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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Instructions

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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