skillet for a “wow” factor, or spoon individual portions into mini casseroles for dinner parties—add a lemon wedge and fresh herbs for that special touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers will keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors mingle and get even cozier overnight—so it’s perfect for lunch the next day!

Freezing

This casserole is freezer-friendly! Let it cool completely, then wrap tightly or transfer to a freezer-safe dish. For best results, freeze before baking and add the final layer of mozzarella just before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat individual portions in the microwave or gently warm the whole casserole, covered, in a 325°F oven until heated through. Add a drizzle of milk if the pasta seems dry to revive its creamy magic!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving cozy, crowd-pleasing comfort food, this Shrimp Pasta Casserole checks every box. I can’t wait for you to enjoy its creamy, cheesy goodness with all your favorite people—don’t forget to share your twist on it, too!

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