Shrimp Sausage Pasta Bake: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

Shrimp Sausage Pasta Bake: Prepare to be transported to a realm of culinary bliss with this incredibly flavorful and satisfying dish! Imagine the succulent sweetness of shrimp mingling harmoniously with the savory spice of Italian sausage, all nestled within a comforting embrace of perfectly cooked pasta and a blanket of melted, bubbly cheese. This isn’t just dinner; it’s an experience.

Pasta bakes, in general, have a rich history, evolving from simple casseroles into the sophisticated dishes we know and love today. They represent a celebration of resourcefulness, transforming humble ingredients into something truly special. This particular variation, the Shrimp Sausage Pasta Bake, takes that concept to a whole new level.

What makes this dish so irresistible? It’s the symphony of flavors, the delightful contrast of textures, and the sheer convenience of it all. The shrimp offers a delicate sweetness that perfectly complements the robust, slightly spicy sausage. The pasta provides a comforting foundation, while the melted cheese adds a creamy, decadent touch. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it a go-to recipe for busy cooks who don’t want to compromise on taste. Get ready to create a dish that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound Italian sausage, removed from casings
• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 pound pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your favorite shape)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Preparing the Sauce:

1. First, let’s get started on the heart of our dish – the sauce! In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the Italian sausage. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Cook until the sausage is browned and cooked through, usually about 7-10 minutes. Drain off any excess grease.
2. Now, add the chopped onion and red bell pepper to the skillet with the sausage. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes. You want them to be nice and tender, releasing their flavors into the sausage.
3. Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
4. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes. Add the dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Don’t be shy with the seasoning! It’s what makes the sauce sing.
5. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for at least 30 minutes, or even longer for a richer flavor. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. I often let mine simmer for an hour or more if I have the time.
6. While the sauce is simmering, let’s prepare the shrimp. In a separate skillet, you can either sauté the shrimp in a little olive oil or add them directly to the simmering sauce during the last 5-7 minutes of cooking time. If sautéing, cook the shrimp until they are pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become rubbery. If adding them directly to the sauce, ensure they are fully cooked before proceeding to the next step.

Cooking the Pasta:

1. While the sauce is simmering and the shrimp are cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Salt the water generously! This is your chance to season the pasta from the inside out.
2. Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Al dente means “to the tooth” in Italian, so you want the pasta to be firm but not hard. Usually, this is about 8-10 minutes, depending on the shape and brand of pasta.
3. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it well. Don’t rinse the pasta! The starch on the pasta helps the sauce cling to it.

Assembling the Pasta Bake:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Now, it’s time to bring everything together! Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce and shrimp. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. Make sure every strand is lovingly covered.
3. Pour half of the pasta mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle with half of the mozzarella cheese and half of the Parmesan cheese.
4. Pour the remaining pasta mixture over the cheese layer. Sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese. Don’t skimp on the cheese! It’s what makes this bake so gooey and delicious.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the pasta bake is heated through. The top should be golden brown and irresistible.
6. Remove the pasta bake from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the cheese to set slightly and makes it easier to slice.
7. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving. The parsley adds a pop of freshness and color.

Tips and Variations:

• Spice it up: If you like a little more heat, add an extra pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. You can also use spicy Italian sausage instead of mild.
• Add vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the sauce, such as mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach. Just sauté them along with the onion and bell pepper.
• Use different cheeses: You can substitute other cheeses for mozzarella and Parmesan, such as provolone, fontina, or Asiago.
• Make it creamy: For a creamier sauce, stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream or ricotta cheese at the end of the cooking time.
• Make it ahead: You can assemble the pasta bake ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
• Freezing: This pasta bake freezes well. Assemble the bake in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
• Sausage Options: If you don’t have Italian sausage, you can use other types of sausage, such as chorizo or andouille. Just adjust the seasoning accordingly.
• Shrimp Size: I prefer using large shrimp for this recipe, but you can use smaller shrimp if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Pasta Variety: While penne and rigatoni are great choices, feel free to experiment with other pasta shapes like rotini, farfalle (bowties), or even shells. The key is to choose a pasta that holds the sauce well.
• Fresh Herbs: If you have fresh oregano and basil on hand, feel free to use them instead of dried. Use about 1 tablespoon of each, chopped. Add them to the sauce during the last 15 minutes of cooking time.

Serving Suggestions:

This Shrimp Sausage Pasta Bake is a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs well with a simple side salad and some crusty bread for dipping in the sauce. A glass of red wine, like Chianti or Merlot, would also be a perfect accompaniment.

Nutritional Information (Approximate):

Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.

• Calories: Approximately 600-700 per serving
• Fat: 30-40 grams
• Protein: 30-40 grams
• Carbohydrates: 50-60 grams

Enjoy your delicious Shrimp Sausage Pasta Bake! I hope you and your family love it as much as mine does.

Conclusion:

This Shrimp Sausage Pasta Bake is truly a culinary adventure you don’t want to miss! From the delightful dance of savory sausage and succulent shrimp to the comforting embrace of perfectly baked pasta, every bite is an explosion of flavor. It’s a dish that’s both impressive enough for a special occasion and simple enough for a satisfying weeknight meal. The creamy, cheesy sauce binds everything together in perfect harmony, creating a symphony of textures and tastes that will leave you craving more. But what truly sets this recipe apart is its versatility. Feel free to experiment with different types of pasta – penne, rigatoni, or even shells would work beautifully. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding some chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for an extra boost of nutrients and flavor. For a spicier kick, incorporate a pinch of red pepper flakes or use a hot Italian sausage. The possibilities are endless! Serving suggestions? This Shrimp Sausage Pasta Bake is fantastic on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad and some crusty garlic bread. Imagine dipping that warm, garlicky bread into the creamy sauce – pure bliss! You could also serve it alongside roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli for a complete and balanced meal. And for a truly decadent experience, consider topping each serving with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. I know you might be thinking, “Another pasta bake recipe? What’s so special about this one?” Trust me, the combination of shrimp and sausage is a game-changer. It’s a flavor profile that’s both familiar and exciting, comforting and sophisticated. It’s the kind of dish that will have your family and friends asking for seconds (and the recipe!). Don’t be intimidated by the ingredient list or the instructions. I’ve broken everything down into easy-to-follow steps, and I’m confident that even novice cooks can create this masterpiece. The key is to take your time, savor the process, and don’t be afraid to put your own personal touch on it. Cooking should be fun, so relax, put on some music, and enjoy the journey. I truly believe that this Shrimp Sausage Pasta Bake will become a new family favorite. It’s a dish that’s perfect for sharing, for celebrating, and for simply enjoying a delicious meal with the people you love. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create some culinary magic! I’m so excited for you to try this recipe, and I can’t wait to hear about your experience. Did you make any modifications? Did you add any special ingredients? What did your family and friends think? Please, share your thoughts and photos in the comments below. Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps me to create even better recipes in the future. Happy cooking!

Print