Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe

Introduction

This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is a creamy, cheesy twist on a classic favorite. Combining tender shrimp with a luscious garlic butter sauce, it’s an easy dish perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.

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 for a non-alcoholic version)
• 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) to prepare it for baking.
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, or 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, then add lemon juice, lemon zest, and heavy cream. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer.
6. Step 6: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat it thoroughly in the creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Step 7: Transfer the pasta mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange the cooked shrimp on top, then sprinkle evenly with Parmesan and mozzarella cheese.
8. Step 8: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Step 9: Remove from the oven, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley, and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• For a lighter version, swap heavy cream for half-and-half or use whole milk with a tablespoon of flour to thicken the sauce.
• Try adding cherry tomatoes or spinach for extra color and flavor.
• If you prefer no alcohol, chicken broth works perfectly in place of white wine.
• Use fresh Parmesan and mozzarella for the best melt and flavor.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally to maintain creaminess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, frozen shrimp work well. Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture.

What can I substitute for linguine or spaghetti?

You can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne, fettuccine, or even rigatoni; just adjust the cooking time according to the package directions.

Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.4 from 99 reviews

This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is a comforting and flavorful dish combining tender linguine, succulent shrimp, and a creamy garlic butter sauce enhanced with white wine, lemon, and melted cheeses. Baked to bubbly perfection and garnished with fresh parsley, it’s an easy yet elegant meal perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

• Author: Clara
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 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 for a non-alcoholic version)
• 1 lemon, juiced and zested
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Cheeses and Garnish

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

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready when your pasta dish is assembled.
2. Cook the Pasta: Boil the linguine or spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta well and set aside.
3. Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
4. Cook the Shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes or until they turn pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
5. Prepare the Sauce: Pour the white wine (or chicken broth) into the skillet, scraping up any flavorful browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly. Add the lemon juice, lemon zest, and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
6. Toss the Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss it well to coat evenly in the creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste.
7. Assemble and Bake: Transfer the creamy pasta mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange the cooked shrimp on top, then sprinkle evenly with grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella cheeses.
8. Bake to Perfection: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden on top.
9. Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the bubbly pasta. Serve immediately while hot.

Notes

• You can substitute chicken broth for white wine if you prefer a non-alcoholic version.
• For spicier heat, increase the red pepper flakes to 1/2 teaspoon.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and meltability.
• Make sure to not overcook the shrimp to keep them tender.
• This dish reheats well in the oven or microwave; add a splash of cream or broth if the pasta dries out.
• Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Keywords: Shrimp Scampi, Pasta Bake, Baked Pasta, Creamy Shrimp Pasta, Italian Dinner, Seafood Pasta