Are you ready to elevate your weeknight dinners with a dish that’s as simple as it is sensational? Meet the Dump Bake Shrimp Pasta—a delightful Italian creation that combines succulent shrimp, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich marinara sauce, all baked to perfection with a cheesy, golden crust. In just 40 minutes, you can serve up a meal that feels gourmet without the fuss. Whether you're entertaining guests or enjoying a cozy night in, this recipe is sure to impress. Let’s dive into the delicious details and make your taste buds dance!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 12 ounces pasta
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine uncooked pasta, peeled and deveined shrimp, marinara sauce, and olive oil. Gently toss ingredients to ensure even coating and distribution.
- Transfer the pasta and shrimp mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the surface.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the pasta and shrimp, ensuring even coverage.
- Generously dust the top with grated parmesan cheese, which will create a golden, crispy crust during baking.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, keeping in mind the marinara sauce may already contain some seasoning.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to help the pasta cook evenly and prevent excessive browning.
- Place in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, until pasta is tender and shrimp are fully cooked and pink.
- Remove foil during the last 5 minutes of cooking to allow cheese to become golden and slightly crispy.
- Once done, remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes to allow sauce to settle and flavors to meld.
- Garnish with freshly chopped basil leaves before serving hot, directly from the baking dish.
Tips
- Choose the Right Pasta: Opt for pasta shapes that hold sauce well, like penne or fusilli, for the best flavor in every bite.
- Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Since the shrimp will continue to cook in the oven, it’s essential to start with raw, peeled, and deveined shrimp to avoid a rubbery texture.
- Customize Your Cheese: Feel free to mix in different cheeses like provolone or fontina for a unique twist on the classic flavors.
- Add Vegetables: For extra nutrition, consider adding spinach or cherry tomatoes to the pasta mixture before baking.
- Let It Rest: Allow the dish to rest for a few minutes after baking; this helps the sauce thicken and the flavors meld beautifully.
- Garnish for Freshness: A sprinkle of fresh basil not only adds a pop of color but also enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 220mg
