Description

This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is an irresistible blend of tender linguine, succulent shrimp, and a rich, creamy garlic sauce, all topped with melted Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses. Baked to golden perfection, it combines the classic flavors of shrimp scampi with a comforting pasta casserole, making it an ideal dish for family dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Seafood

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 for a non-alcoholic version)
1 lemon, juiced and zested
1 cup heavy cream
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Cheeses

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking once the pasta and sauce are prepared.
Cook the Pasta: Boil the linguine or spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta well and set aside.
Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for about one minute until fragrant but not browned.
Cook the Shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, until they turn pink and are 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 on the bottom to enhance flavor. Let it simmer for about 2 minutes to reduce slightly, then stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and heavy cream. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer while stirring thoroughly.
Toss the Pasta: Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the creamy sauce. Toss well to ensure every strand is coated evenly. Season with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste.
Assemble and Bake: Transfer the pasta and sauce mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange the cooked shrimp evenly over the top, then sprinkle the Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses over everything.
Bake to Perfection: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
Garnish and Serve: Remove the pasta bake from the oven and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley before serving immediately for a fresh and vibrant finish.

Notes

For more heat, increase the red pepper flakes according to your taste preference.
Try different cheeses like Gruyère, Asiago, or Fontina for a unique flavor twist.
Add vegetables such as spinach, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms for extra nutrition and color.
Swap shrimp with chicken, scallops, or salmon if desired.
Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes or microwave for 1-2 minutes for convenience.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian-American

Keywords: Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake, baked pasta, creamy shrimp pasta, seafood casserole, garlic butter pasta