Seafood Gratin Pasta Bake is a delicious and comforting dish that combines pasta, seafood, and a creamy sauce, all topped with a golden, crispy layer. Here’s a simple recipe to prepare this delightful dish:

 

Ingredients:

For the Pasta:

300 grams pasta (penne, fusilli, or your choice)
200 grams shrimp, peeled and deveined
200 grams scallops (or any other seafood like crab or fish)
1 cup cooked spinach (optional)
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Sauce:

2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups milk (or cream for a richer sauce)
1 cup grated cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon dried thyme (or Italian seasoning)
Salt and pepper to taste

For Topping:

1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated cheese (for topping)
1 tablespoon melted butter

 

 

Instructions:

Cook the Pasta:

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Prepare the Seafood:

In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the shrimp and scallops, season with salt and pepper, and cook until they are just opaque (about 3-4 minutes). Remove from heat and set aside.

Make the Sauce:

In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously for about 1-2 minutes to create a roux.
Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook until the sauce thickens (about 5-7 minutes).
Stir in the grated cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.

Combine Ingredients:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, seafood, cooked spinach (if using), and the cheese sauce. Mix well to ensure everything is evenly coated.

Assemble the Bake:

Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with the melted butter and the additional grated cheese. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the pasta.

Bake:

Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.

Serve:

Allow the seafood gratin pasta bake to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy it hot!

 

Tips:

Feel free to add other seafood like mussels or clams for more variety.
You can also add vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for added nutrition.
For a spicy kick, consider adding red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Enjoy your delicious Seafood Gratin Pasta Bake!