Irresistible Baked Seafood Pasta Recipe for Seafood Lovers

The aroma of Baked Seafood Pasta wafts through the air, inviting you to dive face-first into a cheesy, seafood-studded delight that could make even the toughest critic swoon. Imagine a dish where succulent shrimp, tender scallops, and pasta bathe in a creamy sauce that hugs each noodle with love and warmth. spicy salmon spaghetti dish If you’re anything like me, you’ll find yourself daydreaming about this culinary masterpiece long after the last bite has disappeared. For more inspiration, check out this creamy lemon shrimp pasta recipe.

Let me take you back to that one summer evening when I decided to impress my friends with my cooking skills. Spoiler alert: I may have overcooked the garlic bread, but the Baked Seafood Pasta came out perfect! That delightful blend of flavors instantly transported us to a cozy Italian trattoria. Now, every time I whip up this dish, it brings back those fond memories of laughter and good company. So, whether it’s date night or a casual family dinner, this dish is your ticket to flavor town!

Ingredients for Baked Seafood Pasta

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Spaghetti or Penne Pasta: Choose your favorite pasta shape; both hold sauce beautifully and create a hearty base.
• Fresh Shrimp: Opt for large shrimp for maximum flavor; deveined and peeled makes them easy to work with.
• Scallops: Sweet scallops add a delicate flavor; try to get dry-packed for the best taste.
• Heavy Cream: This is the secret ingredient that makes everything oh-so-creamy and dreamy.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated cheese provides that nutty flavor that ties everything together beautifully.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic amps up the flavor profile; you can never go wrong with garlic!
• Herbs (like parsley and basil): Fresh herbs brighten up the dish with color and freshness.

For the Sauce:

• Lemon Juice: A splash enhances flavors and adds brightness to this rich dish.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

 

How to Make Baked Seafood Pasta

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray a large baking dish with nonstick cooking spray or grease it lightly with butter.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

In a pot of salted boiling water, cook your pasta until al dente according to package instructions remember it will continue to cook in the oven!

Step 3: Sauté the Seafood

In a skillet over medium heat, melt some butter. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant about one minute then toss in shrimp and scallops. Cook until shrimp are pink and scallops are opaque.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

In a mixing bowl, combine heavy cream, lemon juice, parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and herbs. Stir well until fully mixed.

Step 5: Combine Ingredients

Mix cooked pasta with sautéed seafood in a large bowl. Pour the creamy sauce all over and toss gently until everything is well coated.

Step 6: Bake

Transfer everything into your greased baking dish. Top with more parmesan if desired! Cover with foil and bake for about twenty minutes. Remove foil for another five minutes so your cheese gets bubbly and golden brown.

Transfer to plates and drizzle with extra lemon juice for the perfect finishing touch! Get ready for oohs and aaahs as you serve your friends this masterpiece of Baked Seafood Pasta!

So there you have it a delightful journey through making Baked Seafood Pasta that brings comfort food right into your home! Whether you’re entertaining guests or just craving something scrumptious on a quiet night in, this recipe has got you covered from start to finish. vegetable pasta primavera Now grab those ingredients and let’s make some culinary magic!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by preheating your oven while you cook the pasta until al dente. Then, sauté garlic and onion in olive oil before adding your seafood mix. Combine everything in a baking dish, top with cheese, and bake to perfection.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out seafood for chicken or add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers. Experiment with different cheeses such as mozzarella or Parmesan to enhance the flavor. Get creative with seasonings like red pepper flakes for some heat!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover Baked Seafood Pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, ensuring it stays cheesy and delicious. comforting clam chowder.

The first time I made Baked Seafood Pasta, my friends declared me a culinary genius. Little did they know, I was just following a recipe but hey, who’s counting?

FAQs :

What ingredients are needed for Baked Seafood Pasta?

To make a delicious Baked Seafood Pasta, you will need ingredients such as pasta (like penne or fusilli), a mix of seafood (shrimp, mussels, and calamari work well), garlic, olive oil, crushed tomatoes, heavy cream, and Italian seasoning. Additionally, don’t forget to include shredded cheese for a creamy topping. delicious shrimp scampi recipe You can customize the seafood based on your preferences or availability. Fresh herbs like parsley or basil can elevate the dish further. Ensure that your seafood is fresh for the best flavor in this delightful recipe.

How long does it take to prepare Baked Seafood Pasta?

Preparing Baked Seafood Pasta typically takes about 15-20 minutes for prep and around 25-30 minutes for baking. This makes it a perfect weeknight dinner option. While the pasta cooks, you can sauté the seafood and mix it with other ingredients. Once everything is combined in your baking dish, just pop it in the oven until bubbly and golden brown. Overall, expect total time from start to finish to be around an hour for this tasty meal.

Can I use frozen seafood for Baked Seafood Pasta?

Yes, frozen seafood is a convenient option for making Baked Seafood Pasta. It’s often pre-cleaned and ready to use; however, it’s crucial to thaw it properly before cooking. To do this effectively, place the frozen seafood in the refrigerator overnight or run cold water over it to speed up the process. Using frozen seafood can still yield delicious results while saving you some prep time. Just be sure to check that it’s fully cooked before serving.

Is Baked Seafood Pasta suitable for meal prep?

Baked Seafood Pasta is an excellent choice for meal prep! You can prepare it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days before baking. Alternatively, you can bake it in advance and reheat individual portions as needed. To maintain optimal texture when reheating, consider covering it with foil to prevent drying out. This dish holds its flavors well and makes for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week without compromising quality.

Conclusion for Baked Seafood Pasta :

In conclusion, Baked Seafood Pasta is a fantastic dish that combines delectable flavors with ease of preparation. The use of fresh or frozen seafood provides versatility while allowing customization according to personal taste. With a simple ingredient list and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for both busy weeknights and special occasions alike. Enjoying this creamy pasta topped with melted cheese means you’ll have a satisfying meal that everyone will love. Don’t hesitate to try this delightful recipe!