If you love the rich, garlicky flavors of shrimp scampi, this Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake will take your taste buds on an unforgettable journey. Creamy, cheesy pasta with juicy shrimp, garlic, and a buttery sauce, all baked to golden perfection – it’s the ultimate comfort food that’s perfect for a family dinner or special occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

Flavor Packed: The garlicky shrimp scampi flavor combined with creamy cheese creates an irresistible dish.
Comfort Food at Its Best: This bake is a comforting, hearty meal that’s perfect for any time of year.
Baked Goodness: Everything bakes together into one delicious, cheesy casserole, making cleanup a breeze.

Ingredients

Shrimp (peeled and deveined)
Pasta (such as penne or rigatoni)
Olive oil
Butter
Garlic (minced)
Lemon juice
Chicken broth
Heavy cream
Parmesan cheese (grated)
Mozzarella cheese (shredded)
Fresh parsley (chopped)
Salt and pepper
Red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

Full list of ingredients and measurements can be found below.

Directions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the pasta in salted water according to the package directions, but cook it just under al dente, as it will continue to cook while baking. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp

In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes, until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Scampi Sauce

In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and lemon juice. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).

Step 4: Combine Pasta, Shrimp, and Sauce

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat it in the sauce. Stir in the cooked shrimp, grated Parmesan, and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Mix everything together until well combined.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased baking dish. Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve hot and enjoy!

Expert Tips and Tricks

Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cooks quickly, so make sure to remove them from the skillet as soon as they turn pink to avoid overcooking.
Make it Extra Cheesy: Add more mozzarella or even some fontina cheese for a melty, gooey texture.
Add Veggies: You can add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini to the dish for added flavor and texture.

Recipe Variations

Spicy Shrimp Scampi Bake: Add extra red pepper flakes or a chopped fresh chili to the sauce for a spicy kick.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe suitable for those following a gluten-free diet.
Lighter Version: Use light cream or milk in place of heavy cream for a lighter version of this dish.

Serving Suggestions

This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake pairs perfectly with:

A side of garlic bread or crusty baguette to soak up the creamy sauce.
A light side salad with lemon vinaigrette for a fresh contrast to the rich flavors.
Roasted or sautéed vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or green beans.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw and drain them properly before cooking.

2. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the pasta bake and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just be sure to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.

3. Can I make this dish with another type of pasta?
Absolutely! Any pasta shape works, but shorter varieties like penne, rigatoni, or rotini are best for holding the sauce and shrimp.

4. Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze the pasta bake for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before covering it tightly and freezing. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

Conclusion

This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is the perfect combination of creamy, cheesy, and garlicky goodness, all baked into one easy dish. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving something comforting, this dish will quickly become a new favorite. Plus, the leftovers (if there are any!) are just as delicious the next day! Try it tonight for a meal that’s sure to impress.

Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

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Author: Jake
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking, Sautéing
Cuisine: Italian-American

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Description

This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake combines the rich, garlicky flavors of shrimp scampi with a creamy pasta bake that’s perfect for a cozy dinner. The shrimp are cooked in a buttery, garlic sauce and then baked with tender pasta, a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, and a crispy topping for the perfect golden finish. It’s a delicious and easy way to enjoy the classic flavors of shrimp scampi with a twist!

Instructions

Cook the Pasta:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the pasta according to package instructions, draining and setting it aside once al dente.
Cook the Shrimp:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
2. Sauté the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and are just cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce:
1. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
2. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes to thicken slightly.
3. Stir in 1 cup of Parmesan cheese and half of the mozzarella cheese, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
Assemble the Bake:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shrimp, and creamy sauce. Stir until the pasta and shrimp are evenly coated.
2. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with the remaining Parmesan and mozzarella cheese.
Bake:
1. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.
2. If you want a crispy topping, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Serve:
1. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your creamy, cheesy Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake!

Notes

For extra flavor, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the dish before serving.
You can use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.
If you prefer, you can substitute the shrimp with chicken for a different variation.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 portion
Calories: 520
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 800mg
Fat: 34g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 34g
Cholesterol: 225mg