Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe

Introduction

This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake combines tender shrimp with a rich, garlicky cream sauce and melted cheese for a comforting, flavorful meal. It’s a quick and easy dish perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

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

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Step 2: Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. 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 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
4. Step 4: Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until pink and fully cooked. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Step 5: Pour in the heavy cream and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
6. Step 6: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta and shrimp mixture, stirring to mix evenly. Transfer to the prepared baking dish.
7. Step 7: Top with the remaining Parmesan and all of the shredded mozzarella cheese.
8. Step 8: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.
9. Step 9: Remove from the oven and sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta or substitute with zucchini noodles (zoodles).
• Swap shrimp for cooked chicken or tofu for a different protein option.
• Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick or toss in sautéed spinach or asparagus for more veggies.
• If you don’t have heavy cream, use half-and-half or a dairy-free cream alternative.
• Using slightly undercooked pasta allows the noodles to absorb the sauce as it bakes, preventing mushiness.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the oven or microwave until heated through. If baking straight from the fridge, add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes! Just be sure to thaw and drain them well before cooking to ensure even cooking and good texture.

What if I don’t have heavy cream?

Half-and-half works well as a lighter substitute, or you can use dairy-free options like coconut cream for a non-dairy version.

Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Absolutely. Assemble the dish and refrigerate it covered for up to 24 hours before baking. Remember to add extra baking time if baking from cold.

Could I make this without shrimp?

Yes, you can substitute cooked chicken or roasted vegetables to suit your dietary preferences or what you have on hand.

Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 123 reviews

• Author: Gabriel
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake combines succulent shrimp with a creamy garlic sauce, melty mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese, baked to golden perfection. Featuring quick-cooking shrimp and al dente pasta that absorbs the garlicky, buttery flavors, this dish is an indulgent yet balanced meal perfect for weeknights or entertaining.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta and Protein

• 8 oz pasta (penne or fusilli works best)
• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

Sauce & Seasonings

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cheese

• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Garnish

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
2. Cook Pasta: Boil the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside, ensuring it is slightly undercooked to absorb sauce well during baking.
3. Sauté Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes if using, sautéing for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned, to develop flavor without bitterness.
4. Cook Shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet, cooking for 2-3 minutes until shrimp turn pink and opaque. Season with salt and pepper to enhance flavor.
5. Make Cream Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir and let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly, creating a rich garlic cream sauce.
6. Combine Pasta & Sauce: Transfer cooked pasta to a large mixing bowl, pour in the shrimp and cream sauce, mixing thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly.
7. Assemble Bake: Pour the pasta and shrimp mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese and all the shredded mozzarella evenly on top to create a cheesy crust.
8. Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top, signaling a perfect cheesy finish.
9. Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a fresh herbaceous note, and serve warm for best taste.

Notes

• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warm.
• Use gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles for gluten-free variations.
• Substitute shrimp with cooked chicken or tofu for protein alternatives.
• If you don’t have heavy cream, half-and-half or dairy-free cream alternatives like coconut cream work well.
• Adding red pepper flakes gives a spicy kick; adjust quantity to taste.
• Assemble ahead by preparing the dish and refrigerating up to 24 hours before baking; add extra baking time if cold.
• Pair with a crisp green salad or garlic bread to complement the rich pasta bake.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Keywords: shrimp pasta bake, shrimp scampi, garlic pasta bake, cheesy shrimp pasta, baked scampi, easy weeknight dinner, creamy shrimp pasta