There’s something irresistibly comforting about a hearty pasta bake-warm, cheesy, and brimming with flavour. Now, imagine elevating this beloved classic with the fresh, briny delights of the sea. Enter the appetizing seafood pasta bake: a savory coastal treasure that brings together tender pasta, succulent shellfish, and a rich, creamy sauce baked to golden perfection. Whether your craving a family dinner with a touch of seaside charm or looking to impress guests with a dish that’s as notable as it is satisfying, this recipe is a party of oceanic bounty and culinary tradition.Dive in and discover how this coastal classic can transform your meal times into a feast by the shore.
Delicious Seafood Pasta Bake awakens memories of sun-drenched coastal villages where the sea generously offers its bounty. This comforting dish embodies the essence of seaside charm-briny, creamy, and layered with textures that invite sharing around a warmly lit table. Achieving that perfect balance begins with selecting the freshest seafood,crafting a luscious sauce,and assembling every component with care.
Prep and Cook Time
- Readiness: 25 minutes
- Cooking: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Yield
Serves 6 generous portions, perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests.
Difficulty Level
Medium – approachable for home cooks ready to embrace seafood with confidence.
Ingredients
- 400g dried penne pasta
- 300g fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 200g fresh scallops, cleaned
- 300g firm white fish (cod or haddock), diced
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 250ml dry white wine
- 500ml whole milk
- 300ml heavy cream
- 50g unsalted butter
- 40g all-purpose flour, sifted
- 150g mature cheddar cheese, grated
- 100g Parmesan cheese, grated
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- Optional: pinch of chili flakes for subtle heat
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add penne and cook 2 minutes less than package directions until al dente. Drain and toss with a teaspoon of olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the seafood: In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and onion, sauté until translucent and fragrant, about 4 minutes.
- Add seafood: Stir in shrimp, scallops, and white fish pieces. Sauté gently until just opaque – about 4-5 minutes. Avoid overcooking to retain tender texture. remove from heat and set aside.
- Deglaze with white wine: Pour the wine into the skillet to lift the browned bits. Let it reduce by half on medium heat, about 3 minutes, infusing subtle acidity into the base.
- Make the creamy sauce: In a separate saucepan,melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until golden but not browned, forming a roux.
- Gradually add milk and cream: Pour slowly while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Cook until thickened and velvety, about 5 minutes.
- Combine flavors: Stir in half the cheddar and Parmesan, smoked paprika, lemon zest, chili flakes if using, salt, and pepper.Mix until cheeses melt smoothly into the sauce.
- Assemble the pasta bake: In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked penne, seafood mixture, and creamy sauce. Gently fold to coat pasta evenly without breaking the seafood.
- Layer and bake: Transfer half of the pasta into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle a third of remaining cheddar and Parmesan. Add remaining pasta and top with the rest of the cheese. This layering seals moisture and forms a golden crust.
- Bake: Place in a preheated oven at 190°C (375°F) for 25-30 minutes until bubbling and the top is golden brown.
- Rest and garnish: Allow the bake to rest for 10 minutes before serving. Sprinkle fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten flavors.
Tips for Success: Elevate Your Delicious Seafood Pasta Bake
- Seafood alternatives: Fresh mussels or clams can add extra coastal depth.Ensure all seafood is fresh and properly cleaned for best taste and safety.
- Sauce texture: If sauce thickens too much, whisk in a splash of reserved pasta water or milk to loosen it.
- Cheese choices: Substitute cheddar with Gruyère or Fontina for a nuttier finish.
- Make ahead: Assemble the bake a day prior and refrigerate. Bake just before serving to maximize easy entertaining.
- Avoid dryness: Do not overbake. The dish should remain moist inside with a light crispy top.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your seafood pasta bake alongside lightly dressed mixed greens or a crisp fennel salad to contrast the creamy richness. Crusty artisan bread or garlic baguettes add a satisfying crunch. For drinks, a chilled glass of sauvignon Blanc or crisp Pinot Grigio pairs beautifully, echoing the coastal fresh notes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a lemon wedge to provide a zesty burst with each bite-turning your meal into a truly unforgettable feast.
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 480 kcal |
| Protein | 38 g |
| Carbohydrates | 45 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
Learn more about seafood selection tips at Epicurious
Explore more seafood pasta recipes here to expand your coastal cooking repertoire.
Q&A
Q&A: Dive Into the Delicious world of Seafood Pasta Bake – A Savory Coastal Classic
Q1: What exactly is a seafood pasta bake?
A1: Imagine a comforting casserole brimming with tender pasta, succulent seafood, creamy sauce, and a golden bubbly cheese crust. A seafood pasta bake is a harmonious blend of ocean-fresh flavors and cozy baked goodness – a dish that transports your taste buds straight to a breezy coastal kitchen.
Q2: What types of seafood work best in this dish?
A2: The beauty of a seafood pasta bake lies in its versatility. Commonly,shrimp,crab,scallops,and flaky white fish like cod or haddock star in the recipe. Some love adding mussels or clams for an extra briny punch. Freshness is key-quality seafood ensures the bake sings with authentic seaside notes.
Q3: Which pasta shapes are ideal for baking with seafood?
A3: Sturdy pasta shapes that hold sauce and seafood well are top picks. Think penne, rigatoni, or shells-each crevice cradles bits of fish and sauce, making every bite a flavorful delight. Avoid delicate noodles like angel hair, as they might get lost under all that creamy, cheesy richness.
Q4: What’s the secret to a creamy, luscious sauce in a seafood pasta bake?
A4: The sauce is your dish’s soul. A classic approach involves a velvety béchamel or a rich white wine and cream base, enhanced with garlic, fresh herbs like thyme or parsley, and a squeeze of lemon for brightness. Some variations include a hint of tomato to add tang and a splash of depth.
Q5: Can this dish be made ahead of time?
A5: Absolutely! Assemble your seafood pasta bake,cover it tightly,and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready, bake it until bubbling and golden. This makes it a perfect option for dinner parties or cozy family meals, where you can prep in advance and simply pop it in the oven when hunger strikes.
Q6: How can I make my seafood pasta bake extra special?
A6: Elevate your bake by sprinkling the top with panko breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan and fresh herbs for crunch.A drizzle of truffle oil or a dash of smoked paprika can add an unexpected twist. Serving it alongside a crisp green salad or a glass of chilled white wine creates a truly memorable meal.
Q7: Is a seafood pasta bake healthy?
A7: While decadently creamy and hearty, you can make it balanced by opting for whole grain pasta, using light cream or Greek yogurt in the sauce, and packing in veggies like spinach or cherry tomatoes. Seafood itself is a great source of lean protein and omega-3s, making this dish as nourishing as it is delicious.
Q8: What makes seafood pasta bake a “coastal classic”?
A8: Coastal regions have forever celebrated the bounty of the sea by blending fresh catches with comforting home-cooked traditions. The seafood pasta bake reflects this heritage, marrying the freshness of the ocean with warming, family-pleasant fare-embodying the essence of coastal culinary charm in every forkful.
In Conclusion
As the golden crust of your seafood pasta bake comes out of the oven, bubbling with rich, savory flavors and the subtle kiss of the sea, you’re reminded why this coastal classic has stood the test of time. Every bite offers a harmonious blend of tender pasta, succulent seafood, and melted cheese-a true celebration of oceanic bounty and culinary comfort. Whether enjoyed as a weeknight family dinner or a centerpiece for special gatherings, this dish invites you to savor the coast’s freshest treasures with ease and elegance. so next time you crave a meal that’s both nourishing and indulgently delicious, dive into this seafood pasta bake and let the flavors transport you straight to the shore.
