Nif's Baked Pasta with Shrimp and Chicken

Dive into a world of creamy comfort with Nif's Baked Pasta with Shrimp and Chicken—a hearty, crowd-pleasing dish that brings together tender penne pasta, succulent shrimp, and juicy chicken in a luscious homemade Parmesan cream sauce. This baked pasta recipe is packed with layers of flavor, from the punch of garlic and Italian seasoning to the golden, melty mozzarella topping. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings, this recipe combines the convenience of easy preparation with the elegance of a restaurant-quality meal. Serve it hot and bubbly straight from the oven, garnished with fresh parsley for a touch of color and sophistication. Whether you're craving a seafood twist on classic baked pasta or a rich, creamy casserole to share, this dish is sure to satisfy.

Nutriscore Rating: 63/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 16 ounces penne pasta
• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 pound chicken breast, cubed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

Cook the penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

While the pasta is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken, season with half of the salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook until fully cooked and browned, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 4

In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the shrimp, season with the rest of the salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp and set aside along with the chicken.

Step 5

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste.

Step 6

Gradually whisk in the milk and cream, making sure to break up any lumps. Cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 7

Remove the sauce from heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese until fully melted and smooth.

Step 8

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chicken, shrimp, and the cheese sauce. Mix until everything is evenly coated.

Step 9

Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish and spread it out evenly.

Step 10

Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top.

Step 11

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 12

If desired, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes to achieve a golden-brown top (watch carefully to prevent burning).

Step 13

Remove from the oven, let cool for a few minutes, and garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2484.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	5495.2

Total Fat 260.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 132.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.2g
Cholesterol 1918.9mg	0%
Sodium 6596.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 369.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 17.3g	0%
Total Sugars 27.6g
Protein 403.5g	0%

Vitamin D 237.4IU	0%
Calcium 3360.9mg	0%
Iron 25.1mg	0%
Potassium 4212.4mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 43.2%

Protein: 29.7%

Carbs: 27.1%