Seafood Enchilada Pasta Bake
Try this Seafood Enchilada Pasta Bake recipe
Try this Seafood Enchilada Pasta Bake recipe
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1/4 tsp white pepper
- 1/4 c all purpose flour
- 2 cloves of garlic minced
- cilantro for garnish
- 1 c sour cream
- 8 oz ziti
- 1 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined
- 8 oz imitation crab meat
- 1/2 tsp old bay seasoning
- 1 14.5 oz can of chicken broth
- 1/3 c sweet onion chopped
- 1/4 c jalapeno pepper chopped (i used the jarred jalapenos as that is all i had on hand)
- 2 tbsp sherry
- 3/4 c shredded colby jack cheese
- Carbohydrate 34.8763294540187 g
- Cholesterol 187.118684057839 mg
- Fat 15.0397736593053 g
- Fiber 0.622766828225976 g
- Protein 28.1095813250184 g
- Saturated Fat 8.36764932361871 g
- Serving Size 1 1 - 8 serving (229g)
- Sodium 580.422125987348 mg
- Sugar 34.2535626257927 g
- Trans Fat 1.35934954456133 g
- Calories 396 calories
Step-by-step
- Cook the pasta to your preferred tenderness. Drain and set aside.
- Sprinkle the shrimp with old bay seasoning. Toss to coat.
- Melt the butter in a large saute pan or pot. Add the onion, garlic and jalapeno and cook over medium low heat until tender.
- Add the shrimp, imitation crab meat, sherry and chicken broth and cook until the shrimp are opaque. Break up the imitation crab meat while the mixture is cooking.
- Whisk together the sour cream, white pepper and flour. Add to the seafood mixture and mix well.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer until thickened.
- Mix in the pasta and then pour the mixture into a 9 inch baking dish. I used a round cake pan.
- Top with the shredded cheese.
- Bake for 10 minutes. Then turn on the broiler and broil until the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
- Garnish with cilantro.
Seafood Enchilada Pasta Bake: A Weeknight Winner
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook delicious and satisfying meals can feel like a Herculean task. Weeknights are a whirlwind of school pick-ups, homework help, and the never-ending to-do list. But that doesn't mean we should sacrifice delicious food! This Seafood Enchilada Pasta Bake has become a staple in our family, a quick and easy dish that tastes like it took hours to prepare. It's a perfect blend of comforting pasta, savory seafood, and a touch of spicy kick from the jalapeños. The best part? It’s incredibly versatile; you can easily adapt it to whatever seafood you have on hand.
The inspiration struck during a particularly hectic week. I was staring blankly into the fridge, desperately searching for something quick, yet satisfying, and that’s when I saw the shrimp and the bag of ziti. The idea of combining the two with a creamy, cheesy sauce popped into my head. I added some unexpected elements for a fun twist. The Old Bay seasoning added a delightful touch of spice, while the sherry brought out the delicate flavors of the seafood. The Colby Jack cheese provided the perfect salty-tangy counterpoint to the rich sauce, and the cilantro garnish added a bright, fresh finish. This recipe is a testament to the magic of improvisation in the kitchen - a little bit of this, a little bit of that, and boom! You have a delicious meal that is surprisingly easy to put together.
The recipe is unbelievably easy, even for novice cooks. It comes together in under an hour, from start to finish, making it the perfect weeknight meal solution. It's the kind of recipe that you can make ahead of time and pop in the oven just before dinner, eliminating the last-minute stress. The aroma alone is enough to bring the family rushing to the dinner table. The kids love it (even the picky eaters!), and my husband always asks for seconds. It's truly a family favorite.
Beyond the Recipe: This dish isn't just about convenience; it’s about creating memories. The happy chatter around the dinner table, the shared laughter, and the simple pleasure of enjoying a delicious meal together are priceless. It's these moments that remind me why I love cooking so much. It's more than just fuel for our bodies; it's nourishment for our souls. This pasta bake is more than just a meal; it's a symbol of family, love, and the simple joys of life.
Tips and Variations:
- Seafood Swap: Feel free to experiment with different types of seafood. Salmon, cod, or even canned tuna would work wonderfully.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of jalapeño to your preference. For a milder dish, use less or omit it altogether.
- Cheese Choice: Any melting cheese will work well. Monterey Jack, cheddar, or a Mexican blend would all be delicious.
- Add Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables, such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach, to boost the nutritional value and add more flavor.
- Make it a complete meal: Serve with a side salad or crusty bread for a more balanced meal.
I hope you enjoy this Seafood Enchilada Pasta Bake as much as we do. It’s a recipe that's become a cherished part of our family's culinary history, and I'm excited for you to add it to yours.
