Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe
Introduction
Savor the rich flavors of our Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake, a perfect blend of tender shrimp, creamy sauce, and cheesy goodness. This comforting casserole is easy to prepare and ideal for a delicious weeknight dinner or special occasion.
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 they turn 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 well in the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Step 8: Transfer the pasta to a large baking dish and spread evenly. Arrange the cooked shrimp over the pasta.
- Step 9: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella evenly over the top.
- Step 10: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Step 11: Remove from the oven, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve immediately.
Tips & Variations
- For a richer flavor, use homemade chicken broth or a dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc.
- Try adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra vegetables.
- Substitute the shrimp with cooked scallops or chicken for different protein options.
- Use gluten-free pasta if you need a gluten-free version.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth if the sauce has thickened too much.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pasta and sauce in advance, but wait to add the shrimp and cheese until just before baking to keep textures fresh.
What can I use if I don’t have white wine?
Chicken broth is a great substitute and will still add good flavor to the sauce without alcohol.
PrintShrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe
This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is a delightful fusion of classic scampi flavors with a creamy, cheesy twist. Linguine is tossed in a luscious garlic butter, white wine, lemon, and heavy cream sauce, layered with succulent sautéed shrimp, and baked to golden perfection with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Perfect for a comforting family dinner or entertaining guests, this dish combines rich and tangy flavors with a satisfying baked finish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
Pasta and Shrimp
- 12 oz linguine or spaghetti
- 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
Sauce and Seasonings
- 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
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Cheeses and Garnish
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking later.
- Cook Pasta: Boil the linguine or spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside to keep warm.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, and sauté 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 until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare Sauce: Pour white wine or chicken broth into the same skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Combine Flavors: Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and heavy cream. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, allowing it to thicken slightly.
- Toss Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss well to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to your taste.
- Assemble Dish: Transfer the sauced pasta to a large baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Arrange the cooked shrimp on top in a single layer.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella cheeses evenly over the shrimp and pasta layer.
- Bake: Place the baking dish into 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 from the oven, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- You can substitute the white wine with chicken broth to keep the dish non-alcoholic.
- For a spicier kick, increase the red pepper flakes slightly according to your preference.
- To save time, use pre-minced garlic or garlic powder but fresh garlic is preferred for best flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently in the oven or microwave.
- Use fresh shrimp for best texture and flavor; frozen shrimp should be fully thawed before cooking.
Keywords: shrimp scampi, baked pasta, creamy shrimp pasta, garlic butter shrimp, pasta bake, comfort food, Italian pasta bake
