Easy Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe

A symphony of buttery garlic sauce envelops succulent shrimp and perfectly al dente pasta in this delightful dish. The aroma alone will have your taste buds doing a happy dance before you even take a bite.

Picture this: it’s a cozy Sunday evening, and you want something comforting yet impressive without spending hours in the kitchen. This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is the answer to your culinary prayers. Not only does it promise an abundance of flavors, but it’s also a dish that unites family and friends around the dinner table.

I remember the first time I made this dish; my friends devoured it in minutes and insisted I share the recipe. It was a proud moment!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Pasta: Use penne or fusilli for their ability to hold onto sauce beautifully.
• Shrimp: Fresh or frozen shrimp works well; just ensure they are peeled and deveined.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves add a robust flavor; don’t skimp on this ingredient.
• Butter: Unsalted butter provides richness; keep some handy for sautéing.
• Heavy Cream: This gives the dish its creamy texture; you can substitute with half-and-half if desired.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated cheese adds depth; avoid pre-grated versions for better melting.
• Parsley: Fresh parsley brightens up the dish; chop finely for garnish at the end.
• Lemon Juice: Use fresh lemon juice to enhance flavors; it adds brightness and acidity.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Prepare the Oven and Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Gather all your ingredients so you’re ready to go without interruptions during cooking.

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add your pasta and cook until just al dente, about 8-10 minutes; drain and set aside.

Sauté the Shrimp: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter until bubbly. Toss in garlic and sauté until fragrant—about 30 seconds—then add shrimp. Cook until pink and opaque.

Create the Sauce: Pour in heavy cream and stir well while scraping any bits from the bottom of the pan. Add lemon juice, salt, pepper, and half of your Parmesan cheese. Cook until slightly thickened.

Combine Everything Together: Gently fold cooked pasta into the skillet with shrimp sauce until evenly coated. Transfer mixture into a greased baking dish.

Bake to Perfection!: Sprinkle remaining Parmesan over top and pop into the oven for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and bubbly. Let cool slightly before serving.

This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake will tantalize your taste buds as you scoop out portion after portion of creamy goodness!

Feel free to get creative with this recipe! Consider adding sun-dried tomatoes or spinach for extra color and flavor. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish never disappoints! Enjoy every bite as laughter fills your kitchen!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To create the ultimate Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake, start by cooking the pasta al dente and sautéing the shrimp in butter and garlic. Combine everything in a baking dish with cheese before baking until golden.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap shrimp for chicken or add seasonal vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes can jazz up the flavors for those who enjoy a bit of heat.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, adding a dash of water if it seems dry.

Cooking this dish always reminds me of family gatherings where laughter filled the air, and everyone clamored for seconds. The joy on their faces was priceless!

FAQ

Can I use other types of seafood in Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake?

Absolutely! You can replace shrimp with scallops or crab for a different flavor profile.

What can I serve alongside Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake?

A light green salad or garlic bread pairs wonderfully with this rich dish.

How do I know when my Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is done?

Bake until golden brown on top and bubbly around the edges, usually about 25-30 minutes.

Print

Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

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• Author: Rachel Simmons
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6

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Description

Delight in the creamy, cheesy goodness of Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake—a comforting dish that combines succulent shrimp, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich garlic butter sauce, ready to impress family and friends.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 oz penne or fusilli pasta
• 12 oz shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup fresh parsley (chopped)
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and gather all ingredients.
2. Boil salted water in a large pot. Add pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
3. In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Sauté garlic until fragrant (30 seconds), then add shrimp and cook until pink.
4. Stir in heavy cream, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and half the Parmesan. Cook until slightly thickened.
5. Combine cooked pasta with the shrimp sauce in the skillet, then transfer to a greased baking dish.
6. Top with remaining Parmesan and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 680mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 150mg

Keywords: - For added flavor, consider mixing in sun-dried tomatoes or spinach. - Swap shrimp for chicken or add seasonal vegetables like zucchini. - A pinch of red pepper flakes can add heat for spice lovers.