Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite weeknight lifesaver, Shrimp Parmesan Penne Bake! This dish came about on a frantic evening when I needed something quick but impressive for unexpected guests. I threw together what I had: plump shrimp, penne pasta, and that trusty jar of marinara in my pantry. The magic happened when I topped it all with a generous blanket of parmesan and popped it in the oven. Now it’s my go-to when I want that cozy Italian restaurant vibe without leaving home. The shrimp stay juicy, the cheese gets perfectly golden, and the penne soaks up all those incredible flavors. Trust me, your family will beg for this one again and again!
Why You’ll Love This Shrimp Parmesan Penne Bake
This dish checks all the boxes for me, and I know you’ll adore it too! Here’s why:
- Weeknight magic: Ready in 30 minutes flat, perfect when you’re starving and don’t want to fuss
- Flavor bomb: Juicy shrimp, garlicky marinara, and that crispy parmesan top create layers of deliciousness
- Pantry hero: I always have these ingredients on hand for last-minute dinners
- Crowd pleaser: Works for date nights, family dinners, even potlucks, everyone goes back for seconds
The best part? It smells incredible while baking, making your whole kitchen feel like an Italian trattoria!
Ingredients for Shrimp Parmesan Penne Bake
Gathering your ingredients is half the fun with this recipe! Here’s everything you’ll need to create this cheesy, shrimp-packed masterpiece:
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined: Look for medium or large size, they hold up beautifully when baked
- 8 oz penne pasta: The ridges catch all that delicious sauce
- 2 cups marinara sauce: Use your favorite jarred brand or homemade if you’re feeling fancy
- 1 cup shredded parmesan cheese: The real stuff, not the powdered kind, it makes all the difference
- 1 tsp garlic powder: For that essential savory kick
- 1 tsp dried basil and 1 tsp dried oregano: The Italian flavor power couple
- 2 tbsp olive oil: For sautéing the shrimp to perfection
- Salt and pepper to taste: Because seasoning is everything!
See? Nothing too crazy, just simple, quality ingredients that create something magical together.
How to Make Shrimp Parmesan Penne Bake
Okay, let’s get cooking! This dish comes together so easily, you’ll be amazed at how something so simple tastes so incredible. I’ve made this dozens of times, and here’s exactly how I do it to get perfect results every single time.
Preparing the Pasta and Shrimp
First, get that pasta going! Cook the penne in boiling salted water until it’s just al dente, usually about 1 minute less than the package says. Drain it well, but don’t rinse (we want that starch to help the sauce cling). While that’s happening, heat olive oil in a skillet and toss in your shrimp with all those lovely seasonings. Cook just until they turn pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes max, any longer, and they’ll get rubbery when baked.
Assembling and Baking
Now the fun part! In a baking dish, mix your cooked penne, shrimp, and marinara sauce until everything’s beautifully coated. Then comes the crowning glory: sprinkle that parmesan evenly over the top like you’re creating a cheesy blanket of happiness. Pop it in a 375°F oven for about 15 minutes, just until the cheese melts into golden perfection, and you see those delicious little bubbles around the edges. That’s it, dinner is served!
Tips for the Best Shrimp Parmesan Penne Bake
After making this dish more times than I can count, I’ve picked up some foolproof tricks to take your Shrimp Parmesan Penne Bake from good to “Oh my goodness, what is this magic?” Here are my absolute must-know tips:
- Fresh is best: Splurge on fresh shrimp if you can; their sweet, briny flavor beats frozen any day
- Cheese upgrade: Mix in some shredded mozzarella with the parmesan for that irresistible stretchy, gooey factor
- Pasta perfection: Undercook your penne by 1 minute, and it’ll finish cooking in the oven without turning mushy
- Sauce savvy: Warm your marinara before mixing to help everything blend beautifully
- Golden rule: For extra crispy cheese topping, broil for the last 2 minutes (but watch it like a hawk!)
Trust me, these little touches make all the difference between a good dinner and a “when can we have this again?” meal!
Serving Suggestions for Shrimp Parmesan Penne Bake
Oh, let me tell you how I love to serve this dish! A crisp green salad with lemony vinaigrette cuts through the richness perfectly. Garlic bread is non-negotiable in my house; those crispy edges are made for soaking up every last bit of cheesy sauce. For special occasions, I’ll add roasted asparagus or sautéed spinach on the side. The possibilities are endless, but one thing’s certain: you’ll want plenty of napkins because this meal is gloriously messy in the best way!
Storing and Reheating Shrimp Parmesan Penne Bake
Here’s the good news: this dish makes fantastic leftovers! I always stash any extra in an airtight container in the fridge where it’ll stay delicious for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to reheat, skip the microwave (it makes the shrimp rubbery) and pop it in a 350°F oven instead, just until it’s heated through and the cheese gets all melty again. Pro tip: sprinkle a little fresh parmesan on top before reheating for that just-baked taste!
Shrimp Parmesan Penne Bake Variations
Now here’s where you can really have fun with this recipe! Feeling adventurous? Toss in some sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra veggies. I sometimes swap half the parmesan for creamy goat cheese when I’m feeling fancy, oh boy, the tangy twist is incredible! For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños. The beauty is, this dish welcomes all your creative twists! If you enjoy variations on creamy shrimp dishes, you might also like this creamy lemon garlic shrimp pasta.
Shrimp Parmesan Penne Bake FAQs
I get so many questions about this recipe. Here are the answers to the ones I hear most often!
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely! Just thaw them overnight in the fridge or run them under cool water first. Pat them dry really well, though. Nobody wants watery shrimp in their pasta.
How do I prevent dry pasta?
The trick is to undercook your penne by 1 minute (it’ll finish cooking in the oven) and don’t skimp on that marinara sauce. If your mixture looks too thick, stir in a splash of pasta water before baking.
Can I make this ahead?
You bet! Assemble everything (except the cheese topping), cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add the parmesan right before baking, and add 5 extra minutes to the cook time.
What if I don’t have penne?
No worries! Rigatoni, ziti, or even farfalle work great. Just stick with similar-sized pasta that can hold all that cheesy goodness. For other pasta ideas, check out this shrimp scampi style linguine.
Is there a substitute for Parmesan?
Pecorino Romano is fantastic if you want something sharper, or use Asiago for a milder flavor. But honestly? Nothing beats that classic Parmesan punch in this dish!
Nutritional Information
While I’m all about flavor first, I know many of you wonder about nutrition! This hearty bake provides a good balance of protein and carbs. Remember, these values are estimates and will vary slightly based on your specific ingredients. As always, enjoy in moderation and savor every cheesy bite! If you are looking for other shrimp dishes, perhaps try this lemon butter shrimp spaghetti recipe.
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Juicy Shrimp Parmesan Penne Bake: 30-Minute Dinner Bliss
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
A hearty and flavorful pasta dish featuring succulent shrimp, rich parmesan, and penne pasta baked to perfection.
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions, then drain.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add shrimp, garlic powder, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook until shrimp turns pink, about 3 minutes.
- Mix cooked pasta, shrimp, and marinara sauce in a baking dish.
- Sprinkle shredded parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake for 15 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve hot and enjoy.
Notes
- Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor.
- You can add mozzarella cheese for extra cheesiness.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 150mg