Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe

Introduction

Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender shrimp with a creamy garlic sauce baked to perfection under melted cheese. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this recipe delivers rich, zesty flavors with minimal effort.

Ingredients

• 12 oz linguine or spaghetti
• 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/2 cup white wine or chicken broth
• 1 lemon (juiced and zested)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Step 2: Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Step 3: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Step 4: Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp and set aside.
5. Step 5: Pour the white wine or chicken broth into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for 2 minutes.
6. Step 6: Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
7. Step 7: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Step 8: Transfer the pasta to a large baking dish, spreading it evenly. Arrange the cooked shrimp on top.
9. Step 9: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella over the pasta and shrimp.
10. Step 10: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
11. Step 11: Remove from the oven, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, try adding a splash of garlic-infused olive oil when sautéing the garlic.
• Substitute white wine with chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version that still adds depth.
• Add a handful of spinach or cherry tomatoes before baking for added color and nutrition.
• Use fresh mozzarella for a creamier, meltier texture.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven to prevent the shrimp from becoming tough. Avoid overcooking when reheating to keep the creamy texture intact.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, but be sure to thaw them fully and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture in the dish.

What type of pasta works best for this bake?

Linguine or spaghetti works well because they hold the creamy sauce nicely, but feel free to use other long pastas like fettuccine or penne for a different texture.

Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 147 reviews

A creamy and flavorful Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake that combines tender linguine pasta with succulent shrimp in a garlicky, lemon-infused cream sauce, topped with melted Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses. This recipe offers a comforting twist on classic shrimp scampi, perfect for a family dinner or special occasion.

• Author: Tim
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 12 oz linguine or spaghetti

Shrimp and Aromatics

• 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Sauce

• 1/2 cup white wine or chicken broth
• 1 lemon (juiced and zested)
• 1 cup heavy cream

Cheese

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Seasonings and Garnish

• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the combined pasta dish.
2. Cook Pasta: Boil the linguine or spaghetti according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta well and set it aside.
3. Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for about one minute until fragrant but not browned.
4. Cook Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes, until they turn pink and are opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside to prevent overcooking.
5. Prepare Sauce: Pour the white wine or chicken broth into the skillet to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let this simmer gently for 2 minutes to concentrate the flavors.
6. Combine Flavors: Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and heavy cream into the skillet. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer so it thickens slightly and aromas meld together.
7. Toss Pasta: Add the cooked pasta back into the skillet with the creamy sauce. Toss thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly, and season with salt and pepper according to your taste.
8. Assemble Dish: Transfer the sauced pasta evenly into a large baking dish. Arrange the cooked shrimp on top in a single layer for even distribution.
9. Add Cheese: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella cheeses evenly over the shrimp and pasta to create a cheesy topping.
10. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese melts, bubbles, and begins to turn golden.
11. Garnish and Serve: Remove the dish from the oven, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a fresh, vibrant finish, and serve hot immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

• Use white wine for a traditional scampi flavor or chicken broth for a milder taste.
• Be careful not to overcook the shrimp during the sautéing stage to keep them tender.
• For extra crisp topping, broil for the last 2 minutes of baking but watch closely to prevent burning.
• Fresh parsley adds a bright color and fresh herbaceous note but can be substituted with basil or chives.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated in the oven to maintain texture.

Keywords: Shrimp Scampi, Pasta Bake, Creamy Pasta, Baked Linguine, Italian Seafood Pasta, Garlic Butter Shrimp, Oven Baked Pasta