Creamy Lobster & Shrimp Pasta Bake

Description

Indulge in a luxurious and comforting seafood delight with the Creamy Lobster & Shrimp Pasta Bake. This recipe effortlessly blends the exquisite flavors of lobster and shrimp with a creamy, cheesy sauce, topped with a golden, crispy breadcrumb crust. Perfect for special occasions or a sumptuous weekend dinner, this pasta bake promises to satisfy your cravings for a rich and decadent meal.

Ingredients

• 1 pound cavatappi pasta (substitute with any spiral or elbow pasta)
• 1 stick butter, divided for different uses
• 3-4 green onions, sliced
• ½ teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 pound large peeled, tail off, deveined shrimp, chopped into bite-sized pieces
• ½ cup lump crab meat
• 2 teaspoons all-purpose Creole seasonings, divided
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 4 cups milk, divided
• 2 ½ cups grated sharp cheddar, divided
• 2 ½ cups grated Gruyere cheese, divided
• 4 ounces cream cheese, cut into cubes
• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs

Step-by-step Directions

1. Preparation of Pasta

Preheat your oven to 400° Fahrenheit. Spray a 9×13 baking dish with non-stick cooking spray and set aside. Cook the pasta in a large pot of well-salted boiling water until al dente, as per package instructions; drain, rinse, and set aside in the pot.

2. Cooking the Seafood

In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Sauté the onions and garlic for 1-2 minutes, then add the shrimp and crab with 1 teaspoon of Creole seasoning. Cook just until the shrimp turns pink. Remove from heat and integrate the seafood mixture with the drained pasta.

3. Making the Cheese Sauce

In the same skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour for one minute until smooth; gradually add 3 cups of milk, making sure each addition is thoroughly incorporated before the next. Blend in the remaining Creole seasoning. Incorporate half of each cheese until melted, followed by cream cheese, adjusting seasonings as needed.

4. Assembling the Bake

Pour the cheese sauce over the pasta and seafood, mixing thoroughly. Add the remaining 1 cup of milk and stir. Spoon half of the mixture into the prepared baking dish, layer half of the remaining cheeses, and repeat the layers. Top evenly with panko breadcrumbs and drizzle the remaining 2 tablespoons of melted butter over the top.

5. Baking

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the edges are bubbly. Let sit for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Servings & Preparation Time

This recipe serves 6-8 people and requires approximately 15 minutes for preparation and 25 minutes for cooking.

Tips for Storage & Reheating

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat in the oven at 350° Fahrenheit until hot, which helps retain the creamy texture.
• Avoid microwaving as it may alter the texture of the cheese sauce.

Conclusion

The Creamy Lobster & Shrimp Pasta Bake is a sumptuous treat that combines the delicate flavors of seafood with a rich, cheesy backdrop, making it a perfect dish for those special dining moments. With its layered textures and robust flavors, it’s a complete meal that seafood and pasta lovers will adore. Elevate your dining experience with this exquisite, easy-to-make recipe.

Creamy Lobster & Shrimp Pasta Bake

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• Author: Dulcia
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6-8 servings 1x

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Description

Indulge in a luxurious and comforting seafood delight with the Creamy Lobster & Shrimp Pasta Bake. This recipe effortlessly blends the exquisite flavors of lobster and shrimp with a creamy, cheesy sauce, topped with a golden, crispy breadcrumb crust. Perfect for special occasions or a sumptuous weekend dinner, this pasta bake promises to satisfy your cravings for a rich and decadent meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound cavatappi pasta (substitute with any spiral or elbow pasta)
• 1 stick butter, divided for different uses
• 3–4 green onions, sliced
• ½ teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 pound large peeled, tail off, deveined shrimp, chopped into bite-sized pieces
• ½ cup lump crab meat
• 2 teaspoons all-purpose Creole seasonings, divided
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 4 cups milk, divided
• 2 ½ cups grated sharp cheddar, divided
• 2 ½ cups grated Gruyere cheese, divided
• 4 ounces cream cheese, cut into cubes
• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400° Fahrenheit. Spray a 9×13 baking dish with non-stick cooking spray and set aside. Cook the pasta in a large pot of well-salted boiling water until al dente, as per package instructions; drain, rinse, and set aside in the pot.
2. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Sauté the onions and garlic for 1-2 minutes, then add the shrimp and crab with 1 teaspoon of Creole seasoning. Cook just until the shrimp turns pink. Remove from heat and integrate the seafood mixture with the drained pasta.
3. In the same skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour for one minute until smooth; gradually add 3 cups of milk, making sure each addition is thoroughly incorporated before the next. Blend in the remaining Creole seasoning. Incorporate half of each cheese until melted, followed by cream cheese, adjusting seasonings as needed.
4. Pour the cheese sauce over the pasta and seafood, mixing thoroughly. Add the remaining 1 cup of milk and stir. Spoon half of the mixture into the prepared baking dish, layer half of the remaining cheeses, and repeat the layers. Top evenly with panko breadcrumbs and drizzle the remaining 2 tablespoons of melted butter over the top.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the edges are bubbly. Let sit for 5-10 minutes before serving.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes