Description
Creamy Seafood Baked Penne with Crispy Topping is a comforting, oven-baked pasta dish featuring tender penne, a garlicky cream sauce, and succulent mixed seafood, all finished with a crunchy, cheesy breadcrumb topping. It’s rich, hearty, and perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in.
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb mixed seafood (shrimp, scallops, crab, or firm white fish)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: 1/4 cup white wine or 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 2 tbsp grated parmesan cheese
- Optional: 1 tsp dried herbs (parsley, thyme, or Italian seasoning)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a large baking dish.
- Cook penne in salted water until al dente, drain, and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant. Stir in flour to form a roux.
- Gradually whisk in cream and milk, simmering until thickened.
- Add parmesan, mozzarella, salt, pepper, and wine or lemon juice if using. Stir until melted and smooth.
- Stir seafood into the sauce and cook gently if raw. Mix with the drained pasta.
- Pour the mixture into the baking dish.
- Combine panko, melted butter, parmesan, and herbs. Sprinkle over the pasta.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, until bubbly and golden. Broil for 1–2 minutes if desired.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before garnishing with parsley and serving.
Notes
- Use rigatoni or fusilli if penne isn’t available.
- Spinach, mushrooms, or red pepper flakes add extra depth or heat.
- Use cream cheese or cornstarch for flour-free thickening.
- Assemble a day ahead and bake just before serving.
- Reheat in the oven for best texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 590mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
