As a business owner, my work weeks can be pretty hectic. I’m always on the hunt for quick, easy-to-make recipes that will power me through the week.
For easy peasy meals, I love making soups, salads, sheet pan recipes, and pasta bakes. If the recipe will take me under 30 minutes, consider me a fan!
But the recipes have to be more than just easy. They have to be satisfying.
The last thing I want is to scarf down dinner and be feeling peckish an hour later. So of all the recipes I like to make, a pasta bake fits the bill for a quick, satisfying, and easy weeknight dinner.
Enter, my Garlicky Shrimp Alfredo Bake. I promise this recipe will be a favorite of your whole family. Anytime I’ve made it for friends, I’ve gotten rave reviews.
If you’ve never made homemade alfredo sauce before, you’re in for a real treat. Trust me when I say to leave that jar of pre-made stuff on the shelf. Wait until you see how much flavor the homemade creamy alfredo sauce version offers. It’s such a great recipe!
Garlicky Shrimp Alfredo Bake Grocery List
Whether you’re doing your own grocery shopping or using a service like Instacart, here’s everything you’ll need:
Shrimp
Get some raw shrimp at the grocery store. (Go for fresh shrimp whenever possible. I opt for medium shrimp, but large shrimp is fine too.)
Olive Oil
I like using extra virgin olive oil when I make this recipe.
Garlic
Use fresh cloves garlic whenever possible. (garlic powder will work in a pinch, but fresh garlic reigns supreme)
Chili Peppers
I suggest using Calabrian chili peppers if you can find them. Red pepper flakes will also work just fine.
Pasta
I like using rotini pasta, fettuccine or penne pasta.
Cream
You can use heavy cream, half and half or light cream if you want to save some calories.
Cheese
Get some good grated cheese. Pecorino Romano or parmesan cheese will work. Also get some mozzarella cheese.
Seasoning
Here’s what you will need for seasoning…fresh parsley, salt and black pepper
Kitchen Equipment
Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up this recipe.
- Large skillet
- Large pot
- Baking dish or casserole dish
Why This Bake is Weeknight-Worthy:
- Simple Ingredients: Everything on this list can be found at your local grocery store.
- Minimal Prep: This is one of my favorite recipes because there isn’t a lot of prep work involved.
- Simple, Yet Satisfying: Like many pasta recipes, this hearty dish is comforting and filling.
My Basic Cooking Tips
- I always use the freshest ingredients whenever possible.
- When it comes to boiling pasta, I always use a large saucepan so there is ample room for the pasta to cook.
- Regardless of the package directions on a box of pasta, I always cook pasta al dente or 2-3 minutes less than it says.
- Preheat oven first: Make sure your oven is fully preheated before baking.
- You can easily brighten up any dish with a squeeze of lemon juice or a tablespoon of butter.
- Pro-tip: Pour yourself a glass of white wine to sip on while you cook!
Customization Options:
- If red pepper flakes are too spicy for your liking, add a kick of heat with Cajuin seasoning or hot sauce.
- Switch up your types of cheese! Fontina, provolone, and asiago cheese all work well for this recipe.
- Add some veggies! Sneak in some extra veggies like broccoli florets, peas, chopped asparagus, artichokes, or sun-dried tomatoes.
Elevate Your Presentation
If you’re making this recipe for a special occasion, like a birthday or Christmas Eve, there are a few ways to elevate it.
- For a pop of color, add simple garnishes like fresh chopped herbs or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
- For a flavor boost, add a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
- Plate individual portions in small gratin dishes for an elegant touch.
Budget-Friendly Recommendations:
This recipe can easily be made budget-friendly by using affordable ingredients like store-brand pasta and cheeses. I also recommend using frozen shrimp as a cost-effective option.
Dietary Modifications:
Are you on a low calorie diet or medically restrictive diet? This recipe can be adapted for different dietary needs. For example, you can use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version or swap the heavy cream for a lighter option like milk or low-fat cream with chicken broth for a slightly less rich version. Please consult your licensed nutritionist for more customizations or detailed nutrition information.
Leftovers For Days
Yet another reason I love this recipe is that I can easily cut it into individual portions and store them in an airtight container. The next day, I usually enjoy the leftovers with a simple side salad or a slice of homemade garlic bread.
So there you have it! A delicious, filling weeknight meal that’s both budget-friendly and oh-so-satisfying. What are some of your favorite weeknight recipes? Drop me a comment below if you have a recipe I need to try next!
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Garlicky Shrimp Alfredo Bake
Ingredients
- 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 pound fettuccine or penne pasta
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Gruyere cheese (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Chopped fresh chives (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the shrimp: Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side or until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.
- Flavor the pan: In the same skillet, add the garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 30 seconds or until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta per package instructions, one minute less than al dente. Drain the pasta and return it to the pot.
- Make the sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, Gruyere cheese (if using), and parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine everything: Pour the sauce over the drained pasta in the pot. Add the cooked shrimp and stir gently to combine.
- Bake: Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden brown on top.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish with chopped fresh chives (optional) and serve immediately.
