If you are craving a meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Creamy Seafood Pasta Bake Recipe is going to be your new best friend. It brings together tender seafood, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich, velvety sauce that bakes into a golden, bubbling masterpiece. Every spoonful bursts with comforting flavors and the subtle crunch of a parmesan-panko topping, making it an irresistible dish no seafood lover should miss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Creamy Seafood Pasta Bake Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in building the luscious texture, fresh taste, and inviting color that make this dish unforgettable.
- 7 oz / 200 g macaroni or other pasta of choice: The perfect base that holds the creamy sauce and seafood together.
- 1 1/2 tbsp olive oil (separated): Adds a fresh fruitiness and helps sear the seafood beautifully.
- 1 lb / 500 g mixed raw seafood (Marinara seafood mix): The star of the show, bringing a variety of textures and flavors from the sea.
- 2 leeks (white and pale green parts only, finely sliced): Offer a delicate sweetness and gentle onion flavor that complements the seafood.
- 2 garlic cloves (minced): Infuse the dish with warm, aromatic undertones.
- 3 tbsp butter: Provides richness and a silky smooth base for the sauce.
- 3 tbsp flour: Thickens the sauce to that perfect creamy consistency.
- 2 1/2 cups milk: Creates a luscious creaminess without heaviness.
- 1 chicken bouillon cube (or 1 1/2 tsp chicken stock powder) OR 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese: Adds savory depth and umami to the sauce.
- 3/4 cup panko: Gives a crispy, golden crust that contrasts with the creamy filling.
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese (highly recommended): Sprinkles nutty richness on top for an irresistible finish.
- Finely chopped fresh parsley (optional): For a bright, fresh garnish that lifts the whole dish.
How to Make Creamy Seafood Pasta Bake Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pasta
Start by preheating your oven to 180C/350F so it’s ready to create that perfect golden crust. Then, cook your pasta according to the packet instructions until al dente—this ensures it holds its shape well in the bake. Drain and transfer the pasta into your baking dish, setting the stage for everything to come together.
Step 2: Sear the Seafood
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a very hot skillet to give the seafood a quick sear. Cook the seafood mix for just 30 seconds on one side, then turn it over for another 30 seconds. The aim here is to get a light sear on the outside while keeping the inside tender and almost raw — this maintains that wonderfully fresh and juicy texture once baked. Then, place the seafood right on top of your pasta in the baking dish.
Step 3: Cook the Leeks and Garlic
After removing the seafood, add the remaining half tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet and reduce the heat to medium. Toss in the sliced leeks and minced garlic, stirring gently until they soften and become fragrant, about 3 minutes. Their mellow sweetness will blend beautifully into the creamy sauce, so add them directly to your pasta and seafood in the baking dish.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
Give everything in the baking dish a gentle mix to evenly distribute the pasta, seafood, leeks, and garlic together. This layering of flavors ensures every bite is balanced and delicious before it’s all smothered with sauce.
Step 5: Make the Creamy Sauce
In that same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook it for about a minute to eliminate any raw flour taste. Slowly pour in one cup of milk while whisking vigorously — you’ll see the sauce start to thicken almost instantly. Add the remaining milk and crumble in the chicken bouillon cube (or your alternative). Keep whisking until the sauce becomes thick enough to coat the back of a wooden spoon, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. This sauce is the soul of the dish, offering richness without overpowering the seafood.
Step 6: Assemble and Top
Pour the luscious sauce evenly over the pasta and seafood mixture in the dish. Then, sprinkle a generous topping of panko and grated parmesan cheese. This topping will bake into a crust that’s satisfyingly crunchy and nutty, adding a perfect contrast to the creamy interior.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Place your baking dish into the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes. Keep an eye on it as the top turns a glorious golden brown and the sauce bubbles invitingly. When done, take it out and allow it to rest for 5 minutes — this resting time helps all the flavors meld beautifully before serving.
How to Serve Creamy Seafood Pasta Bake Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped parsley sprinkled on top brightens the dish instantly with its vibrant green color and mild herbaceous taste. It adds a lively freshness that cuts through the richness, making each mouthful pop with flavor and color.
Side Dishes
To balance the creaminess, a simple garlicky sautéed spinach or crisp green salad brings a refreshing contrast. The greens provide a light, healthy counterpoint while complementing the seafood with their subtle, earthy notes.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this bake in individual ramekins for an elegant touch when entertaining, or bake it in a large casserole dish for a heartwarming family-style meal. Adding a wedge of lemon on the side invites guests to squeeze a touch of citrus over the bake, elevating the seafood flavors with a hint of brightness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Creamy Seafood Pasta Bake Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The flavors continue to develop overnight, making your leftovers just as enjoyable, if not more so, the next day.
Freezing
While seafood bakes can be delicate, you can freeze portions by wrapping them tightly in foil and placing them in freezer-safe containers for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the best texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 160C/325F until warmed through to help preserve the creamy sauce and prevent the seafood from becoming tough. If using a microwave, do so in short bursts to avoid overheating and drying out the pasta bake.
FAQs
Can I use frozen seafood for this recipe?
Yes, frozen seafood works perfectly well. Just make sure to thaw it thoroughly and pat it dry before searing to prevent added moisture from steaming the seafood instead of searing it.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely. Substitute the butter for a plant-based alternative, and use dairy-free milk such as almond or oat. Nutritional yeast or a dairy-free cheese can replace parmesan to keep the cheesy flavor in the topping.
What type of pasta works best for this bake?
Macaroni is a traditional favorite because its shape traps the sauce beautifully, but other short pastas like penne or fusilli can be excellent alternatives, too.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
You can prep the sauce in advance and keep it refrigerated for a day, but it’s best to assemble and bake the dish right before serving to keep the pasta texture perfect.
How do I prevent the seafood from overcooking?
Since the seafood is only seared briefly before baking, it finishes cooking in the oven just enough to stay tender and juicy. Overcooking happens if you cook the seafood too long in the skillet beforehand, so quick sears are key.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Seafood Pasta Bake Recipe is a treasure for anyone who loves the sea’s bounty paired with comfort food charm. From the first golden, crispy bite to the last rich spoonful, it feels like pure home-cooked satisfaction. I genuinely encourage you to dive into this recipe and make it your own—it’s bound to become a beloved staple in your kitchen too.
Print
Creamy Seafood Pasta Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Creamy Seafood Pasta Bake is a comforting and indulgent dish featuring tender macaroni tossed with a medley of seared mixed seafood, sautéed leeks, and a rich homemade creamy sauce. Topped with crispy golden panko and parmesan cheese, this baked pasta casserole is perfect for a satisfying family dinner or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Pasta and Seafood
- 7 oz / 200 g macaroni or other pasta of choice
- 1 1/2 tbsp olive oil (divided)
- 1 lb / 500 g mixed raw seafood (Marinara seafood mix)
Vegetables
- 2 leeks, white and pale green part only, finely sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Sauce
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp flour
- 2 1/2 cups milk
- 1 chicken bouillon cube (or 1 1/2 tsp chicken stock powder or 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese)
Topping
- 3/4 cup panko
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese (highly recommended)
- Finely chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) to get it ready for baking the pasta later.
- Cook pasta: Boil the macaroni according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and transfer it into your baking dish.
- Sear seafood: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over very high heat. Add the mixed seafood and sear each side for 30 seconds—just enough to brown the outside while keeping the inside still raw. Remove the seafood and place it into the baking dish with the pasta.
- Sauté leeks and garlic: Lower the heat to medium and add the remaining 1/2 tablespoon olive oil to the skillet. Cook the sliced leeks and minced garlic for about 3 minutes until soft and fragrant. Add this mixture to the baking dish with pasta and seafood.
- Combine ingredients: Mix the pasta, seafood, and leek-garlic mixture together gently in the baking dish to evenly distribute flavors.
- Make roux: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux, which will thicken your sauce.
- Prepare sauce: Gradually whisk in 1 cup of milk until smooth and thickened, then add the remaining milk along with the crumbled bouillon cube. Continuously whisk as the sauce cooks for about 5 minutes until it is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble bake: Pour the creamy sauce over the pasta mixture in the baking dish, spreading evenly. Sprinkle the top with panko breadcrumbs and grated parmesan cheese for a crispy golden finish.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the topping is beautifully golden and crispy.
- Rest and serve: Let the pasta bake rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set slightly. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired.
- Serving suggestion: This creamy seafood pasta bake pairs wonderfully with sautéed garlic spinach for a complete and flavorful meal.
Notes
- The seafood is only briefly seared to keep it tender and prevent overcooking in the bake.
- You can substitute the chicken bouillon cube with chicken stock powder or simply increase the parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
- If preferred, use gluten-free pasta and panko to make this dish gluten-free.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated in the oven.
- Sautéed garlic spinach is recommended as a nutritious and tasty side dish.
