When you're craving a seafood pasta dish that's both elegant and comforting, look no further than our sensational Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake. This recipe takes the beloved flavors of classic shrimp scampi – garlic, butter, lemon, and tender shrimp – and transforms them into a hearty, bubbly, and incredibly satisfying baked casserole. It's the ideal meal for busy weeknights when you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen.
Imagine plump, juicy shrimp mingling with al dente pasta, all coated in a rich, garlicky wine sauce, topped with a golden blanket of melted cheese. This dish promises a symphony of textures and flavors that will delight your taste buds and earn rave reviews from everyone at your table.
Why This Baked Scampi is a Game-Changer
Our Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake isn't just a meal; it's an experience. Here’s why it’s about to become a staple in your recipe collection:
- Effortless Elegance: It looks fancy enough for guests but is incredibly simple to assemble, proving that delicious doesn't have to mean difficult.
- Hearty & Satisfying: The combination of pasta, succulent shrimp, and a cheesy topping makes for a truly filling and comforting meal.
- Flavor Bomb: Every bite is bursting with the vibrant, zesty, and savory flavors that make shrimp scampi so irresistible.
- Family-Friendly: Even those who are typically picky about seafood will adore the cheesy, saucy goodness of this bake.
Tips for Perfecting Your Pasta Bake
Achieving a restaurant-quality Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake at home is easier than you think with a few key considerations. Firstly, always cook your pasta a little less than you normally would – aim for a firm al dente, as it will continue to cook and absorb flavors in the oven. For your shrimp, whether fresh or frozen, ensure they are thoroughly thawed and patted completely dry with paper towels. This crucial step helps them sear beautifully and prevents a watery sauce. For more detailed insights on selecting and preparing shrimp, reliable sources like Food Network offer excellent guidance.
Don't hold back on the fresh garlic; it's the star of the scampi show! Using a good quality dry white wine (like Pinot Grigio) will deepen the flavor, but chicken broth is a fantastic alcohol-free alternative. Lastly, a generous hand with both Parmesan and mozzarella cheese ensures that glorious, bubbling crust we all adore. For another incredible creamy seafood dish, check out our Creamy Seafood Fettuccine (Takeout Style), which also pairs wonderfully with plump shrimp!
Serving Suggestions and Delicious Twists
This Cheesy Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is a complete meal on its own, but it truly shines when paired with a light, refreshing side. A simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette or some crusty garlic bread is perfect for soaking up every last drop of that amazing sauce. Want to sneak in more veggies? Stir in some fresh spinach, blanched asparagus, or sun-dried tomatoes with the pasta before baking.
If you love creamy pasta dishes, you might also enjoy our Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta for another weeknight winner. This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is versatile and forgiving, making it a joy to cook and an even bigger joy to eat. Enjoy the rich, comforting flavors of this incredible dish!
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake recipe?
Absolutely! Just ensure your frozen shrimp are fully thawed and patted dry with paper towels before cooking. This prevents excess moisture from diluting your delicious garlic butter sauce.
What are the best pasta shapes to use for a pasta bake?
For a pasta bake, medium-sized shapes that can hold sauce well are ideal. Penne, rotini, or even farfalle (bow-tie pasta) work wonderfully. While linguine is classic for scampi, heartier shapes are great for baking.
How can I make my Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake spicier?
To add a kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes in the garlic sauce. You could also drizzle a little hot sauce over the top before baking or serve with a side of chili oil.
Can I add vegetables to this shrimp pasta bake?
Yes, absolutely! Fresh spinach, blanched broccoli florets, or diced bell peppers would be fantastic additions. Stir them in with the pasta and shrimp before transferring to the baking dish.
Cheesy Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
- Diet: Pescatarian
Description
A comforting and easy baked casserole featuring tender shrimp, al dente pasta, a rich garlic butter sauce, and a golden cheesy topping.
Ingredients
1 pound penne pasta (or other medium-sized pasta)
1.5 pounds large shrimp, peeled, deveined, tails on or off
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
6 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup dry white wine (like Pinot Grigio) or chicken broth
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped, plus more for garnish
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: While pasta cooks, pat shrimp dry with paper towels. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter and 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-high heat.
Step 3: Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Add shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary.
Step 5: Deglaze the pan with white wine or chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits. Stir in lemon juice, remaining 2 tablespoons butter, and 1 tablespoon olive oil until butter is melted. Season with salt and pepper.
Step 6: Add the cooked pasta and chopped fresh parsley to the skillet with the shrimp and sauce. Toss gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
Step 7: Transfer the shrimp and pasta mixture to a 9x13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle evenly with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
Step 8: Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the sauce is heated through. If desired, broil for the last 2-3 minutes for a golden-brown crust (watch carefully to prevent burning).
Step 9: Remove from oven, let rest for a few minutes, then garnish with additional fresh parsley before serving hot.
Notes
For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a pinch of dried oregano or Italian seasoning to the garlic sauce. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese makes a noticeable difference in taste compared to pre-grated. Serve with a crisp green salad and crusty bread.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking, Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 210mg
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