Ingredients
Pasta
- 500 g (1 lb) pasta (penne, shells, or macaroni)
- Salt for boiling water
Shrimp
- 400–500 g shrimp, peeled & deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt & pepper
- Paprika or Cajun seasoning
Creamy Alfredo sauce
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 3 cups milk (warm)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated parmesan
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
Cheese layer (IMPORTANT for stretch)
- 2 cups mozzarella (main stretch cheese)
- 1 cup cheddar
- 1 cup Monterey Jack or pizza cheese mix
- Extra cheese for topping
Optional extras
- mushrooms
- spinach
- onions
- bell peppers
- chili flakes
- parsley
🍳 Equipment
- Large pot
- Pan
- Saucepan
- Baking tray (like the foil tray in photo)
- Oven
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Cook the pasta
Bring large pot of salted water to boil.
Cook pasta until al dente.
Very important:
👉 slightly undercook (1 minute less)
Because it will cook again in the oven.
Drain and set aside.
Step 2 – Cook shrimp
Heat oil in pan.
Add garlic → cook 30 seconds.
Add shrimp + seasoning.
Cook 2–3 minutes only.
Shrimp cook FAST.
When pink → remove immediately.
Overcooked shrimp = rubber.
Set aside.
Step 3 – Make creamy Alfredo sauce
In saucepan:
Melt butter.
Add flour.
Whisk 1–2 minutes (makes roux).
Slowly add warm milk while whisking.
Cook until thick.
Now add:
- cream
- parmesan
- garlic powder
- pepper
- salt
Simmer until smooth and creamy.
Sauce should coat spoon.
If too thick → add milk
If too thin → cook longer
Taste it.
It should be rich, cheesy, and garlicky.
Step 4 – Combine everything
In large bowl mix:
- pasta
- shrimp
- Alfredo sauce
- HALF of cheeses
Mix gently.
Everything should be super creamy.
Step 5 – Assemble casserole
Grease baking tray.
Add pasta mixture.
Spread evenly.
Top with remaining cheese.
Don’t be shy.
More cheese = better stretch 😄
Step 6 – Bake
Bake at 190°C (375°F)
For 20–25 minutes.
Until:
✔ cheese melted
✔ bubbling
✔ golden spots on top
For extra browning → broil 2–3 minutes.
This gives that beautiful crust like in the photo.
Step 7 – Rest & serve
Let rest 5–10 minutes.
This helps cheese set slightly.
Then scoop and enjoy that CRAZY cheese pull.
So satisfying 🤤
🧀 Secret for INSANE Cheese Stretch
If you want maximum stretch like the photo:
👉 Use LOW MOISTURE MOZZARELLA
👉 Don’t use pre-shredded only (mix fresh too)
👉 Add cheese in layers
👉 Serve hot
Mozzarella is key. It’s the stretch champion.
🍤 Flavor & Texture
This pasta is:
• creamy
• cheesy
• rich
• garlicky
• juicy shrimp
• soft pasta
• stretchy cheese
• crispy top
Every bite feels luxurious.
Restaurant-quality comfort food.
🔥 Pro Tips
Undercook pasta
Prevents mushy bake
Fresh cheese melts better
Block cheese > bagged
Don’t overcook shrimp
Only 2–3 min
Add cheese inside + top
Double cheese effect
Rest before serving
Better texture
🍽 Serving Ideas
Pairs great with:
• Garlic bread
• Green salad
• Roasted veggies
• Lemon wedges
• Chili flakes
• Fresh parsley
🌶 Variations
Spicy Cajun
Add Cajun seasoning + chili
Chicken version
Replace shrimp with chicken
Seafood mix
Add crab + scallops
Buffalo style
Add hot sauce
Veggie
Add broccoli + mushrooms
❄️ Storage
Fridge
4 days
Freezer
2 months
Reheat
Oven best for cheese melt
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Super cheesy
✔ Easy
✔ One tray meal
✔ Crowd favorite
✔ Comfort food king
✔ Restaurant style
✔ Huge portions
✔ Perfect leftovers
Honestly… this is one of those dishes that disappears FAST at parties.