If you’re looking for a quick and delicious meal, this Shrimp Ziti recipe is just the ticket! It combines savory shrimp with creamy ricotta for a dish that’s both satisfying and easy to whip up.
This recipe solves weekday dinner stress by providing a quick shrimp ziti bake with simple ingredients, minimal utensils, and leftover-friendly portions.
I love having this recipe on hand because busy weeknights can be a real challenge. You want something tasty but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. This shrimp ziti is quick to make and perfect for those nights when I need a delicious meal without any fuss.
This recipe is fantastic because you can have it ready in under 30 minutes. With just a single pan, there’s hardly any cleanup afterward, which is always a win in my book. Plus, it’s super customizable, you can even throw in some veggies if you like!
If you want something sweet to go with your meal, try making Air Fryer Meatballs. They’re easy to prepare and pair well with almost anything!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Rich and Creamy Sauce : The sauce is a delightful mix of crushed tomatoes and half-and-half, giving it that creamy texture without the heaviness of cream.
- Savory and Fresh Flavors : With garlic and shrimp, this dish brings together light and savory notes that make every bite refreshing and satisfying.
- Quick and Convenient : You can whip this up in under 30 minutes, making it an easy choice for those busy weeknights when time is tight.
- Great for Leftovers : Any extras can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for a couple of days, so you can enjoy it again later.
Cheesy Shrimp Ziti Bake
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cool Time:
- Cook Time: 16 minutes
- Total Time: 26 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A delicious low-calorie shrimp ziti recipe perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces ziti noodles, cooked al dente per package instructions
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 31/2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup half-and-half
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled, deveined, and thawed
- 1 cup peas, frozen
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 11/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/21/2 teaspoon black pepper
- parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Shrimp: Start by sautéing the shrimp in a pan with olive oil until they are just turning pink and opaque. They should look slightly firm and have a lovely seafood aroma, which indicates they are done. This usually takes about 5 minutes as it is easy to overcook shrimp, so keep a close eye on them.
- Add Pasta and Sauce: Mix in the cooked ziti and the crushed tomatoes along with half-and-half, stirring gently. Ensure everything blends well, and the sauce envelops the pasta nicely. If the sauce feels too thick, add some reserved pasta water gradually until you reach the desired consistency.
- Simmer and Combine: Let everything simmer together for a few minutes to meld the flavors. You should hear a gentle bubbling, and your kitchen will start to smell amazing. Giving it time really helps the dish come together beautifully.
- Serve and Enjoy: Spoon the ziti into bowls and garnish with parsley or additional parmesan cheese as desired. The dish should look enticing with vibrant colors. Do not skip the taste test before serving; adjust the seasoning if necessary, but be mindful of the salt if you are monitoring sodium intake.
Notes
- Storage Tips: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 or 3 days.
- Expert Tips: If shrimp are overcooked, only cook them until they turn pink and opaque, usually about 5 minutes.
- If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until a smooth consistency is reached.
- To prevent sticky pasta, a quick rinse with cold water can help separate the noodles after cooking.
- For a quick meal, use frozen shrimp and cook them directly from frozen, adjusting the cooking time slightly.
- For extra flavor, add fresh herbs like basil or parsley right before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 356
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Recipe Tips
- If shrimp are overcooked, try cooking them only until they turn pink and opaque, which usually takes about 5 minutes.
- When the sauce seems too thick, consider adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until you get a smooth consistency.
- If your pasta feels sticky after cooking, a quick rinse with cold water can help separate the noodles and improve texture.
- For a quick meal, use frozen shrimp and cook them directly from frozen, adjusting the cooking time slightly for even results.
- If you want extra flavor, try adding some fresh herbs like basil or parsley right before serving for a burst of freshness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve shrimp ziti with garlic bread for a complete meal. Pair it with a side salad for added freshness.
Your family can enjoy shrimp ziti in other dishes like stuffed peppers or as a filling for gluten-free wraps. Consider using it in a seafood pasta salad for summer gatherings.
Garnish with additional parmesan cheese to enhance flavor. A light drizzle of olive oil adds a finishing touch for serving.
Recipe variations
- You can use penne pasta instead of ziti to change up the texture of your dish.
- Add 2 teaspoons of dried basil or oregano to enhance the overall flavor of the bake.
- If using vegetables, you can add either 1 cup of chopped spinach or 1 cup of kale for added nutrition.
- You can scale the recipe by doubling all ingredients for a larger family meal, using 16 ounces of ziti noodles and 2 pounds of shrimp.
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How to Store?
To keep your cheesy shrimp ziti bake fresh, follow these storage tips:
Refrigeration: Place leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps the flavors intact.
Freezing: Use a freezer bag to store portions of the dish. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating: For best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. This preserves the texture and taste.
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