Irresistible Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake: Creamy & Flavorful

The smell of garlic and lemon fills my kitchen, reminding me of Italian seaside dinners. When I take my shrimp scampi pasta bake out of the oven, it’s golden and bubbly. It’s a dish that brings together the comfort of home and the elegance of a restaurant.

The creamy shrimp pasta, covered in melted cheese, offers a warm hug for your taste buds. With every bite, you’ll taste the tender shrimp, the perfect pasta, and a creamy garlic-lemon sauce. This dish is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of simple ingredients turned into something amazing. It’s perfect for a special dinner or a treat after a long day.

Key Takeaways

• Combines classic shrimp scampi with baked pasta comfort
• Features a rich garlic-lemon cream sauce
• Perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions
• Serves 4 with 550 calories per serving
• Takes 40 minutes from prep to table
• Bakes at 375°F for a golden, cheesy crust
• Can be prepared ahead and reheated easily

What Makes This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Special

This shrimp scampi pasta bake is a game-changer in comfort food. It mixes the zesty flavors of garlic butter shrimp with the heartiness of baked pasta. This creates a dish that’s both familiar and exciting.

Perfect Blend of Italian-American Flavors

The recipe combines classic Italian ingredients with American comfort food. Succulent shrimp, al dente pasta, and a creamy garlic-lemon sauce come together. This dish boasts 31.4g of protein per serving, making it satisfying for any palate.

Restaurant-Quality Dish at Home

You don’t need to dine out to enjoy gourmet flavors. This baked pasta casserole brings restaurant-quality taste to your kitchen. With just 40 minutes of cooking time, you can create a meal that rivals any high-end eatery. The recipe uses 12 oz of uncooked linguine and 1 lb of large shrimp, ensuring generous portions for everyone.

Versatile Recipe for Any Occasion

Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this garlic butter shrimp pasta fits the bill. It serves 6, making it perfect for family meals or small gatherings. The dish is easy to prepare, requiring minimal hands-on time, and can be customized to suit various tastes.

Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Pasta Bake

Making a delicious italian shrimp pasta begins with picking the right ingredients. This shrimp scampi recipe combines flavors that take you to the Italian coast.

The base is 12 oz of linguine or spaghetti and 1 lb of large shrimp, peeled and deveined. For the garlic-butter sauce, use 4 tbsp of unsalted butter and 4 minced garlic cloves. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes (1/4 tsp) for a bit of heat.

The sauce is made with 1/2 cup of chicken broth, lemon juice, and zest of one lemon. This adds a bright, citrusy taste. Heavy cream (1 cup) adds richness, while 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella give it a cheesy finish.

Adding cherry tomatoes or mushrooms can deepen the flavor. Spinach or kale can also be added to boost nutrition in this shrimp scampi recipe.

Creating the Signature Garlic-Lemon Cream Sauce

The heart of our easy shrimp pasta bake is its garlic-lemon cream sauce. This sauce makes the dish special, adding rich, tangy flavors to every bite.

Butter and Garlic Base

Melt 6 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2-3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for about a minute until fragrant. This forms the aromatic foundation of our lemon garlic shrimp pasta sauce.

Wine and Lemon Components

Pour in 1/4 cup of dry white wine, letting it simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly. Stir in 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice and some zest for a bright, citrusy kick. These ingredients add depth and zing to the sauce, complementing the shrimp perfectly.

Achieving the Perfect Cream Consistency

To create a luscious texture, slowly whisk in heavy cream. Let the mixture simmer gently until it thickens slightly, about 3-4 minutes. This process ensures a smooth, velvety sauce that clings beautifully to both the pasta and shrimp in your easy shrimp pasta bake.

Remember, the key to a great lemon garlic shrimp pasta lies in balancing flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding a pinch of salt or an extra squeeze of lemon to achieve the perfect harmony of flavors.

Preparing Your Shrimp and Pasta

The success of your parmesan shrimp pasta bake starts with properly preparing the key ingredients. Let’s dive into the essential steps for creating a delicious shrimp scampi linguine that will impress your dinner guests.

Selecting and Cleaning Shrimp

Choose fresh, high-quality shrimp for your pasta bake. Look for firm, translucent shrimp with a mild sea-like scent. For this recipe, you’ll need about ½ pound of raw shrimp, which equals roughly 5 shrimp per serving. Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat them dry before cooking.

Cooking Pasta to Al Dente

For the perfect shrimp scampi linguine, cook your pasta just shy of al dente. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook 6-8 ounces of dried fettuccine for about 2 minutes less than the package directions suggest. This ensures the pasta won’t become mushy during baking. Remember to reserve ½ cup of pasta water for the sauce.

Proper Seasoning Techniques

Season your shrimp with a dash of salt and red pepper flakes before cooking. Sauté them in a mixture of 2 ½ tablespoons butter and 1 ½ tablespoons olive oil for 1-2 minutes per side until they turn pink. For the pasta, toss it with the garlic-lemon cream sauce, ensuring each strand is well-coated before assembling your parmesan shrimp pasta bake.

Assembly and Baking Tips

Assembling your shrimp scampi pasta bake is the last step to success. Start by placing 12 ounces of cooked rotini pasta in a 9-by-13 inch casserole dish. Spread it out evenly to form a solid base.

Then, arrange 1 pound of garlic butter shrimp on top of the pasta. Make sure they’re spread out evenly for a perfect bite. Pour the creamy sauce over the shrimp and pasta, covering every corner.

Next, sprinkle 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese on top. Add a layer of shredded mozzarella for extra richness. Preheat your oven to 425°F and bake for 15-20 minutes. The cheese will melt and bubble, creating a golden crust.

After baking, let your dish rest for 5 minutes. This lets the flavors mix and makes serving easier. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving. Your shrimp scampi pasta bake is now ready to impress!

Cheese Selection and Layering Techniques

The perfect baked pasta casserole needs the right cheese blend. For our creamy shrimp pasta, we aim for a golden crust that’s both tasty and beautiful.

Parmesan and Mozzarella Blend

Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses make your shrimp scampi pasta bake better. Parmesan brings a sharp, salty taste. Mozzarella adds that stretchy cheese pull everyone loves. Sprinkle 1 cup of grated Parmesan and 2 cups of shredded mozzarella over your pasta and shrimp.

Creating the Perfect Golden Crust

To get a golden crust on your baked pasta casserole, follow these steps:

• Spread cheese evenly across the top of your dish
• Bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes until bubbly
• Broil for 2-3 minutes to brown the cheese

Alternative Cheese Options

Try different cheeses to make your creamy shrimp pasta your own:

Remember, a delicious baked pasta casserole is all about balance. Choose cheeses that match the shrimp’s delicate taste and the creamy sauce.

Storage and Reheating Guidelines

Your easy shrimp pasta bake can be stored for later. Cool it down, then put it in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. This dish reheats well, keeping its tasty flavors.

To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Put the pasta bake in an oven-safe dish. Warm it for about 15 minutes. For quicker reheating, use a microwave. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until it’s warm.

For the best reheating of shrimp, use a skillet over medium heat. This method takes about 5 minutes. It helps keep the shrimp’s texture. If you’re short on time, the microwave works too, but be careful not to overcook.

It’s not good to freeze leftovers of this shrimp scampi dish. The pasta and shrimp’s texture might change when thawed and reheated. For the best taste and quality, enjoy your easy shrimp pasta bake fresh or within the recommended refrigeration period.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Enhance your shrimp scampi with the right pairings. This dish is perfect with sides and wines that complement it. Here are some tasty options to complete your meal.

Complementary Side Dishes

Match the rich flavors of shrimp scampi with light sides. An arugula salad with red wine vinaigrette adds a zesty kick. For extra nutrition, sautéed spinach is a great choice, serving four.

If you want something more filling, creamy parmesan polenta is a great option. It’s made with just five ingredients and pairs well with the dish.

Wine Pairing Recommendations

The right wine can make your shrimp scampi even better. Pinot Grigio’s crispness is perfect for seasoned dishes. Sauvignon Blanc works well with buttery recipes.

Chardonnay fans can choose unoaked for a lighter taste or oaked for a buttery flavor. Light-bodied Pinot Noir is great for those who prefer red wine, as it complements without overpowering.

Garnishing for Presentation

Make your shrimp scampi look good with simple garnishes. Fresh herbs like parsley or basil add color and taste. Lemon wedges provide a zesty touch.

For a bit of heat, sprinkle red pepper flakes. These small touches can make your dish look as good as it tastes.

Irresistible Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake: Creamy & Flavorful

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• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake brings together the zesty flavors of classic shrimp scampi with the heartwarming comfort of a baked pasta dish. Tender shrimp, al dente pasta, and a rich garlic-lemon cream sauce are baked to golden perfection, making it an ideal dish for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta and Shrimp

• 12 oz linguine or spaghetti

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

Garlic-Lemon Cream Sauce

• 4 tbsp unsalted butter

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes

• 1/2 cup chicken broth

• Juice and zest of 1 lemon

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Topping

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1/3 cup chopped parsley

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)

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Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

2. Cook the pasta until just shy of al dente (about 1-2 minutes less than the package instructions).

3. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.

Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp

1. Season the shrimp with a pinch of salt and red pepper flakes.

2. Heat 2 tbsp of butter in a large skillet over medium heat.

3. Cook the shrimp for 1-2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Garlic-Lemon Cream Sauce

1. In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tbsp of butter.

2. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.

3. Pour in the chicken broth and let it simmer for 2 minutes.

4. Stir in the lemon juice and zest.

5. Slowly whisk in heavy cream, letting it simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.

6. Mix in Parmesan cheese until smooth. Adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 4: Assemble the Bake

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooked pasta with the creamy sauce.

3. Transfer to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

4. Evenly distribute the shrimp over the pasta.

5. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan on top.

Step 5: Bake

1. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden.

2. Broil for an additional 2-3 minutes for a crispy top, if desired.

Step 6: Serve

1. Let the pasta bake rest for 5 minutes.

2. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.

Notes

• Make-Ahead Tip: Assemble the dish up to a day in advance and refrigerate. Bake when ready.

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15 minutes or microwave in 30-second intervals.

• Customization: Add cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, or spinach for extra flavor.

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

Keywords: Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake, Garlic-Lemon Pasta, Baked Shrimp Pasta