Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe

Introduction

Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is a comforting, creamy dish that brings together tender shrimp, garlic, and rich cheeses baked to bubbly perfection. It’s a flavorful twist on classic scampi that’s perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests.

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

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking.
2. Step 2: Cook the pasta in boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. 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.
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 white wine or chicken broth into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits. Let it simmer for 2 minutes.
6. Step 6: Stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, and heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer while stirring.
7. 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.
8. Step 8: Transfer the pasta mixture to a baking dish. Arrange the cooked shrimp on top and sprinkle evenly with Parmesan and mozzarella cheese.
9. Step 9: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Step 10: Remove from the oven, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley, and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• Add extra red pepper flakes for more heat if you like a spicier dish.
• Try different cheeses such as Gruyère, Asiago, or Fontina for a unique flavor.
• Add vegetables like spinach, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
• Swap shrimp with chicken, scallops, or salmon according to preference.
• Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.

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, or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, though the oven helps maintain better texture.

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 it before baking. This makes meal prep easier and allows the flavors to meld.

What can I serve with Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake?

Garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or zucchini, and a fresh side salad such as Caesar or arugula complement the richness nicely. For drinks, try a buttery Chardonnay, crisp Sauvignon Blanc, or light Pinot Grigio.

Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 77 reviews

• Author: Zoe
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4–6 servings 1x

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Description

Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is a creamy, flavorful casserole combining tender linguine pasta, succulent sautéed shrimp, and a luscious garlic, white wine, and lemon cream sauce. Topped with a melty blend of Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses, then baked to golden perfection, this dish offers a comforting twist on classic shrimp scampi, perfect for a family dinner or entertaining guests.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta and Protein

• 12 oz linguine or spaghetti
• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

Sauce and Flavorings

• 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
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Cheeses and Garnish

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

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Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking. Preparing the oven early allows for seamless transition to the baking step once the pasta and sauce are combined.
2. Cook the Pasta: Boil the linguine or spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta well and set aside, ensuring no excess water dilutes the sauce later.
3. Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, developing the base flavor for the sauce.
4. Cook the 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 to prevent overcooking.
5. Prepare the Sauce: Pour white wine (or chicken broth) into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let the liquid simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly. Then add lemon juice, lemon zest, and heavy cream. Stir well and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the sauce to thicken and meld flavors.
6. Toss the Pasta: Add the cooked pasta into the skillet and toss well to coat everything evenly with the creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste at this stage to balance the flavors.
7. Assemble and Bake: Transfer the pasta mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange the cooked shrimp evenly over the top. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella cheeses generously over the entire casserole.
8. Bake to Perfection: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown, creating a deliciously cheesy crust.
9. Garnish and Serve: Remove the pasta bake from the oven, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for color and freshness, and serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

• Make it Spicier – Add extra red pepper flakes to intensify the heat.
• Use Different Cheese – Substitute Gruyère, Asiago, or Fontina for a unique flavor profile.
• Add Veggies – Incorporate spinach, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms for added nutrition and flavor.
• Swap the Protein – Use chicken, scallops, or salmon instead of shrimp as preferred.
• Gluten-Free Option – Use gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Storing Leftovers – Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
• Reheating – Warm leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes for best texture or microwave for 1-2 minutes.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Pasta Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Keywords: shrimp scampi, pasta bake, creamy shrimp pasta, baked linguine, seafood casserole, garlic butter shrimp, easy dinner, one dish meal