Mozzarella Stuffed Shrimp Alfredo Bake

This Mozzarella Stuffed Shrimp Alfredo Bake is the definition of decadent comfort food. It combines juicy, cheesy shrimp with a rich, creamy Alfredo sauce and pasta for an impressive yet surprisingly easy dish.

Here’s a detailed recipe that will feel like something from a fancy Italian restaurant.

Mozzarella Stuffed Shrimp Alfredo Bake

This recipe involves stuffing the shrimp, but if you’re short on time, see the “Quick Version” tip below!

Yields: 4-6 servings
Prep time: 25 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes

Ingredients:

For the Stuffed Shrimp:

• 1 lb (450g) large shrimp (16/20 or 21/25 count), peeled and deveined, tails on or off

• 4 oz (115g) block of low-moisture mozzarella cheese, cut into about 16-20 small sticks (like thin french fries)

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• Salt and black pepper to taste

• A pinch of paprika (optional, for color)

For the Alfredo Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

• Salt and white pepper to taste (black pepper is fine, white pepper is just for appearance)

• A pinch of ground nutmeg (optional, but enhances flavor)

For the Assembly:

• 8 oz (225g) pasta of choice (fettuccine, penne, or rigatoni work great)

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for the top)

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Prep the Shrimp: Pat the shrimp very dry with paper towels. This helps them sear properly. Using a small, sharp paring knife, cut a deep slit along the back (where you deveined them) of each shrimp, creating a pocket for the cheese. Be careful not to cut all the way through.

2. Stuff the Shrimp: Take a stick of the mozzarella and gently stuff it into the pocket of each shrimp. Place the stuffed shrimp on a plate. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and season with the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and paprika. Toss gently to coat. Set aside.

3. Cook the Pasta: Cook your pasta according to package directions in a large pot of salted water, but stop 1-2 minutes before it’s al dente. It will finish cooking in the oven. Drain and set aside.

4. Make the Alfredo Sauce: While the pasta cooks, melt the butter in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer (do not boil). Reduce the heat to low and gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and has thickened slightly. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Remove from heat.

5. Sear the Shrimp (Optional but Recommended): In a separate large skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Quickly sear the stuffed shrimp for about 1 minute per side, just until they turn pink on the outside. They do not need to be cooked through at this point. This step adds great flavor and helps seal the cheese inside.

6. Combine Pasta and Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the partially cooked pasta with about ¾ of the Alfredo sauce. Stir until the pasta is evenly coated.

7. Assemble the Bake: Pour the sauced pasta into a 9×13 inch (or similar) baking dish. Arrange the seared stuffed shrimp on top of the pasta. Pour the remaining Alfredo sauce over the shrimp and pasta.

8. Top and Bake: Sprinkle the top evenly with the shredded mozzarella cheese. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and starting to get golden spots. The shrimp should be fully cooked through (opaque).

9. Broil for Color (Optional): For an extra golden top, switch the oven to broil for the last 1-2 minutes, but watch it closely to prevent burning!

10. Serve: Let the bake rest for 5 minutes after pulling it out of the oven. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Quick Version (Cheesy Shrimp Alfredo Bake):

If you don’t have time to stuff each shrimp, here’s a fantastic shortcut:

• Skip the stuffing step. Simply season the whole shrimp as directed.

• Sear them quickly as in step 5.

• Proceed with the recipe, mixing the seared shrimp directly into the pasta and sauce before transferring to the baking dish. Top with mozzarella and bake. It will be just as delicious, with cheesy shrimp throughout!

Tips for Success:

• Dry Shrimp are Key: The drier the shrimp, the better they will sear and hold the cheese.

• Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: The initial sear is just to set the outside. Overcooking will make the shrimp rubbery.

• Use Block Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make sauces grainy. Grating your own mozzarella and Parmesan from a block makes a much smoother, creamier sauce.

• Make it Your Own: Add a layer of fresh spinach under the pasta, or mix in sautéed mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes with the sauce.

Enjoy this incredibly rich and satisfying bake! It’s perfect for a special dinner or when you’re craving the ultimate comfort food.