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!
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 12 oz pasta (penne or rotini works best)
- 3 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 1/2 cups grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for cooking shrimp)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions, draining and setting it aside once al dente.
- Cook the Shrimp:
- 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).
- 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:
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Stir in 1 cup of Parmesan cheese and half of the mozzarella cheese, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble the Bake:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shrimp, and creamy sauce. Stir until the pasta and shrimp are evenly coated.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with the remaining Parmesan and mozzarella cheese.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- If you want a crispy topping, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Serve:
- 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