Creamy Garlic Shrimp Broccoli Pasta Bake
The Gooey Topping:
- 1.5 cups shredded Mozzarella Cheese (or Monterey Jack) 🧀
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a deep 9×13-inch baking dish or a fluted white ceramic casserole dish similar to the one pictured in .
- Boil the Pasta & Broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the penne pasta and cook for about 8 minutes. In the last 2 minutes of boiling, drop the fresh broccoli florets right into the same pot! Drain everything together, leaving the pasta slightly al dente since it will continue cooking in the oven.
- Build the Garlic Base: In a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Thicken the Sauce: Sprinkle the flour into the garlic butter and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste. Slowly pour in the heavy cream and broth, whisking vigorously to prevent lumps. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens. Turn off the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until completely melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Combine Everything: Gently fold the drained pasta, vibrant green broccoli, and raw shrimp directly into the warm garlic cream sauce. The heat from the sauce will kickstart the shrimp cooking process.
- Layer and Top: Pour the entire creamy mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish. Scatter the shredded mozzarella cheese generously across the top, ensuring it covers the shrimp and pasta completely.
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Bake uncovered for 18-20 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling vigorously around the edges and the cheese on top has melted into a golden, speckled blanket, exactly like the presentation in . (Optional: Broil for the final 1-2 minutes for extra crispy cheese edges!)
- Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before scooping into it. Grab a large spoon, lift up a generous serving to reveal that amazing cheese pull, and dive in!
