Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is the ultimate comfort food with a deliciously rich and garlicky shrimp scampi sauce baked into tender pasta, topped with gooey cheese, and finished with a golden crust. It’s a perfect blend of savory shrimp, buttery garlic sauce, and cheesy goodness, all in one hearty casserole dish. This is an easy, crowd-pleasing dish for weeknight dinners or special gatherings!

Why You’ll Love This Pasta Bake

• Garlicky Shrimp Scampi Flavor: The buttery garlic sauce infuses the pasta with irresistible flavor.
• Cheesy Goodness: Melted mozzarella and Parmesan create a creamy, bubbly topping.
• Perfectly Baked: The crispy top and tender, saucy inside make each bite a dream.
• One-Dish Meal: Everything comes together in one dish for easy prep and cleanup.

Ingredients for Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake For the Pasta Bake:

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or farfalle work well)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
• 1/2 cup dry white wine (or chicken broth for a non-alcoholic option)
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon fresh breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)

Tools You’ll Need

• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Large pot for boiling pasta
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Mixing spoon
• Grater (for lemon zest and Parmesan)
• Measuring spoons and cups

How to Make Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake
Step 1: Cook the Pasta Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp Scampi Sauce While the pasta is cooking, heat the butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.

In the same skillet, pour in the white wine (or chicken broth) and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in the chicken broth, heavy cream, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Bring to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 3: Combine the Pasta and Sauce Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce, tossing to coat the pasta in the creamy scampi sauce. Stir in the cooked shrimp and fresh parsley, and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Assemble the Bake Transfer the pasta and shrimp mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly over the top. If you like a crunchy topping, sprinkle with breadcrumbs.

Step 5: Bake the Pasta Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with extra chopped parsley and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy this decadent pasta bake!

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a side of garlic bread for the ultimate meal.
• Pair with a light salad or roasted vegetables to balance the richness of the dish.
• A glass of crisp white wine, like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, pairs perfectly with this dish.

Tips for the Best Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

• Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly, so be sure to remove them from the heat as soon as they turn pink to prevent them from getting tough.
• Add Extra Veggies: For extra flavor and color, you can add sautéed spinach, tomatoes, or even mushrooms to the dish.
• Use a Pasta You Love: Penne or rigatoni work best for this bake because their shapes help hold the creamy sauce, but feel free to use any pasta you prefer.
• Make it Spicy: Add more red pepper flakes for extra heat if you like spicy food.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerator: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: To reheat, cover the dish with foil and bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Q1: Can I use frozen shrimp? Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess water in the sauce.

Q2: Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the pasta bake ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a day before baking. Just cover with foil and bake as directed when ready to serve.

Q3: Can I make this dish without cream? If you want to make it lighter, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk. It won’t be as rich but will still be delicious.

Conclusion: A Comforting Shrimp Scampi Bake! This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is a comforting and creamy dish that brings together tender shrimp, a garlicky butter sauce, and cheesy goodness. It’s a perfect dinner that’s sure to impress your family or guests with its indulgent flavors and easy preparation!

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Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 450
Protein: 28g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fat: 23g
Fiber: 2g

Enjoy this deliciously creamy shrimp pasta bake with loved ones!

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