Description
Honey Garlic Shrimp Pasta Shells Bake is a cheesy, comforting baked pasta dish featuring juicy shrimp glazed in a sweet-savory honey garlic sauce, nestled in tender pasta shells and baked in a creamy, melty cheese sauce. It’s an easy yet impressive meal that delivers on flavor and comfort.
Ingredients
- 20–24 large pasta shells
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice or rice vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 4 oz cream cheese or 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella or Italian blend cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley or green onions, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook pasta shells in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, heat oil or butter. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant. Stir in honey, soy sauce, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes. Simmer 1–2 minutes.
- Add shrimp and cook 1–2 minutes per side until pink. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- To remaining sauce in pan, add cream cheese or heavy cream. Stir until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper.
- Fill each shell with 1–2 shrimp and arrange in a greased baking dish.
- Pour creamy sauce over stuffed shells. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes until hot and bubbly. Broil for 2–3 minutes until cheese is golden.
- Let rest for a few minutes. Garnish with parsley or green onions and serve.
Notes
- Mix in sautéed spinach or roasted red peppers for added color and flavor.
- Substitute other pasta like rigatoni or penne for a layered casserole version.
- Add hot sauce or sriracha for extra spice, or drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving.
- Make ahead and refrigerate unbaked for up to 24 hours.
- Slightly undercook shrimp to avoid overcooking during baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 recipe
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
