Dive into the rich and indulgent flavors of Grotto Seafood Pasta Casserole, a creamy baked pasta dish that’s brimming with the ocean’s finest treasures. Tender penne pasta is enveloped in a luscious, velvety sauce made from Gruyère and Parmesan cheeses, enhanced with the zest of fresh lemon for a bright, tangy kick. Succulent shrimp, scallops, and lump crab meat are seared to perfection and folded into the pasta for a seafood-packed experience in every bite. Topped with golden, crispy panko breadcrumbs for added texture, this casserole bakes to bubbling perfection in just 30 minutes. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or an impressive centerpiece for special occasions, this seafood pasta bake is as comforting as it is elegant. Garnish with parsley and serve it warm to let its vibrant flavors shine.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Cook the penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
Gradually pour in the whole milk and heavy cream while continuously whisking. Cook until the mixture thickens slightly, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the Parmesan and Gruyère cheeses, letting them melt completely into the sauce. Add the kosher salt, black pepper, and lemon zest. Remove from heat.
In a separate skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the shrimp and scallops for 1-2 minutes per side until just cooked. Remove and set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, seafood (shrimp, scallops, and crab meat), and the prepared cheese sauce. Gently toss to combine.
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
Sprinkle the panko breadcrumbs over the top to form a crust.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbling.
Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Serve hot and enjoy!
Calories |
5017 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 263.8 g | 338% | |
| Saturated Fat | 136.1 g | 680% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 7.5 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 1546 mg | 515% | |
| Sodium | 5184 mg | 225% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 344.4 g | 125% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 15.2 g | 54% | |
| Total Sugars | 38.0 g | ||
| Protein | 302.2 g | 604% | |
| Vitamin D | 24.3 mcg | 121% | |
| Calcium | 3497 mg | 269% | |
| Iron | 20.3 mg | 113% | |
| Potassium | 4319 mg | 92% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.