Strap in, y’all, because we’re about to take your taste buds on an epic, flavor-packed adventure with this Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Pasta Bake! This dish is a total game-changer, taking the classic flavors of Tuscan cuisine and turning them into a cheesy, saucy, and utterly irresistible pasta bake that’s sure to make your mouth water. Get ready to devour some serious comfort food magic, my friends!
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Pasta Bake
This Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Pasta Bake is an absolute sensation that’s going to blow your mind (and your taste buds!) with its incredible flavors and insanely creamy texture. The combination of juicy shrimp, rich and velvety Parmesan sauce, and a pop of fresh herbs is truly out of this world. Plus, this dish is the perfect balance of indulgence and freshness, making it a total crowd-pleaser that you’ll crave again and again. Trust me, one bite and you’ll be hooked – this pasta bake is about to become a new family favorite!
Ingredients
For this epic Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Pasta Bake, you’ll need a mouthwatering lineup of ingredients, including plump and juicy shrimp, a luxurious Parmesan cream sauce, and a medley of fresh herbs and spices that will take your taste buds on a flavor explosion. Get ready to transform your kitchen into a flavor paradise!
- 1 lb – Peeled and deveined shrimp
- 16 oz – Penne pasta
- 2 tbsp – Olive oil
- 1 cup – Heavy cream
- 1 cup – Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves – Garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp – Dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup – Sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/4 cup – Fresh basil, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Ingredient Substitutions
- Shrimp: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts (just as delicious!)
- Parmesan: Mozzarella or a blend of Italian cheeses (perfect for dietary swaps)
How to Make Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Pasta Bake
Alright, let’s get this flavor party started! This Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Pasta Bake may look like a fancy-schmancy dish, but I promise it’s actually super easy to whip up. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a mouthwatering, restaurant-worthy pasta bake in no time.
Step 1: Prep Work
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they’re nice and pink. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside. In the same skillet, add the heavy cream, Parmesan, garlic, and Italian seasoning. Whisk the mixture together and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened up.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Add the cooked pasta, shrimp, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh basil to the Parmesan cream sauce. Stir everything together until the pasta is evenly coated. Transfer the Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Pasta Bake to a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it out into an even layer.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Bake the pasta bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. Dive in, my friends! This Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Pasta Bake is about to become your new obsession.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Spice it up: Add a pinch or two of crushed red pepper flakes to the Parmesan sauce for a little kick.
- Get Fancy: Top the baked pasta with crispy prosciutto or bacon for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
- Swap the Protein: Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts instead of shrimp for a delicious alternative.
- Mix Up the Cheese: Try a blend of Italian cheeses like mozzarella, Asiago, or Pecorino Romano for a fun twist on the classic Parmesan.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: A fresh green salad and some crusty garlic bread for the ultimate comfort food feast.
Storage: Store any leftover Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Pasta Bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It reheats beautifully in the oven or microwave.
Reheat: To reheat, simply pop the pasta bake back in the oven at 375°F for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.
Make-Ahead: This Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Pasta Bake is the perfect dish to prepare in advance. Assemble the entire recipe, cover, and refrigerate for up to 3 days before baking. Just add 5-10 minutes to the baking time when you’re ready to enjoy it.
Nutrition Information
This Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Pasta Bake is not only a flavor powerhouse, but it’s also packed with nourishing ingredients that’ll leave you feeling satisfied and energized. With juicy shrimp, whole-grain pasta, and a veggie-loaded sauce, this dish is a balanced and delicious meal that’s sure to become a new favorite.
- Serving Size: 1/6 of the recipe
- Calories: 494 kcal
- Protein: 31 g
- Carbs: 43 g
- Fat: 23 g
- Sodium: 612 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! This Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Pasta Bake is super flexible, so you can easily swap in your favorite pasta shape, like fusilli, rigatoni, or even elbow macaroni. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, this Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Pasta Bake is the perfect make-ahead meal! You can assemble the entire dish, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking. Just add 5-10 minutes to the baking time when you’re ready to enjoy it.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Absolutely! This Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Pasta Bake freezes beautifully. Just let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight, freezer-safe container. It’ll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then bake at 375°F until heated through.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
You bet! While the Parmesan cheese is the star of the show in this Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Pasta Bake, you can absolutely experiment with other types of cheese. Try a blend of Italian cheeses like mozzarella, Asiago, or Pecorino Romano for a fun twist on the classic.
Can I add extra veggies?
Absolutely! This recipe is the perfect canvas for all kinds of veggie additions. Try tossing in some sautéed spinach, roasted red peppers, or even some steamed broccoli for an extra nutritional boost. The possibilities are endless, so have fun with it!
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- Creamy Holiday Truffle Mac And Cheese Bake
Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Pasta Bake
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Sides
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Pasta Bake is a delightful combination of succulent shrimp, creamy sauce, and baked pasta, perfect for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
8 ounces penne pasta
1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup spinach, fresh
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
1. 1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. 2. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente; drain.
3. 3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté garlic until fragrant.
4. 4. Add shrimp and cook until pink, about 3-4 minutes.
5. 5. Stir in cherry tomatoes, spinach, heavy cream, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper; simmer for 5 minutes.
6. 6. Combine the cooked pasta with the shrimp mixture and transfer to a baking dish.
7. 7. Top with Parmesan cheese and bake for 20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
8. 8. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Notes
For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes to the shrimp mixture. This dish can be made ahead and reheated.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 200mg
Keywords: shrimp, pasta, bake, creamy, Tuscan