Garlic Shrimp Pasta Bake

Indulge in this creamy and cheesy garlic shrimp pasta bake—perfect for a cozy dinner night in!

Ingredients:

• 8 oz penne pasta
• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 tbsp butter, divided
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set it aside.
2. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
3. Cook Shrimp: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook until they turn pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.
4. Make Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a simmer, cooking for 2-3 minutes while stirring occasionally until the sauce slightly thickens. Stir in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Combine: Add the cooked penne pasta and cooked shrimp to the skillet with the sauce, tossing gently to coat everything evenly. Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
6. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
7. Serve: Garnish the pasta bake with chopped fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy the rich, creamy, and flavorful dish!

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes