Seafood Gratin Pasta Bake

 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:

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. Bake:

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

7. 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!