Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe
Introduction
Savor the rich flavors of our Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake, a delightful combination of tender shrimp, creamy sauce, and melted cheese baked to perfection. This comforting dish is perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (penne or fusilli works best)
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Step 2: Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Step 3: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Step 4: Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until pink and fully cooked. Season with salt and pepper.
- Step 5: Pour in the heavy cream and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir well and let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes until it slightly thickens.
- Step 6: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta and shrimp mixture, mixing evenly. Transfer this mixture to the prepared baking dish.
- Step 7: Top with the remaining Parmesan and all the shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Step 8: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until bubbly and golden on top.
- Step 9: Remove from the oven and sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Substitute half-and-half or a dairy-free cream alternative if you prefer a lighter sauce instead of heavy cream.
- For a spicier kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Try using different types of pasta like rigatoni or rotini for varied texture.
- Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before baking to brighten the flavors.
- This dish pairs well with a crisp green salad or garlic bread to soak up the sauce.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the pasta bake in the oven or microwave until heated through, ensuring it remains creamy and delicious.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture in the dish.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can assemble the pasta bake and refrigerate it for a few hours before baking. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
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Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is a delicious, cheesy, and garlicky casserole that combines al dente pasta with succulent shrimp sautéed in a creamy garlic butter sauce, then topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses and baked to golden perfection. It’s a comforting and easy-to-make dish perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Pasta and Shrimp
- 8 oz pasta (penne or fusilli works best)
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Sauce
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Cook Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to cool slightly so it doesn’t overcook in the oven.
- Cook Garlic and Shrimp: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using), sautéing for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned to avoid bitterness.
- Add Shrimp and Season: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes until they turn pink and are fully cooked through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Make Creamy Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and add half of the grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet. Stir well and let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the shrimp.
- Combine Pasta and Shrimp Sauce: Transfer the cooked pasta to a large mixing bowl and pour in the shrimp and cream sauce. Mix everything thoroughly to ensure even distribution of the sauce and shrimp.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Pour the combined pasta and shrimp mixture into the prepared baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the remaining Parmesan and all of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top for a gooey, cheesy crust.
- Bake: 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.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the pasta bake. Serve warm and enjoy your rich and comforting Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake.
Notes
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the oven or microwave until heated through.
- Serving Ideas: Pair this dish with a crisp green salad or garlic bread to complete the meal and soak up extra sauce.
- Substitutions: For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a dairy-free cream alternative.
- Red pepper flakes add a subtle heat but can be omitted if you prefer a milder flavor.
- Be careful not to overcook shrimp as they can become rubbery; they cook quickly once added to the pan.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: shrimp scampi pasta bake, baked pasta, cheesy shrimp bake, garlic butter pasta, easy dinner recipes
