Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe

Introduction

Savor the rich flavors of this Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake, combining succulent shrimp with a creamy, garlicky sauce baked to perfection. It’s an easy, comforting dish perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

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 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, 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 pan. 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, 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 a lighter option, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
• Use gluten-free pasta if you need a gluten-free meal.
• Add a handful of cherry tomatoes before baking for a burst of freshness.
• Swap mozzarella for provolone or fontina for a different cheesy flavor.
• Make sure not to overcook the shrimp to keep them juicy and tender.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven to avoid drying out the shrimp and pasta. Adding a splash of cream or broth when reheating can help maintain the sauce’s creaminess.

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. Be sure to thaw and pat them dry before cooking to prevent excess moisture in the dish.

What can I substitute for white wine?

If you prefer not to use wine, chicken broth is a great substitute and will still add flavor to the sauce without alcohol.

Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 95 reviews

A comforting and flavorful shrimp scampi pasta bake featuring tender linguine tossed in a creamy garlic and lemon sauce, topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, then baked to bubbly perfection. This easy-to-make dish combines succulent shrimp sautéed with garlic and red pepper flakes with a rich, zesty cream sauce, perfect for a family dinner or entertaining guests.

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

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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

Cheeses and Garnish

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 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 assembled pasta dish.
2. Cook Pasta: Prepare the linguine or spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to be combined with the sauce later.
3. Sauté Aromatics: 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 and aromatic.
4. Cook Shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside for layering.
5. Prepare Sauce: Pour the white wine or chicken broth into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the liquid simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
6. Combine Flavors: Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer to allow the sauce to thicken and meld flavors.
7. Toss Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat all the noodles evenly with the creamy lemon garlic sauce. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste.
8. Assemble Dish: Transfer the coated pasta into a large baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Arrange the cooked shrimp evenly on top of the pasta layer.
9. Add Cheese: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese and shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the shrimp and pasta, ensuring a good cheesy topping.
10. Bake: Place the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, until the cheese has melted completely and is bubbly and golden.
11. Garnish and Serve: Remove the pasta bake from the oven. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy.

Notes

• Use white wine for more depth of flavor or chicken broth as a non-alcoholic substitute.
• Cook pasta just until al dente since it will bake further in the oven.
• Adjust the red pepper flakes to control the level of spiciness.
• Make sure to peel and devein shrimp for best texture and taste.
• This dish can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving.
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a lighter cream alternative.

Keywords: Shrimp Scampi, Pasta Bake, Baked Pasta, Creamy Shrimp Pasta, Garlic Butter Shrimp, Lemon Pasta, Comfort Food