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
Scale
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
