Creamy Tuscan Shrimp & Spinach Pasta Bake

Creamy Tuscan Shrimp & Spinach Pasta Bake is a rich, comforting casserole-style dish packed with juicy shrimp, tender pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and a luxurious cream sauce. Baked until bubbly and golden, it’s the kind of hearty, flavorful meal I love serving for family dinners or casual get-togethers.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it combines all the classic Tuscan flavors in one warm, cheesy dish. The creamy garlic sauce is perfectly balanced by the brightness of sun-dried tomatoes and the slight bitterness of spinach. The shrimp add a satisfying protein boost, and everything comes together with minimal prep. It’s indulgent without being too heavy, and it reheats beautifully, too.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

shrimp (peeled and deveined)
pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fusilli)
fresh spinach
sun-dried tomatoes (in oil, drained and chopped)
garlic (minced)
olive oil
butter
heavy cream
Parmesan cheese (grated)
mozzarella cheese (shredded)
Italian seasoning
salt and pepper
optional: crushed red pepper flakes or fresh basil

Directions

1. I preheat the oven to 375°F and grease a large baking dish.

2. I cook the pasta in salted water until just al dente, then drain and set aside.

3. In a large skillet, I heat olive oil and butter, then sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

4. I add the shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes until just pink. I remove the shrimp and set them aside.

5. In the same skillet, I add the sun-dried tomatoes and spinach, cooking until the spinach wilts.

6. I stir in the heavy cream, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, then bring to a gentle simmer.

7. I stir in the Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.

8. I combine the cooked pasta, shrimp, and sauce in the skillet or a mixing bowl, then transfer everything to the prepared baking dish.

9. I top it all with shredded mozzarella cheese and bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until golden and bubbly.

10. I garnish with fresh basil or red pepper flakes if I want a little extra kick.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves about 6 people and takes around 40–45 minutes total—about 15 minutes for prep and 25–30 minutes in the oven. It’s perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or cozy weekend dinners.

Variations

Sometimes I use chicken breast or Italian sausage instead of shrimp for a different protein. I’ve also added mushrooms or artichoke hearts for extra texture. For a lighter version, I use half-and-half or evaporated milk instead of heavy cream. When I want it gluten-free, I simply use gluten-free pasta and check that my sun-dried tomatoes are safe.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I cover the dish with foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or microwave individual portions with a splash of cream or milk to keep the pasta creamy.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, I thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking to avoid extra moisture in the dish.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, I assemble the entire bake, cover, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When I’m ready to serve, I bake it as directed, adding 5–10 minutes to the cook time if it’s cold.

What type of pasta works best?

I use short, sturdy pasta like penne, rigatoni, or rotini that can hold the creamy sauce and bake well without becoming mushy.

Can I make this without dairy?

Yes, I’ve made a version with coconut cream and dairy-free cheese—it still turns out rich and flavorful.

How do I avoid overcooking the shrimp?

I cook the shrimp until just pink in the skillet before baking. Since the shrimp will continue cooking in the oven, I avoid leaving them in the sauce for too long before baking.

Conclusion

Creamy Tuscan Shrimp & Spinach Pasta Bake is the perfect mix of elegance and comfort. I love how the creamy sauce wraps around every bite of pasta and shrimp, with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach adding a burst of flavor and color. It’s simple to make, stunning to serve, and always a hit around the table.