Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe
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
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
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the pasta later.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese followed by shredded mozzarella evenly over the shrimp and pasta, ensuring good coverage for a cheesy topping.
- 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.
- 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