Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe

Introduction

Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is a delightful twist on the classic shrimp scampi, combining tender shrimp with a creamy, garlicky sauce baked under a layer of melted cheese. It’s a comforting, flavorful dish that’s perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests.

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 evenly with the creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Step 8: Transfer the pasta to a large baking dish, spreading it out 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

• Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor, but frozen shrimp works well too—just thaw completely before cooking.
• Substitute the white wine with chicken broth if you prefer a non-alcoholic version.
• Add a handful of spinach or sun-dried tomatoes to the pasta before baking for extra color and flavor.
• For a richer sauce, stir in a little cream cheese or mascarpone along with the heavy cream.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or use a microwave on medium power to avoid overcooking the shrimp.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, feel free to use penne, rigatoni, or any pasta shape you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

You can assemble the dish up to the baking step and refrigerate it for a few hours before baking. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.

Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 54 reviews

A creamy and flavorful Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake combining perfectly cooked linguine with succulent shrimp, a garlicky white wine cream sauce, and a melty cheese topping baked to golden perfection.

• Author: Windy
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Pasta
• 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 and Garnish

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Seasoning

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the pasta dish.
2. Cook Pasta: Prepare the linguine or spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to keep warm.
3. Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant and aromatic.
4. Cook Shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, until the shrimp turn pink and 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, scraping the bottom to lift any browned bits. Let it simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly and develop flavor.
6. Combine Flavors: Stir in the fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and heavy cream. Allow the mixture to come to a gentle simmer, creating a creamy sauce base.
7. Toss Pasta: Add the cooked pasta into the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat the noodles evenly with the sauce. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste.
8. Assemble Dish: Transfer the creamy pasta to a large baking dish, spreading it into an even layer. Arrange the cooked shrimp on top evenly.
9. Add Cheese: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese and shredded mozzarella evenly over the shrimp and pasta to create a rich cheese topping.
10. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, until the cheese topping is melted, golden, and bubbly.
11. Garnish and Serve: Remove the bake from the oven, garnish with fresh chopped parsley, and serve immediately while hot and creamy.

Notes

• Use dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay for the best flavor, or substitute chicken broth for a non-alcoholic option.
• To prevent overcooked shrimp, remove them from the heat as soon as they turn pink.
• Fresh lemon zest brightens the cream sauce and enhances the seafood flavors.
• For easier cleanup, use a non-stick baking dish or spray the baking dish lightly with cooking spray.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated gently in the oven or microwave.

Keywords: Shrimp Scampi, Pasta Bake, Creamy Shrimp Pasta, Baked Pasta, Italian Dinner, Seafood Pasta