Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe

Introduction

Savor a comforting twist on classic shrimp scampi with this creamy pasta bake. Combining tender shrimp, garlic-infused sauce, and a cheesy topping, it’s an easy dish perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

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
• 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).
2. Step 2: Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. 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.
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 the 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.
7. Step 7: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Step 8: Transfer the pasta to a large baking dish, spreading it evenly. Arrange the shrimp on top.
9. Step 9: Sprinkle Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses over the pasta and shrimp.
10. Step 10: Bake for 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
11. Step 11: Remove from the oven, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• Substitute chicken broth for white wine to make the dish alcohol-free without losing flavor.
• Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for a healthier or gluten-free option.
• Add chopped spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra color and nutrition.
• For a spicier kick, increase the red pepper flakes to 1/2 teaspoon.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through to keep the cheese from becoming rubbery.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, frozen shrimp can be used—just be sure to thaw and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture.

What can I use if I don’t have heavy cream?

You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a mixture of milk and a bit of melted butter for a lighter sauce, though it may be less rich.

Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe

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4.9 from 450 reviews

This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake combines tender linguine with succulent shrimp in a creamy garlic and lemon sauce, topped with melted Parmesan and mozzarella cheese. Baked to bubbly perfection, it’s a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

• Author: Mila
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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
• 1 lemon (juiced and zested)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

Cheese and Garnish

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

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the pasta later.
2. Cook Pasta: Prepare the linguine or spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to prevent overcooking during baking.
3. Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant and aromatic.
4. Cook Shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside to avoid overcooking.
5. Prepare Sauce: Pour the white wine or chicken broth into the skillet, scraping the bottom to loosen any browned bits. Let the liquid simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly and build flavor.
6. Combine Flavors: Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and heavy cream to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, creating a creamy, tangy sauce.
7. Toss Pasta: Add the cooked pasta back into the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat the noodles with the creamy scampi sauce. Season the mixture with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.
8. Assemble Dish: Transfer the coated pasta to a large baking dish, spreading it evenly. Arrange the cooked shrimp evenly on top of the pasta layer.
9. Add Cheese: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese followed by shredded mozzarella evenly over the shrimp and pasta, ensuring good coverage for a cheesy topping.
10. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the cheese has melted completely and is bubbly and golden around the edges.
11. Garnish and Serve: Remove the pasta bake from the oven, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve immediately while hot and flavorful.

Notes

• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, though sauce will be less creamy.
• Use gluten-free pasta to adapt this recipe for a gluten-free diet.
• White wine can be replaced with additional chicken broth if preferred or to keep it alcohol-free.
• For added flavor, sprinkle some extra red pepper flakes on top before baking if you like more heat.
• Leftovers store well in the fridge and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.

Keywords: shrimp scampi pasta bake, creamy shrimp pasta, baked linguine, cheesy shrimp pasta, garlic shrimp bake