I still remember the first time I tried a creamy seafood pasta bake in my tiny kitchen on Crete. I had just bought fresh salmon and shrimp from the local market, and my grandmother was watching me with that loving, “you’ll figure it out” look. I was nervous seafood can be tricky but I wanted to make something hearty, comforting, and full of flavor. That’s when I experimented with cream, garlic, and a touch of Parmesan, layering everything over pasta and baking it until bubbly. That first bite? Pure magic.
This Salmon and Shrimp Creamy Pasta Bake has since become one of my favorite dishes to serve for family dinners or cozy weekend lunches. The combination of tender salmon, juicy shrimp, and a velvety cream sauce is irresistible, and it’s surprisingly simple to make. Whether you’re an experienced cook or just starting out, this dish brings warmth, flavor, and a little bit of luxury straight to your table.
I love recipes like this because they mix classic flavors with a hint of creativity. The secret? Fresh seafood, a creamy sauce that’s not too heavy, and a golden cheesy topping that makes everyone smile. This recipe is also a great way to enjoy seafood with pasta in a fuss-free way you can prep it in advance and bake it just before serving.
Ingredients for Salmon and Shrimp Creamy Pasta Bake
Here’s what you’ll need to make this dreamy, creamy pasta bake:
- 8 oz (225 g) pasta (penne, fusilli, or rigatoni)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) white wine (optional)
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) milk
- 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 oz (225 g) fresh salmon, cut into cubes
- 8 oz (225 g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup (50 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Pasta
Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, drizzle with a little olive oil to prevent sticking, and set aside.
2. Cook the Aromatics
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté garlic and onion until fragrant and translucent about 2–3 minutes.
3. Make the Creamy Sauce
Add white wine to the skillet (if using) and let it reduce slightly. Stir in heavy cream, milk, Parmesan, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer gently for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
4. Add the Seafood
Add salmon cubes and shrimp to the skillet. Cook for 3–4 minutes until shrimp turns pink and salmon is just cooked through. Remove from heat.
5. Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add cooked pasta to the creamy seafood mixture, stirring gently to coat all the pasta evenly.
6. Bake the Pasta
Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the top. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Garnish and Serve
Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Serving Suggestions
This Salmon and Shrimp Creamy Pasta Bake is perfect on its own, or you can pair it with:
- A crisp green salad 🥗
- Garlic bread 🥖
- Steamed asparagus or broccoli 🥦
It’s a comforting meal that feels fancy enough for guests but simple enough for a weeknight dinner.
Quick 100-Word Version of the Recipe
This Salmon and Shrimp Creamy Pasta Bake combines tender salmon, juicy shrimp, and a rich, cheesy cream sauce over al dente pasta. Sauté garlic and onion in olive oil, add cream, milk, Parmesan, paprika, and season to taste. Stir in salmon and shrimp until cooked through, then mix with pasta. Transfer to a baking dish, top with mozzarella, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes until bubbly. Garnish with parsley. Easy, comforting, and full of flavor, this dish is perfect for family dinners or special occasions, bringing a touch of luxury to your table.
Recipe Card 📋
⏱️ Time Cook: 15 min prep, 20 min bake (35 min total)
🧺 Ingredients:
- Pasta, olive oil, garlic, onion, white wine, cream, milk, Parmesan, paprika, salt, pepper, salmon, shrimp, mozzarella, parsley
👩🍳 Instructions:
- Cook pasta al dente and set aside.
- Sauté garlic and onion.
- Make cream sauce with wine, cream, milk, Parmesan, paprika, salt, pepper.
- Add salmon & shrimp; cook until done.
- Mix pasta with sauce, bake with mozzarella for 15–20 min.
- Garnish with parsley and serve.
📝 Note:
- Use fresh seafood for best flavor.
- Optional wine enhances the depth but can be skipped.
🥗 Nutrition (per serving, approx.):
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Protein: 32 g
- Fat: 24 g
- Carbs: 35 g
Conclusion
This Salmon and Shrimp Creamy Pasta Bake is more than just a meal it’s a memory in the making. It combines creamy textures, savory seafood, and cheesy goodness, all in one comforting dish. From my small kitchen in Crete to yours, I hope this recipe inspires you to cook with love, share with friends, and create moments that linger long after the last bite. Cooking should be fun, not stressful, and this pasta bake proves that simple ingredients can produce extraordinary flavors.