Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe
Introduction
This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake combines tender shrimp, a creamy lemon garlic sauce, and melted cheese into a comforting, flavorful dish. Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner that the whole family will enjoy.
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
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Step 2: Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- 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.
- Step 4: Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp and set aside.
- Step 5: Pour the white wine or chicken broth into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Let it simmer for 2 minutes.
- Step 6: Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Step 7: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Step 8: Transfer the pasta to a large baking dish, spreading it evenly. Arrange the cooked shrimp on top.
- Step 9: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella evenly over the pasta and shrimp.
- Step 10: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Step 11: Remove from the oven, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve immediately.
Tips & Variations
- Use fresh lemon zest and juice for the brightest flavor, but bottled lemon juice works in a pinch.
- Substitute peeled small scallops or chunks of cooked chicken for the shrimp if preferred.
- For a spicier dish, increase the red pepper flakes to your taste.
- Add a handful of baby spinach or cherry tomatoes before baking for extra color and nutrition.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven to prevent overcooking the shrimp. Adding a splash of cream or broth when reheating helps keep the sauce creamy.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp can be used. Just be sure to thaw and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture in the dish.
What type of pasta works best for this bake?
Linguine or spaghetti works well as they hold the sauce nicely, but you can also use fettuccine, penne, or any pasta shape you prefer.
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Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is a flavorful and comforting dish combining succulent shrimp, al dente pasta, and a rich, creamy garlic butter sauce. Finished with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, and baked to bubbly perfection, it’s an easy oven-baked meal perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz linguine or spaghetti
Shrimp and Sauce
- 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
Cheese and Garnish
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare it for baking the final dish.
- Cook Pasta: Boil the linguine or spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set aside.
- 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 but not browned.
- Cook Shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.
- Prepare Sauce: Pour the white wine or chicken broth into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for about 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Combine Flavors: Stir in the fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and heavy cream into the skillet. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer to meld the flavors together.
- Toss Pasta: Add the cooked pasta back to the skillet, tossing it thoroughly to coat in the creamy lemon-garlic sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble Dish: Transfer the coated pasta evenly into a large baking dish. Arrange the cooked shrimp on top of the pasta.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the pasta and shrimp, then top with shredded mozzarella cheese to create a rich cheese layer.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the dish carefully from the oven. Garnish with the chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately while hot and flavorful.
Notes
- For a non-alcoholic option, substitute white wine with low-sodium chicken broth.
- You can use gluten-free pasta if desired to make the dish gluten-free.
- Ensure shrimp are peeled and deveined for best texture and presentation.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to preferred spice level.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Pasta Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: shrimp scampi, pasta bake, baked shrimp pasta, creamy garlic shrimp, baked linguine, mozzarella, Parmesan, easy dinner, one dish meal
