Ingredients
For the Pasta Bake:
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk or half-and-half
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or fontina cheese
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 cup cooked shrimp, chopped
- 1 cup crab meat or imitation crab
- 1 cup cooked scallops or flaked white fish (optional)
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
For the Topping:
- 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 tsp paprika (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook penne until al dente, drain, and set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
- Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes. Slowly add milk and cream, whisking until thickened.
- Stir in mozzarella, parmesan, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Cook until cheese melts and sauce is smooth.
- Gently fold in the seafood and cooked penne. Transfer to prepared baking dish.
- Mix topping ingredients in a bowl. Sprinkle evenly over pasta.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden. Garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- Add vegetables like spinach, peas, or mushrooms for variety.
- Use a mix of cheeses for extra depth—try Gruyère or smoked gouda.
- Pre-cook seafood to ensure proper texture.
- For a spicier kick, add hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
