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Baked Ziti with Shrimp

Baked Ziti with Shrimp is exactly that — a rich, cheesy, and satisfying meal that makes weeknight dinners feel special and weekend gatherings feel celebratory. This dish is the perfect balance of textures and flavors: tender shrimp, al dente ziti, creamy ricotta, savory marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese all baked to golden perfection.
Course: Dinner, Lunch, Main Course, Pasta, Seafood
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz ziti noodles cooked to al dente
  • ½ cup hot water
  • 8 oz cream cheese softened
  • 12 oz jar roasted red peppers drained and chopped
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 8 oz shrimp peeled, deveined, and cut into pieces
  • 8 oz bay scallops
  • 4 teaspoons minced garlic
  • teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped
  • ¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking dish.
  2. In a blender or food processor, combine the hot water, softened cream cheese, and chopped roasted red peppers. Blend until smooth to create a creamy, flavorful sauce.
  3. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp, scallops, garlic, and salt. Sauté until the seafood is cooked through, about 3–5 minutes. Drain any excess liquid if needed.
  4. Reduce the heat to medium-low and pour the roasted red pepper cream sauce into the skillet with the seafood. Stir to combine and simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
  5. Add the cooked ziti noodles and chopped parsley to the skillet. Toss gently to coat the pasta and seafood evenly with the sauce.
  6. Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the top.
  7. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
  8. Remove from the oven, let rest for a few minutes, then serve hot. Garnish with additional parsley if desired.
  9. Enjoy!