Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe
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
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
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the combined pasta dish.
- Cook Pasta: Boil the linguine or spaghetti according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta well and set it aside.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella cheeses evenly over the shrimp and pasta to create a cheesy topping.
- 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.
- 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