Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe
Introduction
Savor the rich flavors of this Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake, a comforting dish that combines tender shrimp with a creamy, garlic-infused sauce baked to bubbly perfection. It’s an easy yet elegant meal 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 for a non-alcoholic version)
- 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) to prepare for baking.
- Step 2: Cook the pasta in boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Step 3: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add 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 shrimp and set aside.
- Step 5: Pour white wine or chicken broth into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits. Let it simmer for 2 minutes.
- Step 6: Stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, and heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer, mixing well.
- Step 7: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat thoroughly in the creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Step 8: Transfer the pasta mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange the cooked shrimp evenly on top, then sprinkle with Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses.
- Step 9: Bake for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Step 10: Remove from oven, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley, and serve immediately.
Tips & Variations
- Add extra red pepper flakes to make it spicier.
- Use Gruyère, Asiago, or Fontina cheese for a unique flavor twist.
- Incorporate vegetables such as spinach, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms for added nutrition and color.
- Swap shrimp for chicken, scallops, or salmon to vary the protein.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute with your favorite gluten-free pasta.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes until warmed through. Microwave reheating for 1-2 minutes works in a pinch, but the oven method preserves texture best.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the pasta bake up to a day in advance and refrigerate before baking. Just add extra baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
What can I serve with Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake?
Garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce, while roasted vegetables like asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers add balance. A fresh Caesar or arugula salad also pairs well to cut through the richness.
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Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A creamy, flavorful Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake featuring tender shrimp sautéed in garlic butter, tossed with linguine in a lemon-infused creamy sauce, then baked with a golden, bubbly cheese topping for a comforting and elegant seafood pasta dish.
Ingredients
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 for a non-alcoholic version)
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
- 1 cup heavy cream
Cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Seasoning and Garnish
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking when the pasta and sauce are prepared.
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the linguine or spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside to prevent overcooking during the bake.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Cook the Shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside to prevent overcooking.
- Prepare the Sauce: Pour the white wine (or chicken broth) into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly. Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and heavy cream, then bring the sauce to a gentle simmer to thicken slightly.
- Toss the Pasta: Return the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the creamy lemon sauce. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste preference.
- Assemble and Bake: Transfer the pasta and sauce mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange the cooked shrimp evenly on top, then sprinkle the grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella cheeses over the surface.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and begins to lightly brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the dish from the oven, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for color and freshness, and serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Make it spicier by adding extra red pepper flakes to taste.
- Try alternative cheese varieties such as Gruyère, Asiago, or Fontina for unique flavor twists.
- Add vegetables like spinach, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms for more texture and nutrition.
- Swap shrimp with chicken, scallops, or salmon depending on preference or availability.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes for best texture, or microwave for 1-2 minutes if short on time.
- Pair with garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad to complete your meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: shrimp scampi, pasta bake, creamy shrimp pasta, baked linguine, seafood pasta bake, lemon cream sauce, garlic butter shrimp, cheesy pasta bake
