Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe
Introduction
This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is a comforting, cheesy dish that combines tender shrimp with garlic, butter, and melted cheese for a rich and satisfying meal. Quick to prepare and perfect for weeknights, it brings restaurant-quality flavor right to your dinner table.
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
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Step 2: Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- 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.
- Step 4: Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until pink and fully cooked. Season with salt and pepper.
- Step 5: Pour in the heavy cream and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir and let simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Step 6: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta and shrimp mixture, mixing evenly. Transfer to the prepared baking dish.
- Step 7: Top the pasta with the remaining Parmesan and all the shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Step 8: Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
- Step 9: Remove from oven and garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your cheesy, garlicky pasta bake!
Tips & Variations
- For a gluten-free option, substitute regular pasta with gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles.
- Swap shrimp with cooked chicken or tofu if you prefer a different protein or a vegetarian version.
- Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick or toss in sautéed spinach or asparagus for extra veggies.
- Use half-and-half or a dairy-free cream alternative if you want a lighter or lactose-free option.
- Cook pasta until just al dente so it absorbs the sauce well without becoming mushy after baking.
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 you prepare the dish in advance, you can assemble it, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking; just 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 make sure to thaw and drain the shrimp well before cooking to avoid excess moisture in the dish.
What if I don’t have heavy cream?
You can substitute half-and-half or a dairy-free cream alternative, such as coconut cream, for a lighter or lactose-free version.
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Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is a rich, cheesy, and garlicky dish that combines tender, succulent shrimp with al dente pasta, baked to perfection with creamy sauce and melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. An easy and flavorful meal perfect for weeknights or entertaining, delivering a delightful blend of buttery garlic aroma, spicy red pepper flakes, and fresh parsley garnish.
Ingredients
Pasta and Protein
- 8 oz pasta (penne or fusilli works best)
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Sauce
- 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
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Grease Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking during baking.
- Cook Pasta: Prepare the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside to prevent overcooking during baking.
- Sauté Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter, add minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes, sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant without burning the garlic.
- Cook Shrimp: Add shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until pink and fully cooked; season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Pour in the heavy cream and half of the Parmesan cheese, stirring to combine; simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine Pasta and Shrimp Mixture: In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta with the shrimp and sauce mixture ensuring even coating, then transfer into the prepared baking dish.
- Top with Cheese and Bake: Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan and all shredded mozzarella evenly over the top, then bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the pasta bake, and serve hot for cheesy, garlicky enjoyment.
Notes
- Use large, fresh shrimp or properly thawed frozen shrimp for best flavor and texture.
- For gluten-free options, substitute pasta with gluten-free or zucchini noodles.
- Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat in oven or microwave.
- To make ahead, assemble in baking dish and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking; increase baking time slightly if baking cold.
- Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or dairy-free cream alternatives for lighter versions.
- For a spicy variation, add extra red pepper flakes or sautéed vegetables like spinach or asparagus for more color and nutrients.
- Serve with green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: shrimp pasta bake, shrimp scampi, baked pasta, cheesy shrimp bake, garlic pasta, easy dinner, weeknight meal
