Imagine a dish that combines the succulence of perfectly cooked shrimp, the rich comfort of pasta, and the irresistible aroma of garlic - all baked to cheesy perfection. This Light Garlic Shrimp Baked Penne is not just a meal; it's a culinary experience that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dinner that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. With just 40 minutes from start to finish, this Italian-inspired recipe promises restaurant-quality flavor right in your own kitchen.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Olive oil for cooking
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and are just cooked through. Remove shrimp from heat and set aside.
- In the same baking dish, combine the cooked pasta, marinara sauce, and cooked shrimp. Gently toss to ensure even coating.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the pasta and shrimp mixture.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges are slightly golden.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Optionally, garnish with fresh chopped parsley or basil.
Tips
- Don't overcook the shrimp! They should be just pink and slightly curled, which typically takes 2-3 minutes per side.
- Use fresh garlic for the most vibrant flavor, and be careful not to burn it when sautéing.
- For extra flavor, consider using marinara sauce with added herbs or making your own from scratch.
- Choose medium-sized shrimp for the best texture and easiest eating experience.
- If you want a crispy top, switch your oven to broil for the last 1-2 minutes of baking.
- Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow the cheese to set and flavors to meld together.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 220mg
