Irresistible Chicken and Shrimp Pasta Bake: Your Ultimate Comfort Food Dinner!

Welcome, fellow food lovers, to a recipe that will undoubtedly become a staple in your home: our incredibly rich and utterly satisfying Chicken and Shrimp Pasta Bake. For those of us who believe that life is simply better with cheese, pasta, and a touch of indulgence, this dish is a dream come true. You might even say I’m a bit of a cliché when it comes to my culinary passions – bring on the cheese, pasta, chocolate, and wine! And if you’re anything like me, you’re about to fall head over heels for this magnificent creation.

This isn’t just any pasta dish; it’s a hearty, protein-packed meal that delivers on both flavor and satisfaction. Combining succulent chicken and tender shrimp with a luxurious creamy, cheesy sauce and perfectly cooked pasta, then baking it to golden perfection, results in an experience that is nothing short of divine. It’s the kind of comfort food that warms your soul and brings smiles around the dinner table. If you appreciate the delightful medley of chicken and shrimp, much like in a flavorful paella, then this pasta bake is guaranteed to impress.

Why This Chicken and Shrimp Pasta Bake Will Become Your New Favorite

There are countless reasons to adore this recipe, making it perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or even special occasions. Here’s why it stands out:

Unbeatable Flavor Combination: The delicate sweetness of shrimp perfectly complements the savory richness of chicken, all bathed in a decadent, creamy cheese sauce. It’s a symphony of tastes in every bite, offering a gourmet experience with simple ingredients.
Protein Powerhouse: Loaded with both chicken and shrimp, this dish offers a substantial amount of high-quality protein, ensuring you feel full and satisfied. It’s a rich meal that also provides excellent nutritional value, making it more than just a treat.
Ultimate Comfort Food: Few things beat a warm, bubbling, cheesy pasta bake straight from the oven. The irresistible aroma, the melting cheese, and the creamy texture combine to make it the quintessential comfort meal, ideal for cozy evenings or when you need a little culinary hug.
Surprisingly Easy to Prepare: Despite its impressive appearance and taste, this recipe is surprisingly straightforward to make. With clear, step-by-step instructions and common ingredients, even novice cooks can achieve fantastic results, making it an accessible option for busy households.
Versatile Serving Options: While delicious and substantial on its own, this pasta bake pairs beautifully with a variety of sides, allowing you to customize your meal. Imagine serving it with our homemade cheese garlic biscuits for an extra cheesy kick, or alongside a crisp side salad to balance the richness.
Family-Friendly and Crowd-Pleasing: This is a dish that appeals to almost everyone, from picky eaters to gourmet enthusiasts. Its familiar yet elevated flavors and satisfying textures make it a guaranteed hit for family dinners, gatherings, and celebrations.

Essential Ingredients and Smart Substitutions

To create this mouthwatering Chicken and Shrimp Pasta Bake, you’ll need a few key ingredients, most of which you probably already have in your pantry or fridge. Flexibility is also a wonderful thing in cooking, so don’t hesitate to make adjustments based on what you have on hand or your dietary preferences, without compromising on flavor.

The Pasta

Penne Pasta: Our recipe calls for 1 lb of penne pasta. Its tubular shape is excellent for catching and holding the creamy sauce, ensuring every forkful is loaded with flavor. Penne’s sturdy structure also holds up well during baking, preventing it from becoming mushy.
Substitutions: Feel free to use other medium-sized pasta shapes like ziti, rigatoni, rotini, or even farfalle (bow-tie pasta). Each of these offers a unique texture and sauce-holding capability. Whatever you choose, ensure it’s a shape that can effectively cradle the rich sauce.

The Proteins

Boneless Chicken: You’ll need 1/2 lb of boneless chicken. Chicken breasts or thighs work equally well. Thighs might offer a bit more moisture and flavor due to their higher fat content, while breasts are leaner. Ensure they are cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking and easy mixing.
Shrimp: 1/2 lb of shrimp completes the dynamic duo. Medium to large shrimp are ideal for this dish, as they won’t get lost in the pasta. Make sure they are peeled and deveined for ease of preparation and consumption.
Seasoning: A good all-purpose seasoning (2 tsp) is essential for flavoring both the chicken and shrimp, creating a foundational layer of taste. Don’t forget to incorporate salt and pepper to taste throughout the cooking process, as seasoning in layers builds the best flavor.
Substitutions/Additions: If you’re not a fan of shrimp, you can increase the amount of chicken to 1 lb for a chicken-only bake. Alternatively, for a different twist, you could add sliced smoked sausage, cooked Italian sausage, or even some cooked bacon bits for extra smoky flavor. For a vegetarian option (though it would be a different dish entirely), you could replace the proteins with a medley of sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, and zucchini.

The Creamy Cheese Sauce

Heavy Cream: 1 1/2 cups of heavy cream forms the luscious, rich base of our sauce. This is where the dish’s undeniable richness and creaminess truly shine, creating a luxurious texture.
Parmesan Cheese: 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese is incorporated directly into the sauce for a sharp, salty, and savory depth of flavor. You’ll also need an additional 2 tbsp for topping, which adds an extra layer of cheesy goodness when baked.
Softened Cream Cheese: 1/2 cup of softened cream cheese is the secret ingredient for an ultra-creamy, velvety sauce that binds everything together beautifully and adds a subtle tang that complements the other cheeses.
Mozzarella Cheese: 1 cup of Mozzarella cheese is generously reserved for topping the casserole, creating that irresistible bubbly, stretchy, and golden crust we all crave in a perfect pasta bake. Its mild flavor lets the other ingredients stand out while providing incredible texture.
Substitutions: While heavy cream is recommended for optimal richness, a mix of half-and-half and a tablespoon of cornstarch (slurried in a little cold water) could work as a lighter alternative, though the sauce won’t be as decadent. For the cheeses, experiment with a blend of Gruyere, white cheddar, or fontina for different flavor profiles on top.

Other Essentials

Vegetable Oil: Approximately 2-3 tablespoons of vegetable oil are needed for sautéing the chicken and shrimp. Olive oil or another neutral cooking oil can also be used effectively.
Salt and Pepper: Crucial for seasoning to taste at various stages of cooking, ensuring a well-balanced flavor throughout the dish.

Perfect Pairings and Serving Suggestions

While this Chicken and Shrimp Pasta Bake is a wonderfully complete meal in itself, pairing it with the right accompaniments can elevate your dining experience and balance its rich flavors. Here are some fantastic serving suggestions:

Fresh Green Salad: A light, crisp side salad with a tangy vinaigrette (lemon-herb or balsamic) is an excellent counterpoint to the rich pasta bake. It adds freshness, a welcome textural contrast, and a healthy component.
Garlic Bread or Biscuits: Our recommended cheese garlic biscuits are a match made in heaven! The cheesy, garlicky goodness is perfect for soaking up any extra creamy sauce. Classic garlic bread or a crusty baguette would also be wonderful additions to the meal.
Steamed or Roasted Vegetables: Simple steamed broccoli, asparagus, or green beans can add a vibrant green color and extra nutrients to your plate without overpowering the main dish. For a more robust side, consider roasted Brussels sprouts, bell peppers, or zucchini, seasoned lightly with herbs like thyme or rosemary.
Aromatic Rice Pilaf: While it might seem like too many carbs, a light and fluffy rice pilaf can sometimes complement a rich casserole, offering another texture and a way to absorb the delicious sauce.
Wine Pairing: A crisp white wine like an unoaked Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, or Sauvignon Blanc would beautifully complement the creamy sauce and seafood, cutting through the richness with its acidity.

Looking for a change of pace? If you’re in the mood for a hearty, red sauce-based pasta dish, don’t forget to check out this comforting Beefaroni recipe, another family favorite that delivers on classic flavors!

Expert Tips for a Flawless Pasta Bake

Achieving a perfect Chicken and Shrimp Pasta Bake is easier than you think with these helpful tips designed to ensure maximum flavor and ideal texture:

Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook your penne pasta al dente, meaning it should still have a slight bite to it. Remember it will continue to cook and soften in the oven, so slightly undercooked is better than mushy. This prevents your baked pasta from becoming gluey.
Properly Season Your Proteins: Seasoning the chicken and shrimp generously with all-purpose seasoning, salt, and pepper before cooking is absolutely key to building layers of flavor. Don’t rely solely on the sauce for taste; robustly flavored proteins make a huge difference.
Avoid Overcooking Shrimp: Shrimp cooks very quickly. Cook it just until it turns pink and opaque, about 20-30 seconds per side, depending on size. Overcooked shrimp becomes rubbery and tough, which can detract from the dish. Remove it from the skillet as soon as it’s done.
Thicken the Sauce Gradually: When making the heavy cream sauce, allow it to simmer gently over medium heat, stirring frequently, to allow it to reduce and thicken naturally. The addition of cream cheese will also help immensely in achieving that desired velvety, luxurious consistency. Patience here is key for a perfectly smooth sauce.
Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Always taste your sauce and the combined pasta mixture before transferring it to the casserole dish for baking. This is your last chance to perfect the seasoning! Adjust salt, pepper, or add a pinch more all-purpose seasoning as needed.
Ensure an Even Cheese Layer: For that beautiful, bubbly, golden-brown crust that everyone loves, ensure the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese topping is spread evenly over the pasta mixture. This promotes even melting and creates a uniform crispy top.
Rest Before Serving: While it’s tempting to dig in immediately after pulling it from the oven, allowing the pasta bake to rest for 5-10 minutes helps the sauce set and prevents it from running everywhere when served. This also makes for easier, cleaner portioning.

Close-up of baked chicken and shrimp pasta with melted cheese topping, fresh out of the oven.

4.89 from 9 votes

Chicken and Shrimp Pasta Bake

By Julie Maestre

I live for cheese, pasta, chocolate, and wine. I’m pretty much a cliche. This dish is very rich but it’s also loaded with protein 🙂 I love chicken and shrimp mixtures. I love paella. Oh and I love love love this chicken and shrimp pasta bake.

Prep: 10 minutes

Cook: 40 minutes

Total: 50 minutes

Servings: 8 servings

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Ingredients

▢ 1 lb penne pasta
▢ 1/2 lb boneless chicken
▢ 1/2 lb shrimp
▢ 2 tsp all purpose seasoning
▢ 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
▢ 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
▢ 1/2 cup softened cream cheese
▢ 1 cup Mozzarella cheese, for topping
▢ 2 tbsp parmesan cheese, for topping
▢ salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 450 degrees
Season chicken and shrimp with all purpose seasoning, set aside
Add about 2-3 tbsp of vegetable oil to a skillet and cook the chicken for about 4 mins on each side on medium low heat. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and chop into bite sized pieces.
Add more oil to the skillet if needed and cook the shrimp for about 20 seconds on each side or until pink on both sides. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the skillet.
Add the heavy cream and cook over medium heat until thick. Once the sauce thickens, add the parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper.
Stir the cooked chicken, shrimp, and pasta into the sauce.
Place the pasta mixture in a casserole, stir in the softened cream cheese, and check for seasoning.
Add the mozzarella and parmesan cheese on top and then bake for 10 minutes or until the cheese melts completely.

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Nutrition

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Author: Julie Maestre

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Course: Entree

Cuisine: American, Italian American

Servings: 8 servings

Calories: 532

Keyword: Chicken and Shrimp Casserole, Chicken and Shrimp Pasta Bake

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Make Ahead and Storage Tips

This Chicken and Shrimp Pasta Bake is not only fantastic fresh from the oven, but it’s also a great candidate for meal prepping or enjoying as leftovers, making your life easier on busy days. Here’s how to handle it effectively:

Make Ahead: You can assemble the entire casserole (up to the point of adding the topping cheese) a day in advance. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, remove it from the fridge approximately 30 minutes before baking to allow it to come closer to room temperature, then add the topping cheese and bake as directed. You might need to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time to ensure it heats through completely.
Storage: Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the container is sealed well to maintain freshness and prevent any odors from permeating other foods in your fridge.
Reheating: For best results with individual portions, reheat in the microwave until warmed through. For larger portions, you can reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C), covered with foil, until heated through. For the last few minutes, you can uncover it if you want to re-crisp the cheese topping. If the sauce appears a bit dry upon reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to restore its creamy texture.
Freezing: This pasta bake freezes surprisingly well, making it excellent for future meals! Once baked and completely cooled, cut it into individual portions or freeze the entire casserole (if using an oven-safe and freezer-safe dish). Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months without significant loss of quality. To reheat from frozen, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then bake as directed above. You can also bake directly from frozen, but it will take significantly longer (expect 60-90 minutes at 350°F/175°C, covered, then uncover to brown the cheese).

Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken and Shrimp Pasta Bake

Here are some common questions you might have about making this delicious and versatile Chicken and Shrimp Pasta Bake:

Can I use pre-cooked chicken? Yes, absolutely! If you’re using pre-cooked chicken (such as rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken), you can skip step 2 of the instructions. Simply shred or chop the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces, then add it directly to the sauce with the cooked shrimp and pasta. This can significantly cut down on your overall prep time.
Do I have to bake it? Can I just serve it as a stovetop pasta? While the baking step with the mozzarella topping is what truly makes it a “bake” and adds that irresistible golden, bubbly crust and incredible melty cheese pull, you could technically serve it straight from the skillet after mixing all the ingredients into the sauce. However, for the full comfort food experience and the best texture, baking is highly recommended!
What kind of shrimp should I buy for this recipe? For maximum convenience, we recommend looking for raw, peeled, and deveined shrimp, whether fresh or frozen. If you buy shell-on shrimp, you’ll need to peel and devein them yourself, which adds a bit of prep time but can sometimes result in fresher-tasting shrimp.
My sauce is too thin/thick. What can I do? If your sauce is too thin after simmering the heavy cream, let it continue to simmer a bit longer on low heat, stirring constantly, to allow it to reduce and thicken naturally. If it’s too thick, you can easily thin it out by adding a splash of milk, chicken broth, or even a little reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired creamy consistency.
Can I add other vegetables to the bake? Absolutely! This dish is incredibly adaptable, and adding vegetables is a great way to boost nutrition and flavor. Sautéed spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers (any color), or even a handful of frozen peas or corn can be stirred in with the chicken and shrimp mixture for added color, texture, and nutrients.

There you have it – a comprehensive guide to creating the most incredible Chicken and Shrimp Pasta Bake. Whether you’re whipping it up for a quick, satisfying family dinner or preparing a comforting, impressive dish for guests, this recipe is sure to become a cherished addition to your culinary repertoire. Enjoy every cheesy, creamy, and protein-packed bite!

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