Baked Ziti with Shrimp

 

 Baked Ziti with Shrimp

It’s a good thing that I live on the coast and have access to an abundance of fresh seafood because I absolutely looooove it!  Today I’m sharing an easy recipe for Cajun Shrimp Alfredo

INGREDIENTS:

• 8 ounces uncooked ziti (short tube-shaped pasta)
• 1/2 cup hot water
• 1 (12-ounce) bottle roasted red bell peppers, drained
• 1 (8-ounce) block fat-free cream cheese, softened
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 8 ounces large shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
• 8 ounces bay scallops
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• Cooking spray
• 3/4 cup (3 ounces) shredded sharp provolone cheese

INSTRUCTIONS:

Step 1 Preheat oven to 400°.

Step 2 Cook pasta according to the package directions, omitting salt and fat. Drain well.

Step 3 Combine hot water, roasted red bell peppers, and cream cheese in a food processor; process until smooth, scraping sides.

Step 4 Heat the oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add salt, shrimp, scallops, and garlic; sauté 2 minutes or until shrimp and scallops are almost done. Add pepper mixture to pan; bring to a simmer. Reduce heat; cook 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Add pasta and parsley to shrimp mixture, tossing well to combine. Spoon pasta mixture into an 8-inch square baking dish lightly coated with cooking spray, and sprinkle evenly with cheese. Bake at 400° for 20 minutes or until cheese melts; remove from oven.

Step 5 Preheat broiler.

Step 6 Return dish to oven; broil 2 minutes or until cheese begins to brown. Remove from heat; let stand 10 minutes.