If you’re looking to wow your family or friends with a comforting yet impressive dish, the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Fettuccine Bake Recipe is an absolute winner. Imagine tender fettuccine pasta bathed in a luxurious, velvety garlic Parmesan sauce, studded with perfectly sautéed shrimp, and topped with gooey melted mozzarella that browns beautifully in the oven. It’s a luscious blend of flavors and textures that turns a simple pasta dinner into a special occasion. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a kitchen novice, this recipe delivers big taste with straightforward steps.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple staples but come together to create layers of flavor, creamy texture, and vibrant color. Each one is essential to building the dish’s rich, garlicky personality and that irresistible cheesy crust on top.
- 8 ounces fettuccine pasta: The ideal pasta shape to hold on to all that luscious sauce without getting soggy.
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined: Adds a tender, succulent protein with a slightly sweet seafood flavor that complements the creaminess perfectly.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter: Provides a silky base for sautéing garlic and shrimp, elevating the sauce’s richness.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic is the heart of this dish, infusing every bite with its unmistakable aromatic punch.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates that signature creamy texture that envelops the pasta and shrimp.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds sharp, nutty depth and a touch of saltiness to the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs that brings warmth and complexity to the dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Provides just a hint of heat that brightens the rich flavors.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasoning to balance all the flavors perfectly.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully to form that golden, bubbly topping everyone loves.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley for garnish: Adds a fresh, colorful brightness to finish the dish with flair.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Fettuccine Bake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. This sets the stage for that golden bubbly finish on your bake. It’s always best to have your oven ready once your assembly is complete, so the dish bakes evenly without delay.
Step 2: Cook the Fettuccine
Boil your fettuccine according to package directions until it reaches al dente—a perfect balance of tender with a slight bite. Once cooked, drain the pasta, set it aside, and keep it warm. The pasta is the comforting base that carries all the creamy goodness of the sauce.
Step 3: Sauté the Shrimp and Garlic
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until the kitchen fills with an intoxicating aroma. Next, add the shrimp along with Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Cook the shrimp until they turn a lovely pink color, roughly 3 to 4 minutes. This step is where the shrimp picks up all those savory flavors and becomes irresistibly tender.
Step 4: Mix the Sauce and Pasta
In a large bowl, combine the cooked fettuccine, sautéed shrimp, heavy cream, and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir everything gently until the pasta is evenly coated in the creamy sauce and the flavors meld beautifully together. This creamy mixture is what makes this bake so decadently comforting.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Transfer your shrimp-pasta mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese and top with shredded mozzarella for that classic cheesy crust. Bake in your preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden brown. This step binds all the flavors and textures while creating that signature gooey topping.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Remove the bake from the oven and let it cool just slightly before serving. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley to add a pop of color and a fresh herbal note. Now you’re ready to dig into a rich, creamy, garlicky favorite that’s sure to impress everyone at your table.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Fettuccine Bake Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley isn’t just for show here—it brightens the dish beautifully. For an extra touch, consider a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a little sprinkle of extra Parmesan. These small finishing touches enhance the flavors and add freshness to balance the richness.
Side Dishes
This bake pairs wonderfully with light, crisp sides like a simple mixed greens salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette or roasted asparagus. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette makes for perfect companions to scoop up every last bit of that creamy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve individual portions in small ramekins for a charming, restaurant-style presentation, or bake it in a large family dish for a casual, crowd-pleasing centerpiece. Garnish thoughtfully with herbs or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for an inviting pop of color and heat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers from your Creamy Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Fettuccine Bake Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making for even tastier meals the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze portions of this bake before baking to enjoy later. Simply cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, bake it uncovered at 350°F, adding extra time to ensure it heats through completely.
Reheating
To bring leftovers back to life, reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until warmed through and bubbly again. Alternatively, microwave individual portions covered loosely to retain moisture, stirring halfway through.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this bake?
Absolutely! While fettuccine is perfect for this recipe, you can substitute with penne, rigatoni, or even bowtie pasta. Just ensure the pasta holds the creamy sauce well without becoming mushy.
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
If you want a lighter option, half-and-half or whole milk mixed with a bit of flour to thicken can work. However, the sauce won’t be as rich and creamy as with heavy cream, so keep that in mind.
Is red pepper flakes necessary?
The red pepper flakes add a subtle kick that balances the richness. If you prefer no heat, feel free to omit them—it’s still deliciously flavorful without the spice.
Can I prepare the shrimp in advance?
Yes, you can sauté the shrimp ahead of time and keep them refrigerated until ready to mix with pasta and sauce. Just be careful not to overcook them initially to avoid rubbery texture.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free fettuccine or any gluten-free pasta you love. Just follow the package instructions for cooking time, and the result will still be scrumptious and creamy.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Fettuccine Bake Recipe a try because it’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s elegantly simple yet packed with flavor, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings. Once you make it, I bet it will become a go-to favorite you’ll want to share again and again.
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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Fettuccine Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A rich and creamy Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Fettuccine Bake featuring succulent shrimp sautéed in garlic butter, tossed with al dente fettuccine and a luscious Parmesan cream sauce, all baked to golden perfection with mozzarella cheese.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces fettuccine pasta
Shrimp and Sauce
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Topping and Garnish
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the dish.
- Cook Fettuccine: Boil the fettuccine pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Sauté Shrimp: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp along with Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes if using, and salt and pepper to taste. Cook the shrimp until they turn pink and are cooked through, about 3-4 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked fettuccine, sautéed shrimp with garlic butter, heavy cream, and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir everything together until well mixed and creamy.
- Transfer & Bake: Pour the combined mixture into a greased baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese and the shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
- Garnish & Serve: Remove the baked fettuccine from the oven and allow it to cool slightly. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy your creamy and flavorful Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Fettuccine Bake!
Notes
- You can omit red pepper flakes if you prefer a less spicy dish.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream but the sauce will be less rich.
- To save time, use pre-cooked shrimp but reduce sautéing time accordingly.
- Make sure not to overcook shrimp in the skillet to keep them tender.
- This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
