Creamy Tuscan Shrimp & Spinach Pasta Bake

Creamy Tuscan Shrimp & Spinach Pasta Bake is a rich, comforting casserole-style dish that combines tender pasta, juicy shrimp, wilted spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and a velvety cream sauce—all baked to golden perfection. It’s everything I want in a baked pasta: hearty, flavorful, and beautifully cheesy with a Tuscan flair.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it brings together the elegance of Tuscan flavors with the comfort of a cheesy baked pasta. The shrimp stays juicy, the spinach adds freshness, and the sun-dried tomatoes pack in bold, tangy flavor. Best of all, I can prep it ahead, pop it in the oven, and end up with a bubbling, golden masterpiece that’s perfect for family dinners or dinner parties.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Shrimp, peeled and deveined

• Pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fusilli work best)

• Fresh spinach

• Sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (oil-packed, drained)

• Garlic, minced

• Heavy cream

• Parmesan cheese, grated

• Mozzarella cheese, shredded

• Butter or olive oil

• All-purpose flour (for thickening)

• Milk

• Salt and black pepper

• Italian seasoning

• Optional: crushed red pepper flakes, fresh basil for garnish

Directions

1. I preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. I cook the pasta until just al dente, then drain and set it aside.

3. In a skillet, I melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant, then stir in flour to make a roux.

4. I slowly whisk in milk and cream, letting it thicken into a smooth, rich sauce.

5. I stir in Parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, and Italian seasoning. I season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.

6. I add the spinach and let it wilt into the sauce, then fold in the shrimp and cooked pasta.

7. I pour everything into the baking dish and top it with shredded mozzarella.

8. I bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.

9. I let it rest for a few minutes before serving, and sometimes garnish with fresh basil or more Parmesan.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves about 6 people. It takes roughly 15 minutes to prep, 15 minutes for the sauce and pasta, and 25 minutes to bake. From start to finish, I usually have it ready in just under an hour.

Variations

• I sometimes add sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions for more depth.

• To make it spicy, I add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of Cajun seasoning.

• For a lighter version, I use half-and-half or a mix of milk and Greek yogurt instead of full cream.

• I’ve swapped shrimp for chicken or used a mix of both for more variety.

• Gluten-free pasta and flour can be used to make this dish completely gluten-free.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I cover it and bake at 350°F for about 15 minutes, or microwave individual portions. I add a splash of milk or cream before reheating to keep it moist. It can also be frozen before baking—just thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, I thaw and pat them dry before adding them to the sauce to avoid extra water in the dish.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely. I assemble everything, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours ahead. I add 5–10 extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.

Will the shrimp overcook in the oven?

Not if I use raw shrimp and bake just until the top is golden and bubbly. I avoid pre-cooking the shrimp so they stay juicy and tender in the oven.

Can I use another kind of cheese?

Yes, I’ve tried it with Fontina, Asiago, or a mix of Italian cheeses for a deeper flavor.

What’s the best pasta shape for this dish?

I like short, sturdy shapes like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni because they hold the sauce well and bake evenly.

Conclusion

Creamy Tuscan Shrimp & Spinach Pasta Bake is a delicious, indulgent dish that’s surprisingly easy to pull together. I love how it blends bold Italian-inspired flavors with the comfort of a cheesy pasta casserole. It’s perfect for impressing guests or simply treating myself to a cozy, satisfying meal. Whether I serve it with a side salad or garlic bread, it’s always a hit.