Creamy Shrimp and Broccoli Alfredo Seafood Pasta Bake

Shrimp Broccoli Pasta Bake is a creamy, cheesy, oven-baked dinner made with tender shrimp, broccoli, pasta, homemade Alfredo sauce, and plenty of melted cheese. It is rich enough for a weekend dinner but simple enough for a busy family meal. Shrimp Broccoli Pasta Bake brings seafood, vegetables, and pasta together in one dish.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: About 55 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients

For the Pasta and Broccoli

• 12 ounces penne, rigatoni, or rotini
• 3 cups broccoli florets
• 1 tablespoon salt for the pasta water

Ingredients For the Shrimp

• 1 1/2 pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Alfredo Sauce

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, optional
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Topping

• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• Red pepper flakes, optional

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Shrimp Broccoli Pasta Bake is comforting, filling, and easy to serve straight from the baking dish. The shrimp add a tender seafood bite, broccoli brings freshness and color, and the Alfredo sauce keeps everything creamy without needing a separate side sauce.

How to Make Shrimp Broccoli Pasta Bake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat the oven to 375°F or 190°C.

Lightly grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with butter, olive oil, or cooking spray.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

Add the pasta and cook it for about 2 minutes less than the package directions for al dente.

Step 3: Add the Broccoli

During the final 2 minutes of pasta cooking, add the broccoli florets to the same pot.

Drain the pasta and broccoli together.

Set them aside while you prepare the shrimp and sauce.

Step 4: Season the Shrimp

Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels.

Season with smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.

Step 5: Cook the Shrimp

Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for about 1 to 2 minutes per side, just until they turn pink and opaque.

Add the minced garlic during the final 30 seconds.

Transfer the shrimp to a plate immediately so they do not overcook.

Step 6: Start the Alfredo Sauce

Reduce the heat to medium.

Add 3 tablespoons butter to the same skillet.

Once melted, stir in the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds.

Sprinkle in the flour and whisk for 1 minute to create a smooth roux.

Step 7: Add the Milk and Cream

Slowly pour in the milk while whisking constantly.

Add the heavy cream and continue whisking until smooth.

Cook for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.

Step 8: Add the Parmesan

Reduce the heat to low.

Stir in 1 cup grated Parmesan, Italian seasoning, optional nutmeg, salt, and black pepper.

Continue stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.

The sauce for Shrimp Broccoli Pasta Bake should be thick enough to cling to the pasta but still easy to pour.

Step 9: Combine the Pasta and Sauce

Add the drained pasta and broccoli to a large mixing bowl.

Pour the Alfredo sauce over the top and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.

Step 10: Add the Shrimp

Fold the cooked shrimp into the pasta mixture.

Step 11: Assemble the Casserole

Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer.

Sprinkle mozzarella and the remaining Parmesan over the top.

At this stage, Shrimp Broccoli Pasta Bake should look creamy and well coated, with shrimp and broccoli distributed throughout the dish.

Step 12: Bake

Bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes.

The sauce should be bubbling around the edges and the cheese should be fully melted.

Step 13: Brown the Top

For a deeper golden finish, switch the oven to broil for 1 to 2 minutes.

Watch carefully so the cheese does not burn.

Step 14: Rest Before Serving

Remove Shrimp Broccoli Pasta Bake from the oven and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes.

This short resting time allows the sauce to settle and thicken slightly.

Step 15: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with chopped parsley, extra Parmesan, black pepper, or red pepper flakes if desired.

Serve warm.

Serving Suggestions

Shrimp Broccoli Pasta Bake is filling enough to serve as a complete dinner, but fresh sides can balance the richness of the Alfredo sauce.

Serve Shrimp Broccoli Pasta Bake with a crisp green salad, Caesar salad, tomato cucumber salad, or roasted vegetables.

For a cozy dessert option, try our Toasted Marshmallow Pumpkin Chocolate Bars with pumpkin, warm spices, melted chocolate, and gooey toasted marshmallows.

Recipe Tips

Cook the pasta slightly less than al dente so it does not become too soft in the oven.

Do not overcook the shrimp before baking. They only need a quick sear because they will heat again in the casserole.

Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest Shrimp Broccoli Pasta Bake sauce.

Keep the heat low after adding the Parmesan to help prevent the sauce from becoming grainy.

For the best Shrimp Broccoli Pasta Bake, drain the broccoli and pasta well before adding the sauce so excess water does not thin the casserole.

Let the dish rest after baking before serving.

Easy Variations

Shrimp Broccoli Pasta Bake can be customized in several easy ways.

Add spinach, mushrooms, peas, or roasted red peppers to Shrimp Broccoli Pasta Bake for more vegetables.

For extra seafood flavor, add cooked crab meat or scallops along with the shrimp.

A spicy version can include red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or a little Cajun seasoning.

You can replace mozzarella with Monterey Jack, provolone, or an Italian cheese blend.

For a lighter sauce, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.

You may also enjoy our Creamy Strawberry Smoothie Recipe for a fresh, fruity drink with a smooth and refreshing texture.

Make-Ahead Instructions

Shrimp Broccoli Pasta Bake can be partially prepared ahead.

Cook the pasta and broccoli, make the sauce, and prepare the shrimp up to one day in advance.

Store the components separately in the refrigerator, then assemble the casserole shortly before baking.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover Shrimp Broccoli Pasta Bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

You can reheat individual servings in the microwave in short intervals.

Avoid overheating Shrimp Broccoli Pasta Bake because shrimp can become rubbery.

Nutrition Information

Approximate nutrition per serving:

Calories: 620
Protein: 39 g
Carbohydrates: 52 g
Fat: 29 g
Saturated Fat: 16 g
Fiber: 4 g
Sugar: 6 g
Sodium: 780 mg

Nutrition values are estimates and may vary depending on the pasta, shrimp, cream, cheeses, and serving size.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes. Thaw the shrimp completely and pat them very dry before seasoning and cooking.

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes. Thaw it first and drain it thoroughly so it does not release too much water into the casserole.

Can I make the sauce without heavy cream?

Yes. Use additional whole milk or half-and-half for a lighter Alfredo sauce.

Why is my sauce too thick?

Add a small splash of milk or reserved pasta water and stir until the desired consistency returns.

Can I use another pasta shape?

Yes. Penne, rigatoni, rotini, farfalle, or shells all work well.

Can I add other seafood?

Yes. Cooked crab, scallops, or small pieces of salmon can be added, but avoid overcooking them.

Can I freeze the casserole?

You can, but creamy sauces and shrimp can change texture after freezing. Refrigerated leftovers usually give the best result.

Final Thoughts

Shrimp Broccoli Pasta Bake is an easy way to combine seafood, vegetables, pasta, and creamy Alfredo sauce in one comforting casserole.

Because Shrimp Broccoli Pasta Bake can be customized with different vegetables, cheeses, or seafood, it works well for family dinners, casual entertaining, and meal prep.

Keep this Shrimp Broccoli Pasta Bake recipe handy whenever you want a rich, cheesy dinner that feels special without requiring complicated cooking.

With tender shrimp, crisp-tender broccoli, creamy Parmesan sauce, and a golden cheese topping, Shrimp Broccoli Pasta Bake is a satisfying oven-baked meal that brings plenty of comfort and flavor to the table.