The Cheesy Shrimp and Spinach Alfredo Bake is the perfect combination of comfort and elegance — a luscious seafood pasta casserole that’s creamy, cheesy, and soul-satisfying. Imagine tender shrimp nestled in a rich Alfredo sauce made with Parmesan and mozzarella, tossed with pasta and fresh spinach, then baked until golden and bubbly. The result is a dish that’s indulgent yet balanced, hearty yet sophisticated.

This recipe takes the beloved flavors of shrimp Alfredo and transforms them into a comforting baked pasta masterpiece. It’s ideal for both weeknight dinners and special occasions — something that feels restaurant-quality but can easily be made at home.

Why I Love This Recipe

I absolutely adore this recipe because it’s the definition of comfort meets class. The Alfredo sauce — creamy, garlicky, and rich — coats every piece of pasta and shrimp beautifully, creating a luxurious texture and flavor.

The spinach adds a pop of color and freshness that balances out the richness perfectly. What makes this dish truly special is its layers of texture and flavor: the tender shrimp, the silky sauce, and that irresistible cheese crust on top.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This Cheesy Shrimp and Spinach Alfredo Bake is a must-try because it combines comfort, flavor, and simplicity in one irresistible package. It’s perfect for seafood lovers and anyone who appreciates creamy pasta dishes.

The richness of Alfredo sauce, the freshness of spinach, and the juiciness of shrimp make this dish stand out from the usual pasta bakes.

Recipe Overview

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Calories: ~520 kcal per serving
• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

For the Pasta Bake:

• 12 oz (340g) penne or fettuccine pasta
• 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cups fresh baby spinach
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• ½ tsp paprika (optional, for color)

For the Alfredo Sauce:

• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 ½ cups heavy cream
• ½ cup whole milk
• ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (plus 1 cup extra for topping)
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For Garnish:

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley or basil, chopped

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add pasta and cook until al dente (about 1–2 minutes less than package instructions).
3. Drain, drizzle with a bit of olive oil, and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp

1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Season shrimp with salt, pepper, and paprika.
3. Add shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque.
4. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Alfredo Sauce

1. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Pour in heavy cream and milk; stir well.
4. Lower heat and add Parmesan and mozzarella cheese gradually, stirring until smooth.
5. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
6. Simmer gently for 3–5 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 4: Add Spinach and Combine

1. Add the fresh spinach to the sauce and stir until wilted.
2. Add the cooked shrimp and pasta to the skillet.
3. Toss everything together so the sauce evenly coats the pasta and shrimp.

Step 5: Assemble the Bake

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Transfer the shrimp-pasta mixture into a greased baking dish (9×13 inches).
3. Sprinkle the top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

Step 6: Bake

1. Bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
2. Remove from oven and rest for 5 minutes before serving.
3. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil.

How to Serve

Serve this Cheesy Shrimp and Spinach Alfredo Bake hot, straight out of the oven.

It pairs beautifully with:

• Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks
• Caesar salad or fresh garden greens
• A glass of crisp white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc

This dish makes a cozy family dinner, a romantic date-night meal, or an impressive potluck centerpiece.

Recipe Tips

• Don’t overcook the shrimp — they’ll finish cooking in the oven.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melting texture and flavor.
• Adjust the sauce thickness with a splash of milk or cream before baking.
• Add a breadcrumb topping for extra crunch.
• Use leftover Alfredo sauce to drizzle over the baked pasta when reheating.

Recipe Variations

1. Cajun Shrimp Alfredo Bake: Add 1 tsp Cajun seasoning for a spicy Southern twist.
2. Chicken and Shrimp Combo: Mix cooked chicken with shrimp for a heartier version.
3. Mushroom Alfredo Bake: Add sautéed mushrooms for a deep, earthy flavor.
4. Low-Carb Version: Substitute pasta with steamed cauliflower or zucchini noodles.
5. Three-Cheese Alfredo Bake: Use mozzarella, Parmesan, and provolone for a richer flavor.
6. Garlic-Lemon Twist: Add 1 tsp lemon zest and a squeeze of juice before baking for brightness.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze unbaked or baked pasta for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container.
• Reheating:
  • From fridge: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes, covered with foil.
  • From freezer: Thaw overnight, then bake as above.
  • Add a splash of cream or milk before reheating to keep it creamy.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large pot for pasta
• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Whisk
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Cheese grater
• Spatula and tongs

FAQ

Q1: Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking.

Q2: Can I use store-bought Alfredo sauce?
You can, but homemade sauce gives much better flavor and creaminess.

Q3: What other greens can I use instead of spinach?
Kale, arugula, or Swiss chard work beautifully.

Q4: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes — assemble the dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Q5: What can I use instead of heavy cream?
Half-and-half or a mix of milk and cream cheese can work as lighter alternatives.

Conclusion

The Cheesy Shrimp and Spinach Alfredo Bake is pure indulgence — creamy, cheesy, and brimming with flavor. Each bite delivers a perfect balance of rich Alfredo sauce, juicy shrimp, and tender pasta, complemented by the freshness of spinach and the irresistible aroma of melted cheese.

It’s comfort food elevated to something truly special — easy enough for weeknights but impressive enough for company. Whether you’re cooking to treat yourself or to share with loved ones, this dish is guaranteed to bring warmth, smiles, and satisfaction to the table.