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Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe

4.6 from 107 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking later.
  2. Cook Pasta: Boil the linguine or spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside to keep warm.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. Combine Flavors: Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and heavy cream. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, allowing it to thicken slightly.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. Add Cheese: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella cheeses evenly over the shrimp and pasta layer.
  10. 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.
  11. 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