Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

Imagine a dish that perfectly combines the succulent flavors of shrimp scampi with the hearty comfort of a pasta bake. This is what you get with Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake, a delightful recipe that is sure to impress at family dinners, gatherings, or special occasions. Whether you are hosting a casual get-together or wanting to make a weeknight dinner feel a little more special, this dish fits the bill.

Discover the delightful Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake, a perfect blend of succulent shrimp, hearty pasta, and creamy cheese that elevates any meal. This easy-to-follow recipe is ideal for family dinners or special gatherings, featuring a rich sauce infused with garlic, white wine, and red pepper flakes. The combination of fresh ingredients and simple cooking steps ensures you create a comforting, flavorful dish that everyone will love. Get ready to impress your guests with this satisfying culinary delight!

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Ingredients

8 oz (225g) pasta (penne or rotini recommended)

1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust according to heat preference)

1 cup dry white wine (or low-sodium chicken broth for a non-alcoholic option)

1 lemon, zested and juiced

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, with extra for topping

1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)

Salt and pepper to taste

Non-stick cooking spray (for greasing the baking dish)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add in the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, approximately 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

Sauté the Shrimp: In a spacious skillet set over medium heat, melt the butter. Introduce the minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet, sautéing them for about 1 minute or until the garlic becomes fragrant. Next, add the shrimp, seasoning them with salt and pepper. Cook the shrimp until they turn pink, about 3-4 minutes. Remove the cooked shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, pour in the white wine (or chicken broth) and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom. Allow the mixture to simmer for 2-3 minutes. Stir in the freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest, followed by the heavy cream. Lower the heat and blend in 1 cup of the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce reaches a creamy consistency.

Combine Pasta and Shrimp: Add the drained pasta and sautéed shrimp back into the sauce, ensuring that everything is well-coated. For an added touch of freshness, mix in 2 tablespoons of chopped parsley.

Assemble the Bake: Transfer the creamy pasta and shrimp mixture into the prepared baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese and the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top.

Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.

Garnish and Serve: Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with additional chopped parsley for a fresh appearance before serving.

Enjoy your delightful Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake!

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings:

20 minutes | 50 minutes | Serves 6