Epic Cheesy Shrimp Pasta Bake 🧀🦐🔥
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories per Serving: Approx. 520
🧀 Ingredients:
Main Dish:
Shrimp, peeled and deveined 🦐
Rotini or other short pasta 🍝
Mozzarella and Parmesan cheese 🧀
Fresh parsley, chopped 🌿
Creamy Cheese Sauce:
Butter 🧈
Garlic (minced) 🧄
All-purpose flour 🌾
Milk or cream 🥛
Grated cheese blend (cheddar, mozzarella, or your choice) 🧀
Salt & pepper 🧂
Optional Add-ons:
Red pepper flakes 🌶️
Lemon zest 🍋
🔥 Instructions:
Cook pasta until just al dente and drain. In a skillet, cook garlic in butter, then whisk in flour to create a roux. Gradually add milk and stir until thickened. Add cheese and stir until melted into a creamy sauce. Season to taste. Combine sauce with pasta and pour into a baking dish. Arrange shrimp on top, sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan, and bake until golden and bubbly. Finish with chopped parsley and optional lemon zest.
💡 Notes & Variations:
Use cooked chicken instead of shrimp for a different protein.
Add spinach or broccoli for a veggie boost.