Cheesy Shrimp Bake

Instructions

1. 1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 200°C (400°F). Giving the oven a few minutes to reach full temperature ensures the shrimp cook evenly and the cheese melts into a golden, bubbly layer. While the oven heats, lightly butter or grease your baking dish so the sauce doesn’t stick.
   2. Cook Garlic: In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter until it begins to foam lightly around the edges. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, stirring constantly. The garlic should become fragrant but not browned—letting it darken too much can make it taste bitter, so keep the heat moderate and watch closely.
   3. Make Creamy Base: Pour in the heavy cream and immediately reduce the heat slightly to prevent scorching. Add the softened cream cheese, whisking gently until it dissolves completely into the cream, forming a smooth mixture. Stir in the grated parmesan, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Continue cooking for another minute or two just until the sauce thickens slightly and the cheese melts fully, creating a velvety consistency that will cling beautifully to the shrimp.
   4. Assemble: Arrange the peeled and deveined shrimp in a single, even layer in your baking dish. This helps them cook uniformly without overbaking. Pour the warm cream sauce over the shrimp, making sure each piece is coated. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella across the top, allowing it to cover most of the surface so it melts into a cohesive cheesy layer.