Creamy Seafood Gratin Pasta Bake: A Luxurious Oven-Baked Comfort Dish

When comfort food meets elegance, the result is a dish like creamy seafood gratin pasta bake. This rich, indulgent casserole combines tender pasta, succulent seafood, and a velvety cream sauce, all baked beneath a golden, cheesy gratin topping. It’s the kind of meal that feels restaurant-worthy yet is completely achievable at home.

Seafood gratin dishes have long been celebrated in European coastal cuisines, particularly in French and Italian cooking, where cream, butter, and seafood come together in perfect harmony. This pasta bake adapts that tradition into a hearty, family-style dish that’s ideal for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or cozy gatherings.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its balance. The cream sauce is luscious without being heavy, the seafood stays tender and flavorful, and the gratin topping adds just the right amount of crunch. Every forkful delivers creamy, cheesy comfort with delicate seafood sweetness.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Seafood Pasta Bake

This creamy seafood gratin pasta bake checks all the boxes for an unforgettable meal:

• Rich, silky cream sauce infused with garlic and cheese
• Perfectly cooked seafood that stays tender
• Golden gratin topping with irresistible crunch
• Ideal for entertaining or make-ahead meals
• Comforting yet elegant enough for special occasions

It’s a versatile recipe that feels indulgent without being complicated.

Ingredients for Creamy Seafood Gratin Pasta Bake

Pasta & Seafood

• 12 oz short pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fusilli)
• 8 oz shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 6 oz scallops (or white fish chunks)
• 4 oz crab meat or lobster (optional)

Creamy Sauce

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1½ cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon paprika or Old Bay seasoning

Gratin Topping

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Gruyère cheese
• ½ cup breadcrumbs or panko
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
2. Cook pasta in salted water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Sprinkle flour over butter and whisk continuously for 1 minute to form a roux.
5. Gradually whisk in milk and cream. Cook until thickened, about 3–4 minutes.
6. Stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and paprika until smooth.
7. Add shrimp and scallops to the sauce and cook gently for 2–3 minutes, just until opaque.
8. Fold cooked pasta into the sauce, mixing gently to coat evenly.
9. Transfer mixture to prepared baking dish.
10. Sprinkle mozzarella evenly over the top.
11. Toss breadcrumbs with melted butter and parsley, then sprinkle over cheese layer.
12. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
13. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Creamy Seafood Gratin Pasta Bake

A rich and creamy seafood pasta bake with shrimp, scallops, and a golden gratin topping.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American, European

Calories: 520

Ingredients

  

Pasta & Seafood

• 12 oz short pasta
• 8 oz shrimp peeled and deveined
• 6 oz scallops
• 4 oz crab meat optional

Sauce

• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1.5 cups milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 0.75 cup Parmesan cheese grated

Topping

• 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
• 0.5 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp butter melted
• 2 tbsp parsley chopped

Equipment

• Large pot
• Skillet
• Baking dish
• Whisk

Method

 

1. Cook pasta until al dente.
2. Prepare cream sauce with butter, garlic, flour, milk, and cream.
3. Add seafood and cook gently.
4. Combine pasta and sauce, transfer to baking dish.
5. Top with cheese and breadcrumbs.
6. Bake at 375°F until golden and bubbly.

Notes

Avoid overcooking seafood before baking.

Texture & Flavor Highlights

This seafood gratin pasta bake delivers:

• Creamy, luxurious sauce clinging to every bite of pasta
• Tender seafood cooked gently in the sauce
• Cheesy, bubbling gratin crust with crisp breadcrumbs
• Balanced richness with subtle seafood sweetness

It’s comforting without being overwhelming.

Tips for Perfect Seafood Gratin

• Don’t overcook seafood before baking—it finishes cooking in the oven
• Use fresh or properly thawed seafood for best texture
• Salt pasta water well to enhance overall flavor
• Let rest briefly before serving to set the sauce

Variations to Try

• Spicy Seafood Gratin: Add chili flakes or cayenne
• Mediterranean Style: Add sun-dried tomatoes and spinach
• Extra Cheesy: Mix Gruyère and Parmesan for deeper flavor
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs

Make-Ahead & Storage

• Assemble casserole up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate
• Bake fresh when ready to serve
• Store leftovers refrigerated for up to 3 days
• Reheat gently to avoid overcooking seafood

Serving Suggestions

Serve creamy seafood gratin pasta bake with:

• Crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette
• Garlic bread or crusty baguette
• Steamed asparagus or green beans
• Chilled white wine or sparkling water

A Note on Seafood Gratin Tradition

Gratin dishes originate from French cuisine, where a creamy base is topped with cheese or breadcrumbs and baked until golden. This pasta bake honors that tradition while transforming it into a hearty, modern comfort meal.

Final Thoughts

This creamy seafood gratin pasta bake is the ultimate blend of elegance and comfort. Rich, cheesy, and packed with tender seafood, it’s the kind of dish that turns any meal into a special occasion. Whether you’re hosting guests or treating your family, this recipe delivers warmth, flavor, and satisfaction in every bite