If you love rich, comforting pasta dishes and the delicate flavors of the ocean, this Creamy Seafood Gratin Pasta Bake is about to become your new favorite dinner. Combining tender pasta, juicy shrimp, succulent scallops, and a velvety cream sauce under a golden, bubbling cheese crust, this dish delivers restaurant-quality flavor in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Perfect for family dinners, weekend gatherings, or special occasions, this creamy seafood pasta bake strikes the ideal balance between indulgent and elegant. It’s hearty without being heavy, flavorful without being complicated, and impressive without requiring professional culinary skills.

In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn exactly how to make the ultimate seafood gratin recipe, along with helpful tips, ingredient swaps, serving suggestions, and storage advice to ensure perfect results every time.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Seafood Gratin Pasta Bake

There are countless reasons to fall in love with this baked seafood pasta casserole:

Rich and creamy texture with perfectly cooked seafood
Golden, crispy cheese topping for irresistible contrast
Customizable with your favorite seafood varieties
Ideal for entertaining guests
Make-ahead friendly and freezer adaptable

The combination of creamy sauce, al dente pasta, and tender seafood creates a luxurious dish that feels indulgent yet comforting.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to prepare this cheesy seafood pasta masterpiece:

12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or shells)
1 cup raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 cup scallops, cleaned
1 cup cooked crab meat (optional but recommended)
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon paprika
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
½ cup panko breadcrumbs (for topping)
1 tablespoon melted butter (for breadcrumbs)
Optional: squeeze of fresh lemon juice

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until just al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside. Do not overcook, as it will continue baking in the oven.

2. Sauté the Seafood

In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Lightly sauté shrimp and scallops for about 1–2 minutes per side until just opaque. Remove from pan and set aside. Avoid overcooking.

3. Prepare the Cream Sauce

In the same skillet, melt butter and add minced garlic. Cook until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Stir in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to form a roux.

Gradually whisk in milk and heavy cream. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens, about 5–7 minutes.

4. Season and Add Cheese

Add salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, and half of the mozzarella and Parmesan. Stir until melted and smooth.

5. Combine Ingredients

Fold cooked pasta and seafood (including crab meat if using) into the sauce. Mix gently to avoid breaking delicate seafood.

6. Transfer to Baking Dish

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Pour mixture into a greased baking dish.

7. Prepare the Topping

Mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and remaining cheese. Sprinkle evenly over the pasta.

8. Bake to Perfection

Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden and bubbling. For extra browning, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end.

9. Garnish and Serve

Remove from oven and let rest 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and a light squeeze of lemon juice before serving.

Expert Tips for Perfect Seafood Gratin

1. Don’t Overcook the Seafood

Seafood continues cooking in the oven. Slightly undercook it during sautéing to ensure tenderness.

2. Use Freshly Grated Cheese

Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.

3. Add Depth with White Wine

Deglaze the pan with ¼ cup dry white wine before adding milk for an elevated flavor profile.

4. Choose the Right Pasta Shape

Short, ridged pasta holds creamy sauce better, enhancing texture and flavor.

Variations to Try

This easy seafood dinner recipe is wonderfully adaptable:

Lobster Upgrade

Replace shrimp with lobster chunks for a luxurious twist.

Spicy Kick

Add red pepper flakes or diced chili for heat.

Spinach Boost

Stir in fresh baby spinach before baking for added color and nutrition.

Gluten-Free Option

Use gluten-free pasta and substitute flour with cornstarch slurry.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your cheesy seafood pasta with:

Fresh green salad with lemon vinaigrette
Garlic bread or crusty baguette
Steamed asparagus or green beans
Chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc

This dish works beautifully as a centerpiece for dinner parties or cozy Sunday meals.

Storage & Reheating

Refrigeration

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezing

Freeze before baking for best texture. Wrap tightly and freeze up to 2 months.

Reheating

Reheat in oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. Add a splash of milk if needed.

Nutritional Highlights

While indulgent, seafood provides excellent protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential minerals. When paired with moderate pasta portions and balanced sides, this dish fits into a wholesome meal plan.

Cultural Inspiration Behind Seafood Gratin

Seafood gratins have roots in French cuisine, where creamy sauces and baked cheese toppings are culinary staples. This modern adaptation blends French technique with comforting Italian pasta traditions, resulting in a fusion-style casserole that’s universally loved.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Seafood Gratin Pasta Bake is more than just dinner — it’s an experience. With layers of flavor, textures, and aromas, it transforms simple ingredients into something truly memorable.

Whether you’re hosting guests or treating your family, this recipe guarantees satisfaction. Rich, creamy, and topped with golden perfection, it’s comfort food elevated to gourmet status.