Description

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!

Ingredients

Scale

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)

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Instructions

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!

Notes

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.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Cuisine: Italian-American