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

Scale

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