Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake combines tender shrimp, creamy pasta, and a cheesy topping baked to perfection. It’s a comforting and elegant dish, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
- Linguine or Spaghetti – 12 oz, cooked al dente.
- Large Shrimp – 1 lb, peeled and deveined.
- Butter – 4 tbsp, for sautéing and flavor.
- Garlic – 4 cloves, minced, for aromatic depth.
- Red Pepper Flakes – 1/4 tsp, for a hint of spice.
- White Wine or Chicken Broth – 1/2 cup, adds depth to the sauce.
- Lemon – 1, juiced and zested, for brightness.
- Heavy Cream – 1 cup, creates a luscious, creamy sauce.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese – 1/2 cup, adds nuttiness to the dish.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese – 1 cup, for a gooey, cheesy topping.
- Salt and Pepper – To taste, for seasoning.
- Chopped Fresh Parsley – 2 tbsp, for garnish.
Note: Ingredient measurements can be found in the recipe card below the article.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Prepare the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 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.
Step 4: Cook the Shrimp
Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp and set them aside.
Step 5: Prepare the Sauce
Pour the white wine (or chicken broth) into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for 2 minutes. Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer.
Step 6: Toss the Pasta
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 7: Assemble the Dish
- Transfer the pasta to a large baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Arrange the cooked shrimp on top of the pasta.
Step 8: Add Cheese and Bake
- Sprinkle the grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella over the top.
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 9: Garnish and Serve
Remove the dish from the oven, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve immediately.
How to Serve
Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake pairs beautifully with a side of garlic bread and a fresh green salad. It’s also perfect on its own for a satisfying meal.
Make Over
Make Ahead
Assemble the dish up to the baking step. Cover and refrigerate for up to 1 day. Bake when ready to serve.
Storing
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Freezing
Freeze the unbaked dish for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different pasta?
Yes, penne or fettuccine are great substitutes for linguine or spaghetti.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Use a dairy-free heavy cream substitute and omit the cheese, or use vegan cheese.
Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely! Add spinach, cherry tomatoes, or sautéed mushrooms to the dish for extra flavor and nutrition.
This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. It’s a must-try for seafood and pasta lovers alike!
PrintShrimp Scampi Pasta Bake recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is a decadent dish that combines tender shrimp, a creamy lemon-garlic sauce, and perfectly baked cheesy pasta. Perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests, it’s bursting with flavor and easy to make!
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
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook Pasta: Prepare the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Cook Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 3–4 minutes, or until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp and set aside.
- Prepare Sauce: Pour white wine (or chicken broth) into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for 2 minutes.
- Combine Flavors: Stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Toss Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble Dish: Transfer the pasta to a large baking dish, spreading it evenly. Arrange the cooked shrimp on top.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella over the pasta and shrimp.
- Bake: Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Substitute white wine with chicken broth if preferred.
- Use a mix of cheeses like Gruyère or Fontina for extra flavor.
- For a lighter option, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 710mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 220mg
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