Description
This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is the perfect combination of buttery garlic shrimp, creamy sauce, and cheesy baked pasta. It’s rich, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. Whether for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner, this dish is sure to impress!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz linguine or spaghetti
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ½ cup white wine or chicken broth
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the Topping:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta
- Boil salted water in a large pot.
- Cook the pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Sauté the Shrimp
- Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
- Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
- Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in the skillet.
- Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
- Pour in the white wine (or chicken broth), scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
- Simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and heavy cream, cooking for another 2 minutes.
- Add the Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
- Combine the Pasta and Sauce
- Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet.
- Add the drained pasta and toss until everything is well coated.
- Assemble and Bake
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- (Optional) Broil for 2-3 minutes for a golden crust.
- Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- For a milder version, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes.
- Substitute the shrimp with chicken or mushrooms for a different variation.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze for later by storing in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American