When it comes to comforting, flavorful dishes that feel like a warm hug, this Seafood Pasta Bake Recipe truly hits the mark. Combining tender pasta, a luscious creamy tomato sauce, and a delightful medley of seafood, it’s a perfect crowd-pleaser that brings Italian coastal flavors right to your table. The bubbling cheese topping adds that irresistible golden crust, making every bite satisfying and memorable. Whether it’s a family dinner or a special occasion, this seafood pasta bake is sure to become one of your favorite go-to meals.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Seafood Pasta Bake Recipe uses straightforward ingredients that pack a punch in taste and texture. Each component is carefully chosen to create the perfect balance of creaminess, tang, and fresh ocean flavors that elevate the dish to something truly special.
- 10.5 oz penne or rigatoni: These pasta shapes hold onto sauce beautifully, ensuring every forkful is flavorful.
- 10.5 oz mixed seafood (shrimp, mussels, squid, scallops), thawed: A variety of seafood adds layers of texture and taste.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Provides a smooth base for sautéing and adds richness.
- 1 small onion, finely chopped: Adds natural sweetness and depth to the sauce.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced: Brings the perfect aromatic punch.
- 14 oz canned chopped tomatoes: The heart of the sauce, offering acidity and sweetness.
- 2/3 cup heavy cream: Gives the sauce its signature creamy texture.
- 2 tbsp tomato paste: Concentrates tomato flavor and thickens the sauce.
- 1 tsp dried oregano: Delivers that classic Italian herb aroma.
- 1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional): Adds a gentle heat that balances the creaminess.
- Salt, to taste: Enhances all the flavors.
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Adds a subtle spice kick.
- 3.5 oz mozzarella, grated: Melts perfectly to create a deliciously gooey topping.
- 1.5 oz Parmesan, grated: Brings a nutty, salty finish that browns beautifully.
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped: Adds a fresh, vibrant garnish to brighten the dish.
How to Make Seafood Pasta Bake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and greasing a large baking dish thoroughly. Getting the dish ready now makes the final step quick and easy, ensuring your seafood pasta bakes evenly without sticking.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta until just al dente, about two minutes less than package directions. Drain the pasta and set it aside; this slight undercooking is essential since the pasta will continue cooking in the oven, keeping it perfectly tender without becoming mushy.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics
In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil and gently sauté the finely chopped onion for about 3 minutes until soft and translucent. Then add the minced garlic and cook for another minute just until fragrant—this step builds the savory base that transforms the entire dish.
Step 4: Simmer the Tomato Sauce
To the skillet, add the canned chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, chili flakes if using, salt, and pepper. Let everything simmer over low heat, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes to develop the sauce’s rich, tangy depth. This slow melding of flavors really shines through in the final bake.
Step 5: Incorporate Cream
Stir in the heavy cream and simmer for an additional 2 minutes. The cream softens the acidity of the tomatoes and rounds out the sauce with a silky, luscious texture that complements the seafood perfectly. Taste and adjust the seasoning to your liking at this point.
Step 6: Cook the Seafood Gently
Carefully fold the thawed mixed seafood into the sauce and cook for just 2 to 3 minutes until the seafood turns opaque but is not overcooked. This gentle cooking step ensures that the shrimp, mussels, squid, and scallops remain tender and juicy in the final dish.
Step 7: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Mix the cooked pasta thoroughly with the creamy seafood sauce until every piece is coated. Transfer this mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly to create a uniform casserole that’s ready for baking.
Step 8: Add Cheese Topping and Bake
Evenly sprinkle the grated mozzarella and Parmesan over the pasta to create a golden, bubbly crust once baked. Place the dish in the oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbling, and beautifully browned on top.
Step 9: Rest and Garnish
Once out of the oven, let the seafood pasta bake rest for about 5 minutes to set slightly. Finish by sprinkling fresh chopped parsley over the top for a burst of color and a touch of fresh herbal brightness.
How to Serve Seafood Pasta Bake Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh parsley not only brightens the dish visually but also freshens the palate. For an extra touch, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving can lift all the flavors, adding an irresistible zing.
Side Dishes
This seafood pasta bake pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed in light vinaigrette, or some crusty garlic bread to scoop up every last bit of the creamy sauce. Steamed or roasted vegetables like asparagus or green beans make for colorful, healthy accompaniments as well.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, serve the seafood pasta bake in individual ramekins or small cast iron skillets for a charming touch. You can also sprinkle a little extra Parmesan and parsley on each portion right before serving for that fresh sparkle.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover seafood pasta bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to meld overnight, making reheated portions even tastier.
Freezing
This Seafood Pasta Bake Recipe freezes beautifully. After baking and cooling completely, cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the bake into a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil to prevent drying out. Heat for 15–20 minutes until warmed through. Alternatively, individual portions can be reheated in the microwave, though the oven preserves the best texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen seafood directly in the bake?
It’s best to thaw mixed seafood completely before adding it to the sauce. This ensures even cooking and prevents excess liquid that could make the bake watery.
What if I don’t have heavy cream?
You can substitute with half-and-half or a mixture of milk and a bit of butter; however, the sauce will be slightly less rich and creamy but still delicious.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the seafood and add hearty vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant for a satisfying vegetarian pasta bake.
What type of pasta works best?
Penne and rigatoni are ideal because their ridges and tubes catch the sauce beautifully. Other short pasta shapes like fusilli or farfalle also work well.
How spicy is the chili flakes addition?
The chili flakes add a gentle heat that balances the creaminess. You can easily leave them out or adjust the amount based on your spice preference.
Final Thoughts
This Seafood Pasta Bake Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a comforting celebration on a plate. With its rich tomato cream sauce, tender seafood, and bubbling cheese topping, it’s sure to become a beloved staple in your recipe collection. Dive in, savor every bite, and share the joy of this hearty meal with your loved ones—you won’t regret it!
Print
Seafood Pasta Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Family Meals
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A comforting Italian-style seafood pasta bake featuring a creamy tomato sauce blended with mixed seafood and pasta, topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, then baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 10.5 oz penne or rigatoni
Seafood
- 10.5 oz mixed seafood (shrimp, mussels, squid, scallops), thawed
Sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 14 oz canned chopped tomatoes
- 2/3 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional)
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Cheese Topping
- 3.5 oz mozzarella, grated
- 1.5 oz Parmesan, grated
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Thoroughly grease a large baking dish to ensure the pasta bake does not stick during cooking.
- Cook Pasta: Boil the penne or rigatoni in salted water until just under al dente, cooking for about 2 minutes less than the package suggests. Drain the pasta and set aside to prevent overcooking in the oven.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for approximately 3 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and continue to cook for an extra minute until fragrant.
- Simmer Tomato Sauce: Stir in the canned chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, and chili flakes if using. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to develop flavors.
- Incorporate Cream: Mix the heavy cream into the tomato sauce and let it simmer for an additional 2 minutes. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Cook Seafood Gently: Fold the thawed mixed seafood into the sauce and cook them for 2 to 3 minutes, just until the seafood turns opaque. Take care not to overcook to preserve tenderness and flavor.
- Combine Pasta with Sauce: Thoroughly mix the cooked pasta with the seafood tomato sauce, ensuring the pasta is well coated. Transfer this mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the grated mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the top of the pasta mixture to create a cheesy crust when baked.
- Bake Casserole: Place the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes until the sauce is bubbling and the cheese topping is golden brown and slightly crisp.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove the seafood pasta bake from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to set. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving to add freshness and color.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, increase the amount of chili flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Use fresh seafood if available for enhanced flavor and texture.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated in the oven to retain the crispy topping.
- To make the dish gluten-free, substitute regular pasta with gluten-free pasta.
