Recipe Introduction:
This creamy, cheesy shrimp pasta bake is a comforting and indulgent dish, perfect for family meals or dinner gatherings. With succulent shrimp, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich cheese sauce, this recipe is packed with flavor and will surely be a hit.
Ingredients:
- 500g elbow macaroni (or your preferred pasta)
- 500g shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 red bell pepper (diced)
- 2 medium tomatoes (chopped)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
- Red chili slices (for garnish, optional)
Instructions:
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the shrimp and cook until pink and opaque, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the same pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Add the chopped red bell pepper and tomatoes, and cook for another 5 minutes until the vegetables soften.
- Make the Cream Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream, milk, paprika, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine Pasta and Shrimp:Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and stir to coat. Then, gently fold in the cooked shrimp and half of the shredded cheese (cheddar and mozzarella). Mix until well combined.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Transfer the pasta mixture into a baking dish and top with the remaining cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan). Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Once baked, garnish the pasta with fresh parsley and optional red chili slices for a spicy kick. Serve hot and enjoy!
This cheesy shrimp pasta bake is the perfect combination of creamy, cheesy goodness and savory shrimp, making it a perfect dish for any occasion.