Baked Seafood Pasta Recipe

Introduction

Baked Seafood Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish that brings together tender shrimp, scallops, and crab meat with perfectly cooked pasta. This comforting casserole bakes to golden perfection, creating a delightful meal ideal for family dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces of pasta (penne or fusilli are great choices)
• 1 cup shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup scallops
• 1 cup crab meat
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 cup spinach, chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Step 2: Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Step 3: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
4. Step 4: Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing until fragrant.
5. Step 5: Toss in shrimp, scallops, and crab meat; cook until seafood is just opaque, about 4-5 minutes.
6. Step 6: Mix in spinach and let it wilt for an additional 2 minutes.
7. Step 7: Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine.
8. Step 8: Add half of the Parmesan cheese, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir well until the sauce thickens slightly.
9. Step 9: Combine the seafood mixture with the pasta, ensuring every piece is well coated.
10. Step 10: Transfer everything to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
11. Step 11: Top with the remaining Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses.
12. Step 12: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
13. Step 13: Remove from the oven and allow to cool for a few minutes.
14. Step 14: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh seafood whenever possible for the best flavor and texture.
• Adjust seasoning carefully to avoid overpowering the dish.
• Try adding fresh herbs like thyme or dill for extra aroma and taste.
• Avoid overcooking the seafood during sautéing since it will cook further in the oven.
• Substitute squid or lobster for a different seafood combination.
• Add vegetables such as bell peppers or mushrooms for added texture.
• Increase red pepper flakes or add hot sauce to make a spicy version.
• Swap mozzarella for sharp cheddar cheese for a richer flavor.
• Use gluten-free pasta to accommodate gluten intolerance.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To freeze, wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place in a freezer-safe container; freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20-25 minutes.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen seafood for this recipe?

Yes, frozen seafood works well. Just be sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly before cooking to avoid excess moisture.

What if I don’t have a specific type of seafood?

You can easily substitute or mix different seafood types based on availability or preference. The recipe is flexible.

Baked Seafood Pasta Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 60 reviews

Baked Seafood Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish that combines tender pasta with a medley of shrimp, scallops, and crab meat baked under a golden, bubbly cheese crust. Enhanced with garlic, spinach, and aromatic herbs, this comforting recipe is perfect for family dinners or special occasions, offering an elegant yet approachable seafood pasta experience.

• Author: liam
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
• Total Time: 45-50 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

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Pasta and Seafood

• 8 ounces pasta (penne or fusilli)
• 1 cup shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup scallops
• 1 cup crab meat

Sauce and Seasonings

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cheeses and Vegetables

• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (divided)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup spinach, chopped

Garnish

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the pasta dish evenly.
2. Cook Pasta: Boil pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside to prevent overcooking during baking.
3. Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and add minced garlic along with red pepper flakes, sautéing until fragrant to build the base flavor.
4. Cook Seafood: Add shrimp, scallops, and crab meat to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the seafood turns opaque but not overcooked.
5. Wilt Spinach: Mix in chopped spinach and cook for an additional 2 minutes until it wilts and combines with the seafood flavors.
6. Add Cream and Herbs: Pour in the heavy cream, stir to blend, then add half of the Parmesan cheese, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir until the sauce thickens slightly to coat the seafood mixture well.
7. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet with the creamy seafood sauce, mixing thoroughly to ensure every piece of pasta is coated.
8. Prepare for Baking: Transfer the seafood pasta mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
9. Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese evenly over the top, followed by the shredded mozzarella cheese for a rich, bubbly crust.
10. Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes until the cheese topping is golden brown and bubbling hot.
11. Rest and Garnish: Remove the dish from the oven, allow to cool for a few minutes to set, then garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

• Use fresh seafood for the best flavor and texture.
• Adjust seasoning carefully to avoid overpowering the dish.
• Do not overcook the seafood during sautéing as it continues cooking in the oven.
• Consider adding fresh herbs like thyme or dill for extra flavor layers.
• Pair with a light lemon-dressed salad to balance the richness.
• Gluten-free pasta can be substituted for dietary needs.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
• Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

Keywords: baked seafood pasta, creamy seafood pasta, shrimp scallop crab pasta, baked pasta recipe, Italian seafood pasta