Creamy Seafood Gratin Pasta Bake: A Rich and Comforting Dinner Classic

When you want a meal that feels luxurious yet comforting, Creamy Seafood Gratin Pasta Bake is the perfect choice. This oven-baked dish combines tender pasta, succulent seafood, and a velvety cream sauce, all finished with a golden, cheesy gratin topping. It’s the kind of dinner that feels special enough for guests but simple enough for a cozy night at home.

Seafood and cream are a timeless pairing, and baking them with pasta allows all the flavors to meld beautifully. As the dish bakes, the sauce thickens, the cheese bubbles and browns, and the seafood stays tender and juicy. The result is a deeply satisfying meal that’s rich without being overwhelming.

This recipe is also wonderfully flexible. You can use your favorite seafood mix, adjust the cheeses, or add herbs and aromatics to suit your taste. Whether served as a family dinner or a centerpiece dish for entertaining, this seafood gratin pasta bake always impresses.

Why a Gratin Makes Pasta Even Better

A gratin topping transforms an ordinary pasta bake into something memorable. The combination of cheese and breadcrumbs creates a crisp, golden crust that contrasts beautifully with the creamy pasta beneath. That first spoonful—crunchy on top, silky underneath—is what makes this dish so irresistible.

Seafood benefits especially from this method. Baking gently in sauce keeps it moist, while the gratin seals everything together, locking in flavor and texture.

Ingredients

• 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fusilli)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups heavy cream
• ½ cup milk
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 12 oz mixed seafood (shrimp, scallops, or seafood mix)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
2. Cook pasta in salted water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute, forming a roux.
5. Gradually whisk in cream and milk, stirring constantly until smooth and thickened.
6. Add mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted.
7. Season sauce with salt, pepper, paprika, and nutmeg.
8. Gently fold seafood into the sauce, followed by the cooked pasta.
9. Transfer mixture to the prepared baking dish.
10. In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs with olive oil. Sprinkle evenly over the pasta.
11. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
12. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.

Creamy Seafood Gratin Pasta Bake

Baked pasta with tender seafood in a rich cream sauce topped with a golden gratin crust.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Seafood

Calories: 520

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 12 oz pasta
• 12 oz mixed seafood raw
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese grated

Equipment

• Large pot
• Saucepan
• Baking dish

Method

 

1. Cook pasta until al dente.
2. Prepare creamy cheese sauce.
3. Fold in seafood and pasta.
4. Top with breadcrumbs and bake until golden.

Notes

Let rest briefly before serving for best texture.

Tips for the Best Seafood Pasta Bake

• Use raw seafood so it cooks gently in the oven
• Don’t overcook the pasta before baking
• Let the bake rest for 5 minutes before serving
• Grate your own cheese for smoother melting

Variations and Add-Ins

• Add spinach or peas for color and freshness
• Swap mozzarella for Gruyère for deeper flavor
• Use lobster or crab for a special occasion version
• Add lemon zest for brightness

Serving Suggestions

Creamy Seafood Gratin Pasta Bake pairs beautifully with:

• A crisp green salad
• Garlic bread or baguette
• Steamed asparagus or broccoli
• A light citrus vinaigrette salad

Storage and Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through. Add a splash of cream if needed to loosen the sauce.

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe succeeds because it balances richness with texture. The creamy sauce coats every bite, the seafood stays tender, and the gratin topping adds contrast. Each component supports the others, creating a dish that feels indulgent but well-rounded.

If you’re looking for a comforting, elegant pasta dish that’s guaranteed to satisfy, Creamy Seafood Gratin Pasta Bake deserves a spot on your dinner table.