Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe
Introduction
This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake blends the bright flavors of classic shrimp scampi with a creamy, cheesy pasta casserole. It’s an easy and comforting dish perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
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
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for baking.
- Step 2: Cook the pasta according to the 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, or until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- Step 5: Pour the white wine or chicken broth into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits. Let it simmer for 2 minutes, then add lemon juice, zest, and heavy cream. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Step 6: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Step 7: Transfer the pasta mixture to a baking dish. Arrange the cooked shrimp on top, then sprinkle Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses over everything.
- Step 8: Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Step 9: Remove from the oven, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley, and serve immediately.
Tips & Variations
- Add extra red pepper flakes to make it spicier.
- Use Gruyère, Asiago, or Fontina cheese for a different flavor profile.
- Add vegetables like spinach, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms for extra nutrients.
- Swap shrimp for chicken, scallops, or salmon for variation.
- Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version.
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. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes until heated through. Microwaving works for quick reheating but may affect 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 casserole a day in advance and refrigerate it covered. When ready to eat, bake adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What Can I Use Instead of White Wine?
Chicken broth, vegetable broth, or a splash of lemon juice can be used as a substitute for white wine.
Print
Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Description
This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake combines tender shrimp sautéed in a garlic butter sauce with creamy lemon-infused pasta, topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses then baked to golden perfection. Easy to make and irresistibly comforting, it’s a perfect family dinner or special occasion dish with rich flavors and a cheesy finish.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz linguine or spaghetti
Shrimp and Sauce
- 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
Cheese Topping
- 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 is assembled.
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the linguine or spaghetti in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Cook the Shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the 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, then stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Toss the Pasta: Add the drained pasta back into the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat it in the creamy lemon sauce. Season with salt and pepper to your taste.
- Assemble and Bake: Transfer the pasta mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange the cooked shrimp evenly on top. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella cheeses over the assembled dish.
- 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 slightly golden on top.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for color and freshness, and serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Add extra red pepper flakes to increase spiciness.
- Try different cheeses like Gruyère, Asiago, or Fontina for unique flavor variations.
- Incorporate vegetables such as spinach, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms to add nutrition and texture.
- Substitute shrimp with chicken, scallops, or salmon for a different protein option.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 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 as a quicker option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: Shrimp scampi, pasta bake, cheesy pasta, baked shrimp pasta, creamy shrimp pasta, garlic butter shrimp, Italian pasta bake
