Some meals are meant to be scooped. This is one of them. Creamy Shrimp Alfredo Bake is rich, cheesy, bubbly, and exactly the kind of dish you make when you want something indulgent without standing over the stove stirring forever.
It’s pasta night, but elevated — the kind where you pull the dish out of the oven, hear that little sizzle, and immediately feel like you made the right decision.
Why This Recipe Is Awesome
This bake is doing a lot, in the best way. You get tender shrimp, creamy Alfredo sauce, and pasta all baked together into one glorious casserole situation. No fancy techniques, no stress — just solid comfort food.
It’s also perfect for feeding a crowd or meal-prepping for the week. Reheats beautifully, tastes even better the next day, and makes you look like someone who really knows their way around a kitchen (even if you were mostly winging it).
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Pasta (penne, fettuccine, or rotini)
- Raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Butter
- Garlic, minced
- Heavy cream
- Cream cheese (optional but highly recommended)
- Grated Parmesan
- Shredded mozzarella
- Salt & black pepper
- Italian seasoning
- Optional: spinach, broccoli, or mushrooms
- Fresh parsley, for serving
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the pasta
Boil pasta until just al dente. Drain and set aside — it’ll finish cooking in the oven. - Make the sauce
Melt butter in a pan, add garlic, then stir in cream and cream cheese. Simmer gently until smooth. - Add cheese and seasoning
Stir in Parmesan, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning until thick and creamy. - Assemble the bake
In a baking dish, combine pasta, raw shrimp, sauce, and any veggies. Mix well. - Top and bake
Sprinkle mozzarella on top and bake until bubbly and lightly golden. - Rest and serve
Let it sit for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking shrimp before baking — they cook in the oven.
- Boiling the sauce too hard — gentle heat keeps it smooth.
- Using pre-cooked shrimp — they’ll turn rubbery.
- Skipping seasoning — Alfredo needs salt to shine.
Alternatives & Substitutions
Swap shrimp for scallops or crab, use gluten-free pasta if needed, or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. You can also lighten the sauce with half-and-half, but IMO, this is not the dish to be shy about cream.
FAQ
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes — thaw completely and pat dry first.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble, cover, and refrigerate, then bake when ready.
Does it freeze well?
It can, but cream sauces are best fresh.
What pasta works best?
Short pasta that holds sauce well is ideal.
Can I add vegetables?
Yes — spinach, broccoli, or mushrooms work great.
How do I know it’s done?
Shrimp will be pink and opaque, sauce bubbly.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Shrimp Alfredo Bake is rich, cozy, and unapologetically comforting. It’s the kind of dish that brings people to the table fast and leaves no leftovers behind.
Serve it hot, enjoy every creamy bite, and don’t forget to save this one — it’s a keeper.