Creamy Seafood Alfredo Bake

Introduction

Creamy Seafood Alfredo Bake is a luxurious pasta casserole featuring tender shrimp, succulent sea scallops, and perfectly cooked pasta enveloped in a rich homemade Alfredo sauce. Finished with a generous layer of melted mozzarella and Parmesan, this comforting seafood bake is ideal for family dinners, holidays, or entertaining guests.

Origin and Cultural Significance

Alfredo sauce originated in Rome, Italy, where it was traditionally made with butter and Parmesan cheese. The creamy version popular today evolved through Italian-American cuisine, where heavy cream became a signature ingredient. Combining Alfredo sauce with seafood and baked pasta reflects the influence of coastal Mediterranean flavors while embracing the comforting style of American casseroles.

Ingredients

For the Pasta

12 oz (340 g) spaghetti or fettuccine
Salt, for boiling water

For the Seafood

1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
12 oz (340 g) sea scallops
2 tbsp olive oil
½ tsp paprika
½ tsp garlic powder
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Alfredo Sauce

2 tbsp unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups heavy cream
1½ cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Juice of ½ lemon
¼ cup reserved pasta water (if needed)

For Topping

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Extra grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Optional Additions

1 cup sautéed mushrooms
2 cups baby spinach
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes
½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
½ cup lump crab meat
½ cup cooked lobster meat
Buttered breadcrumbs for a crispy topping

Tips for Success

Pat the shrimp and scallops dry before cooking to achieve a beautiful golden sear.
Avoid overcooking the seafood, as it will continue cooking in the oven.
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest Alfredo sauce.
Cook the pasta until just al dente to prevent it from becoming soft during baking.
Reserve pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency if necessary.
Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti or fettuccine until al dente. Reserve ¼ cup of the pasta water before draining.
Season the shrimp and scallops with paprika, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Sear the scallops for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from the skillet.
Cook the shrimp for 1–2 minutes per side until pink and just cooked through. Remove from the skillet.
Reduce the heat to medium and melt the butter in the same skillet.
Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Stir in the heavy cream and simmer gently for 2–3 minutes.
Whisk in the Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy.
Add the lemon juice and, if needed, the reserved pasta water to achieve a silky consistency.
Toss the cooked pasta with the Alfredo sauce until evenly coated.
Gently fold in the cooked shrimp and scallops.
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.
Sprinkle evenly with the shredded mozzarella and additional Parmesan if desired.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Description

This indulgent baked pasta combines tender shrimp, buttery scallops, and silky pasta in a rich garlic Alfredo sauce made with heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan. Finished with bubbling mozzarella and baked to golden perfection, every bite delivers creamy, cheesy comfort with elegant seafood flavors.

Nutritional Information

Per Serving (Approximate, based on 6 servings)

Calories: 760 kcal
Protein: 44 g
Total Fat: 45 g
Saturated Fat: 24 g
Carbohydrates: 45 g
Fiber: 2 g
Sugars: 3 g
Cholesterol: 235 mg
Sodium: 890 mg
Calcium: 470 mg
Iron: 3 mg

Conclusion

Creamy Seafood Alfredo Bake is an elegant yet comforting casserole that brings together premium seafood, rich Alfredo sauce, and perfectly baked pasta. Whether served for a holiday meal, dinner party, or cozy family dinner, this dish offers restaurant-quality flavor with every bite.

Recommendation

Pair this casserole with garlic bread, roasted asparagus, steamed broccoli, or a crisp Caesar salad for a complete meal. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven or on the stovetop with a splash of cream or milk to maintain the sauce’s creamy texture.

Embracing Healthful Indulgence

Enjoy this creamy seafood bake as part of a balanced diet by serving it alongside fresh vegetables or a green salad. For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, reduce the amount of mozzarella, and substitute whole-wheat pasta while preserving the rich seafood flavor and comforting character of this classic Alfredo casserole.

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