The Simple Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe Everyone Loves

Crafting a delectable shrimp scampi pasta bake promises a culinary adventure that will spark joy at your dinner table.

Garlic and butter mingle with succulent seafood, creating layers of irresistible flavor.

Mediterranean influences shine through each carefully assembled bite.

Tender pasta embraces plump shrimp in a creamy, aromatic sauce that whispers comfort.

Bright lemon zest cuts through rich ingredients, adding unexpected brightness to every forkful.

Kitchen chemistry transforms simple components into something magical and memorable.

Let this recipe be your ticket to an effortless, impressive meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Pairing Suggestions for Shrimp Scampi Pasta

• Pair Crisp White Wine: Select a zesty Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that complements the shrimp's delicate flavor and cuts through the creamy sauce's richness.
• Serve Fresh Herb Salad: Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the pasta's richness and provide a refreshing contrast to the cheesy, creamy dish.
• Match Garlic Bread: Prepare a crusty garlic bread with parmesan to soak up the delicious sauce and add a crunchy texture that enhances the overall dining experience.
• Complement with Citrus: Add a small side of roasted lemon wedges to squeeze over the dish, brightening the flavors and echoing the recipe's lemon zest notes.

Storing Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal completely to prevent moisture loss and preserve flavor. Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
• Transfer cooled pasta to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for maximum 2 months, ensuring shrimp quality remains intact.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Add splash of water or cream to restore moisture. Cover with microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warm.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking to prevent excess moisture.

• What type of pasta works best?

Linguine or fettuccine are ideal, but you can also use spaghetti or penne. Choose a pasta that holds sauce well.

• Is there a substitute for white wine?

Chicken broth or seafood stock can replace white wine, providing similar depth of flavor without alcohol.

• How can I make this dish spicier?

Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for more heat and kick.

Seafood Comfort: Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

• Savor Luxurious Flavors: Indulge in a restaurant-quality meal packed with rich, creamy sauce and perfectly cooked shrimp that transforms an ordinary dinner into a gourmet experience.
• Simplify Weeknight Cooking: Combine all ingredients in one skillet and baking dish, reducing preparation steps and minimizing kitchen cleanup while delivering maximum taste.
• Customize with Ease: Swap proteins like chicken or add vegetables to make this recipe adaptable for different dietary preferences and family member tastes without compromising the delicious core concept.
• Impress Dinner Guests: Create a stunning main course that looks professionally prepared but requires minimal culinary skills, making you appear like a seasoned chef with surprisingly little effort.

Ingredients for Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

• Shrimp: Succulent seafood that provides the main protein and brings a delicate ocean flavor to the dish.

• Pasta: The hearty base of the recipe that absorbs the creamy sauce and creates a satisfying texture.

• Butter: Adds rich, smooth flavor and helps create a velvety sauce.
• Garlic: Provides a deep, aromatic flavor that complements the shrimp perfectly.

• White Wine, Chicken Broth: Adds depth and complexity to the sauce with its liquid base.
• Lemon Juice, Lemon Zest: Brings bright, citrusy notes that cut through the richness of the dish.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces a subtle heat and additional warmth to the flavor profile.

• Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious, silky texture in the sauce.

• Parmesan Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Provides a melty, savory topping that adds richness and creates a golden crust.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Fundamental seasonings that balance and enhance the overall taste of the dish.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds a fresh, green note and provides a pop of color to the finished dish.

How to Bake Shrimp Scampi Pasta

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 375F (190C) and get ready for deliciousness.

Step 2: Pasta Dance

Cook pasta until it’s perfectly tender, then drain and set aside.

Your pasta should be just right – not too soft, not too hard.

Step 3: Aromatic Symphony

• Minced garlic
• Red pepper flakes

Sauté for one minute until the kitchen smells incredible.

Step 4: Shrimp Transformation

Toss shrimp into the skillet and cook until they turn beautiful pink and look totally opaque. Scoop them out and keep nearby.

Step 5: Wine Whispers

Pour white wine (or chicken broth) into the skillet. Scrape up all those delicious browned bits stuck to the bottom.

Let it simmer and get happy for two minutes.

Step 6: Creamy Dream

• Lemon juice
• Lemon zest
• Heavy cream

Bring everything to a gentle, dreamy simmer.

Step 7: Pasta Embrace

Add cooked pasta to the skillet and coat every single noodle with that luscious sauce. Season with salt and pepper until it tastes perfect.

Step 8: Baking Prep

Transfer pasta to a large baking dish, spreading it evenly. Nestle those beautiful shrimp on top.

Step 9: Cheese Shower

• Parmesan
• Mozzarella

Step 10: Bake To Perfection

Slide the dish into the oven and bake 15-20 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 11: Final Flourish

Pull out your masterpiece, shower with fresh parsley, and serve immediately.

Prepare for applause!

Pro Tips for Flavorful Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

• Prevent mushy pasta by cooking it just until al dente, as it will continue cooking in the oven.
• Enhance flavor by using fresh garlic and zesting the entire lemon for maximum citrus punch.
• Select medium-sized shrimp for the best texture and even cooking throughout the dish.
• Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt for a lighter version without sacrificing creaminess.
• Boost the dish's depth by adding a splash of dry white wine or a pinch of smoked paprika before baking.

Variations to Try with Shrimp Scampi Pasta

• Seafood Medley Bake: Replace shrimp with a mix of scallops, crab meat, and calamari for a luxurious seafood experience.
• Vegetarian Pasta Delight: Swap shrimp with roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms for a plant-based alternative.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and replace wheat-based ingredients with certified gluten-free alternatives to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Lighter Cream Version: Substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or low-fat milk to reduce calories while maintaining a creamy texture.

Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe

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4.6 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Indulgent Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake brings Mediterranean coastal flavors right to kitchen tables with creamy garlic sauce and succulent shrimp. Melted cheese, herbed breadcrumbs, and tender pasta create a comforting meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) large shrimp, peeled and deveined

Pasta and Dairy:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) linguine or spaghetti
• 4 tablespoons (57 grams) butter
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
• 1/2 cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup (100 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese

Seasonings and Aromatics:

• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 lemon, juiced and zested
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) white wine or chicken broth
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons (8 grams) chopped fresh parsley

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Instructions

1. Ignite the oven to a toasty 375F (190C), preparing a warm culinary canvas for this seafood symphony.
2. Submerge pasta in boiling water, dancing it to al dente perfection, then drain and reserve for later transformation.
3. Melt butter in a spacious skillet, awakening minced garlic and crimson pepper flakes until their aromatic essence blooms, approximately 60 seconds.
4. Introduce succulent shrimp to the butter-infused landscape, searing until they turn blush pink and translucent, roughly 3-4 minutes. Gently relocate them to a waiting vessel.
5. Deglaze the skillet with white wine, coaxing loose the caramelized flavor fragments clinging to the pan’s surface. Allow liquid to reduce and concentrate for 2 minutes.
6. Whisk in bright lemon juice, zesty lemon essence, and luxurious cream, creating a velvety sauce that shimmers with complexity.
7. Cascade cooked pasta into the silken sauce, twirling thoroughly to ensure each strand becomes lavishly coated. Season with judicious salt and pepper.
8. Migrate the sauced pasta into a generous baking vessel, spreading evenly like a culinary landscape.
9. Strategically position seared shrimp atop the pasta foundation, then shower with Parmesan and mozzarella cheese.
10. Slide the assembled masterpiece into the preheated oven, allowing cheese to metamorphose into a golden, bubbling blanket during 15-20 minutes of transformative heat.
11. Extract the dish, crown with verdant parsley confetti, and serve immediately while molten and magnificent.

Notes

• Opt for large, fresh shrimp to ensure maximum flavor and tender texture when baking.
• Select high-quality Parmesan cheese for a richer, more authentic taste that elevates the entire dish.
• Use dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to enhance the sauce’s depth without overpowering the delicate shrimp.
• Prevent pasta from becoming mushy by cooking it slightly less than al dente since it will continue cooking in the oven.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 610 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 520 mg
• Fat: 35 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 195 mg