Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe
Introduction
Savor the delightful flavors of Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake, a creamy and cheesy dish that combines tender shrimp with linguine in a luscious garlic lemon sauce. Perfect for a comforting family dinner or special occasion, this baked pasta is sure to impress.
Ingredients
- 12 oz linguine or spaghetti
- 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup white wine or chicken broth
- 1 lemon (juiced and zested)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Step 2: Cook the pasta following 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 and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 4: Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp and set aside.
- Step 5: Pour the white wine or chicken broth into the skillet, scraping any browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for 2 minutes.
- Step 6: Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Step 7: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat well in the creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Step 8: Transfer the pasta mixture to a large baking dish, spreading it evenly. Arrange the cooked shrimp on top.
- Step 9: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella evenly over the pasta and shrimp.
- Step 10: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Step 11: Remove from the oven, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve immediately.
Tips & Variations
- Use gluten-free pasta if you need a gluten-free option without sacrificing texture.
- Substitute the white wine with chicken broth for a milder flavor or if you prefer not to use alcohol.
- Add a handful of spinach or sun-dried tomatoes before baking for extra color and flavor.
- For extra richness, sprinkle some shredded Italian cheese blend along with the mozzarella before baking.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through to maintain texture and melt the cheese nicely. Avoid microwaving to prevent the pasta from becoming soggy.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp can be used. Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture in the dish.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, substitute butter with olive oil, use coconut cream or a dairy-free cream alternative, and replace the cheeses with dairy-free versions or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
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Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A rich and flavorful Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake combining tender linguine, succulent shrimp, and a creamy garlic butter sauce, topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese and baked to bubbly perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz linguine or spaghetti
Shrimp and Sauce
- 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup white wine or chicken broth
- 1 lemon (juiced and zested)
- 1 cup heavy cream
Cheese and Garnish
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the pasta dish later.
- Cook Pasta: Boil the linguine or spaghetti following package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter and add minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook for around 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Cook Shrimp: Add shrimp to the skillet and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until they turn pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from skillet and keep aside.
- Prepare Sauce: Pour white wine or chicken broth into the same skillet, scraping the bottom to loosen any browned bits. Allow it to simmer and reduce slightly for about 2 minutes.
- Combine Flavors: Stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, and heavy cream. Continue to cook on low heat until the sauce is gently simmering and slightly thickened.
- Toss Pasta: Add the drained pasta into the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat all noodles in the creamy scampi sauce. Season with salt and pepper according to taste.
- Assemble Dish: Transfer the creamy pasta mixture into a large baking dish, spreading it evenly. Arrange the cooked shrimp evenly on top of the pasta.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella cheeses generously over the shrimp and pasta layer.
- Bake: Place the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese melts completely and becomes bubbly and slightly golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley, and serve immediately while hot and delicious.
Notes
- For a non-alcoholic option, substitute white wine with chicken broth as indicated.
- Ensure shrimp is cooked just until opaque to maintain tenderness and avoid overcooking.
- You can use either linguine or spaghetti according to your preference or availability.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the red pepper flakes slightly.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese gives the best flavor, but pre-grated is acceptable.
- Serve with a side of garlic bread or a green salad for a full meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: Shrimp Scampi, Pasta Bake, Baked Shrimp Pasta, Creamy Pasta, Italian-American Dish
