Description
Mediterranean-inspired creamy lobster & shrimp pasta bake delivers luxurious seafood comfort in one elegant dish. Succulent shellfish nestled in rich sauce promises delightful flavors that transport diners directly to coastal Italian kitchens.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (454 g) shrimp, large, peeled, tail off, deveined, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- ½ cup (120 g) crab meat, lump
- 1 lb (454 g) cavatappi pasta
- 4 cups (960 ml) milk
- 2 ½ cups (280 g) cheddar cheese, sharp, grated
- 2 ½ cups (280 g) Gruyere cheese, grated
- 4 oz (113 g) cream cheese, cut into cubes
- 1 stick (113 g) butter
- 3–4 green onions, sliced
- ½ tsp minced garlic
- 2 tsps Creole seasonings, all-purpose
- ¼ cup (30 g) flour, all-purpose
- ½ cup (60 g) panko breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Preheat & Prep: Set oven to 400°F and lightly spray a 9×13 baking dish with non-stick coating for seamless release.
- Pasta Foundation: Cook pasta in salted water until al dente, drain, and reserve in the original pot for convenient mixing.
- Seafood Sauté: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt butter and sauté onions and garlic until aromatic, then introduce shrimp and crab, dusting with Creole seasoning and cooking until shrimp transforms to a vibrant pink.
- Cheese Sauce Creation: Using the same skillet, craft a smooth roux by whisking flour into melted butter, then gradually stream in milk while stirring constantly, integrating remaining Creole seasoning and melting cheese varieties until silky.
- Harmonious Blend: Fold cream cheese into the velvety sauce, adjusting seasonings, then combine with seafood and pasta, ensuring comprehensive coating and even distribution.
- Layered Assembly: Transfer mixture to the prepared baking dish, alternating layers with cheese sprinklings, then crown with panko breadcrumbs and a butter drizzle for textural contrast.
- Bake & Rest: Bake for 20-25 minutes until surface achieves a golden-brown hue with bubbling edges, then allow 5-10 minutes of resting to harmonize flavors before serving.
Notes
- Seafood Selection: Choose fresh, high-quality shrimp and lobster for the best flavor and texture.
- Pasta Perfection: Cook pasta just al dente to prevent overcooking during baking, maintaining a perfect bite.
- Seasoning Secret: Adjust Creole seasoning to taste, balancing heat and flavor without overwhelming the delicate seafood.
- Cheese Consistency: Grate cheese fresh for smoother melting and richer, more authentic creamy sauce texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 872
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 1047 mg
- Fat: 52 g
- Saturated Fat: 30 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 70 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 177 mg