This Seafood Pasta Bake is the ultimate comfort food for seafood lovers! Tender shrimp, flaky imitation crab, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich Monterey Jack cheese sauce come together in one bubbling, golden baked casserole that tastes like something straight from a cozy seafood restaurant.
Even though the recipe has a few steps, it’s surprisingly easy to make. Everything comes together quickly before heading into the oven to bake until hot, creamy, and irresistibly cheesy. It’s the perfect dinner for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or anytime you want a comforting homemade meal with a little extra flavor.
If you love creamy seafood recipes, this baked pasta dish is guaranteed to become a new favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Seafood Pasta Bake
- Ultra creamy and cheesy
- Loaded with shrimp and crab
- Easy make-ahead dinner
- Family-friendly comfort food
- Perfect for seafood lovers
- Great for leftovers
- Bakes up bubbly and golden
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Penne pasta
- Shrimp
- Imitation crab meat
- Yellow onion
- Garlic
- Monterey Jack cheese
- Cilantro
- Butter
- Chili powder
- Ground cumin
- Black pepper
Creamy Cheese Sauce
- Butter
- All-purpose flour
- Whole milk
- Sour cream
- Jalapeño
- Monterey Jack cheese
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Ground cumin
Optional Garnishes
- Fresh cilantro
- Diced tomatoes
- Sour cream
These fresh toppings help balance the richness of the creamy baked pasta.
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Pasta
Penne works perfectly because the tubes hold onto all the creamy sauce. You can also use:
- Rigatoni
- Rotini
- Ziti
- Shells
Be sure to cook the pasta just until al dente since it will continue baking in the oven.
Shrimp
Medium shrimp are ideal for this recipe. Peel, devein, and remove the tails before cooking.
You can:
- Leave shrimp whole
- Or chop into bite-sized pieces
Imitation Crab
Imitation crab adds a mild seafood flavor while keeping the recipe budget-friendly.
You can substitute:
- Fresh crab meat
- Lump crab
- Canned crab
for a richer flavor.
Monterey Jack Cheese
Monterey Jack melts beautifully and creates a creamy, mild cheese sauce.
Other great options include:
- Mozzarella
- Pepper Jack
- Mexican blend cheese
Jalapeño
The jalapeño adds a mild kick to the sauce without making it overly spicy.
For less heat:
- Remove seeds completely
- Or leave it out entirely
For extra spice:
- Add more jalapeño
- Or leave some seeds in
How to Make Seafood Pasta Bake
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until just al dente.
Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Seafood Mixture
In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
Add:
- Onion
- Garlic
Cook until softened and fragrant.
Stir in:
- Shrimp
- Imitation crab
- Chili powder
- Cumin
- Black pepper
Cook for 2–3 minutes until the shrimp just begin turning pink.
Do not fully cook the shrimp yet—they will finish baking in the oven.
Remove from heat and stir in:
- Monterey Jack cheese
- Cilantro
Set aside.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour to create a roux.
Cook for 1–2 minutes.
Slowly whisk in:
- Milk
- Sour cream
- Jalapeño
- Salt
- Pepper
- Cumin
Cook until slightly thickened.
Remove from heat and stir in shredded Monterey Jack cheese until smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Assemble the Pasta Bake
In a large bowl, combine:
- Cooked pasta
- Seafood mixture
- Most of the creamy sauce
Reserve a little sauce for the top.
Transfer everything to a greased baking dish.
Spread the remaining sauce over the top and sprinkle with more cheese.
Step 5: Bake
Bake uncovered at 375°F for 20–25 minutes until:
- Hot and bubbly
- Golden on top
- Shrimp fully cooked
Let rest for about 5 minutes before serving.
Tips for the Best Seafood Pasta Bake
Don’t Overcook the Pasta
Slightly undercook the pasta so it doesn’t become mushy after baking.
Use Freshly Shredded Cheese
Freshly shredded cheese melts smoother than pre-packaged cheese.
Keep the Shrimp Slightly Undercooked
The shrimp will continue cooking in the oven.
Let It Rest Before Serving
Allowing the casserole to rest helps the sauce thicken slightly.
Make Ahead Instructions
This pasta bake is perfect for preparing ahead of time.
To Make Ahead:
- Assemble the casserole completely
- Cover tightly
- Refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking
If baking straight from the refrigerator, add a few extra minutes to the bake time.
What to Serve with Seafood Pasta Bake
This creamy seafood casserole pairs perfectly with:
- Garlic bread
- Dinner rolls
- Caesar salad
- Roasted asparagus
- Parmesan green beans
- Roasted broccoli
- Fresh lemon wedges
The fresh lemon juice brightens the rich creamy sauce beautifully.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerator
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer
Freeze for up to 2 months in a tightly sealed container.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating Tips
For best results:
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F
- Cover with foil to prevent drying out
You can also microwave individual portions.
Add a splash of milk if the sauce thickens too much.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use real crab instead of imitation crab?
Absolutely! Fresh or canned crab meat works wonderfully.
Can I make it spicier?
Yes! Add:
- Extra jalapeño
- Cayenne pepper
- Red pepper flakes
for more heat.
Can I use different seafood?
Definitely. Try:
- Scallops
- Lobster
- Crawfish
- Cooked fish
Can I make it without shrimp?
Yes! Double the crab or use another seafood instead.
Delicious Variations
Cajun Seafood Pasta Bake
Add Cajun seasoning for bold Southern flavor.
Lobster Seafood Pasta Bake
Swap imitation crab for lobster meat for a luxurious version.
Spicy Tex-Mex Version
Add diced green chilies, taco seasoning, and pepper jack cheese.
Extra Cheesy Version
Top with mozzarella and parmesan before baking.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Seafood Pasta Bake is rich, cheesy, comforting, and packed with seafood flavor in every bite. The creamy homemade sauce, tender shrimp, flaky crab, and melted Monterey Jack cheese create a baked pasta dish that feels comforting enough for family dinner while still impressive enough for guests.
Whether you’re serving it for a cozy weeknight meal or a special gathering, this seafood pasta bake is guaranteed to have everyone asking for seconds.
Seafood Pasta Bake
Prep Time
25 minutes
Cook Time
25 minutes
Total Time
50 minutes
Servings
8 servings
Ingredients
Pasta & Seafood
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled, deveined, tails removed
- 16 ounces imitation crab, drained and flaked
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Creamy Sauce
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups whole milk
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon jalapeño, seeded and diced
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
- 1½ cups Monterey Jack cheese, shredded and divided
Optional Garnishes
- Fresh cilantro
- Diced tomatoes
- Sour cream
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
- Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons butter. Add onion and cook for 3-5 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Add shrimp, imitation crab, chili powder, cumin, and black pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes until shrimp just begin turning pink.
- Remove skillet from heat. Stir in 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese and chopped cilantro. Set aside.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt ¼ cup butter. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Slowly whisk in milk, sour cream, jalapeño, salt, black pepper, and cumin. Cook until slightly thickened, stirring constantly.
- Remove sauce from heat and stir in 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese until melted and smooth.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, seafood mixture, and most of the sauce, reserving about ½ cup sauce for the top. Toss gently to combine.
- Transfer mixture to prepared baking dish. Spread reserved sauce over the top and sprinkle with remaining ½ cup Monterey Jack cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until hot, bubbly, and golden on top.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with cilantro, diced tomatoes, and sour cream if desired.
Notes
- Do not overcook the pasta; it will continue cooking while baking.
- Fresh crab meat can be substituted for imitation crab.
- For a spicier version, leave jalapeño seeds in or add extra jalapeño.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
