If your taste buds are calling for something sweet, savory, and seriously satisfying, this Honey Garlic Shrimp Pasta Shells Bake is the answer. Jumbo pasta shells are filled with tender shrimp tossed in a luscious honey garlic glaze, then baked in a creamy, cheesy sauce that brings everything together. It’s comforting, packed with flavor, and just fancy enough to make you feel like a rockstar in the kitchen—even if you’re still in your cozy socks.
As someone who’s always juggling after-school activities and dinnertime on a clock, I love recipes that look impressive but don’t require hours of prep. This one hits the sweet spot (literally, thanks to that honey) and always gets requests for seconds. Plus, if you’ve got shrimp lovers at home like I do, they’ll be sneaking bites before it even hits the table.
Why You’ll Love This Honey Garlic Shrimp Pasta Shells Bake
- Restaurant-worthy flavors without complicated steps
- Sweet and savory combo that even picky eaters love
- Melty mozzarella topping makes it cozy and irresistible
- Perfect for make-ahead meals and easy weeknight dinners
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Jumbo pasta shells | 12 oz |
| Shrimp, peeled and deveined | 1 lb |
| Honey | 1/4 cup |
| Soy sauce (non-alcoholic) | 1/4 cup |
| Garlic, minced | 3 cloves |
| Heavy cream | 1 cup |
| Shredded mozzarella cheese | 1 cup |
| Green onions, chopped | 1/2 cup |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
| Vegetable oil or butter | 2 tbsp |
How to Make Honey Garlic Shrimp Pasta Shells Bake
- Cook the shells: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the jumbo shells until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
- Make the honey garlic glaze: In a bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic. Set aside.
- Sauté the shrimp: Heat oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add shrimp and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for about 2 minutes per side until just pink.
- Add glaze to shrimp: Pour the honey garlic sauce over the cooked shrimp. Stir and cook for 1–2 more minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the shrimp. Remove from heat.
- Prepare the sauce: In a small saucepan, warm the heavy cream over low heat. Stir in half the shredded mozzarella until melted and smooth. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Fill the shells: Gently spoon 2–3 shrimp into each cooked pasta shell. Place the filled shells in a greased baking dish.
- Pour cream sauce over shells: Once all shells are in the dish, pour the cheesy cream sauce evenly over them.
- Top with cheese: Sprinkle remaining mozzarella over the top and finish with chopped green onions.
- Bake: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15–18 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Let it rest for 5 minutes, then serve warm and enjoy!
“My son calls this ‘shrimp mac and cheese in disguise.’ And you know what? I’m okay with that. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor in every bite.” — Jenny
Nutrition Facts (per serving, approx.)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 480 |
| Protein | 29g |
| Carbohydrates | 42g |
| Fat | 22g |
| Sugar | 9g |
| Sodium | 690mg |
| Fiber | 2g |
Jenny’s Quick Tips
- Use pre-cooked shrimp: Save a few minutes by using already-cooked shrimp. Just warm them in the sauce briefly.
- No jumbo shells? This also works well layered with regular pasta in a casserole dish—think lasagna style.
- Make ahead: Assemble the dish, cover, and refrigerate. Pop it in the oven when ready to eat.
- Leftovers? They reheat like a dream and make a next-day lunch you’ll actually look forward to.
Serving Suggestions
- A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the richness.
- Pair with roasted veggies like asparagus or green beans.
- Warm dinner rolls or garlic bread make it feel like a complete feast.
Drink Pairings
- Chilled sparkling lemonade adds brightness and contrast.
- For the grownups, a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio complements the sweetness of the shrimp and honey glaze.
- Kids love a light fruit punch or a splash of apple juice on ice.
Presentation Tips
- Garnish with extra green onions or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a pop of color and heat.
- Serve in shallow white bowls to show off the sauce and baked cheese.
- Place shells over a bed of extra cream sauce for a restaurant-style look.
“When I serve this at holiday dinners or weekend potlucks, it’s gone before I even get seconds. You might want to double the batch—just saying.” — Jenny
Honey Garlic Shrimp Pasta Shells Bake Your Family Will Crave
Ingredients
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp in this recipe?
Absolutely. Just thaw them completely, pat dry, and proceed as usual. I use frozen shrimp all the time—because who has time to peel shrimp on a Tuesday?
Is there a substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or even a mix of milk and cream cheese in a pinch. Just note that the sauce may be a bit thinner, but still delicious.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep the dish fully, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just bake it a little longer if it’s going in cold—add about 5 extra minutes and check for bubbling cheese.
What if I don’t have jumbo shells?
No worries! You can layer cooked pasta and shrimp with the sauce like a pasta bake. It’s not as fancy-looking, but just as comforting.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. Add a splash of cream or water if the sauce has thickened too much.
Can I make this dish spicy?
You bet. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the honey garlic glaze or sprinkle some on top before serving. My husband likes it with a few dashes of hot sauce too.
How many people does this serve?
This recipe makes about 4–6 servings, depending on how generously you fill the shells and how hungry your crowd is. For a party, definitely double it!
What sides go well with this pasta bake?
Keep it simple—a light salad, garlic bread, or roasted veggies round it out nicely. I often just steam some broccoli while it’s baking and call it done.
A Dish That Feels Like a Hug
There’s something so comforting about baked pasta, and this Honey Garlic Shrimp Pasta Shells Bake brings just the right balance of cozy and flavorful. Between the sweet garlic glaze, the creamy sauce, and the gooey cheese, it’s the kind of dish that brings smiles and second helpings. And hey, if your family is anything like mine, the leftovers might not even make it to the fridge.
What I love most about this recipe is that it doesn’t require a ton of fancy ingredients or culinary skills. It’s simply good food that’s fun to make and even more fun to eat. Whether you’re cooking for a weekend gathering or just want to switch up your dinner routine, these baked shrimp pasta shells are a win every single time.
“It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel like you did something special—even if the kitchen is still covered in Legos and juice boxes.” — Jenny
If you give it a try, let me know how it turned out! I love hearing your tweaks, your wins, and especially your family’s reactions. Tag @Recipes_Cookery online or drop a comment—I read every single one.