If you are craving a delightful dinner that feels both comforting and a little fancy, this Baked Shrimp Scampi Pasta Recipe is exactly what you need. It brings together tender shrimp, silky cheeses, and perfectly cooked pasta all baked in a luscious garlic butter sauce. Each bite bursts with flavor and warmth, making it a total crowd-pleaser or a special weeknight treat. The beauty lies in its simplicity yet the remarkable blend of creamy textures and fresh, bright seafood notes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe relies on simple, accessible ingredients that each play a vital role in creating its rich, satisfying taste and delightful texture. From the creamy cheeses to the plump shrimp, every element contributes something special.
- Butter (2 Tbsp): The foundation of the sauce, adding richness and a buttery depth.
- Jarred minced garlic (1 tsp): Infuses the dish with aromatic garlic flavor without the fuss of peeling and chopping fresh.
- All-purpose flour (1 Tbsp): Helps thicken the sauce, giving it that creamy consistency we love.
- Whole milk (â…“ cup): Adds a smooth, velvety texture to the sauce.
- Chicken broth (¼ cup): Introduces subtle savory notes, balancing the richness.
- Salt (â…› tsp): Enhances all the flavors perfectly without overpowering.
- Black pepper (â…› tsp): Adds just the right amount of mild heat and depth.
- Egg (1, slightly beaten): Binds the ingredients gently for a cohesive bake.
- Parmesan cheese (â…› cup, shredded): Delivers a nutty, salty punch for umami delight.
- Ricotta cheese (¼ cup): Adds creamy richness and tenderness to the pasta bake.
- Uncooked pasta (4 oz, any shape): The starch base that absorbs all the wonderful sauce.
- Raw shrimp (½ lb, thawed and peeled): The star protein of the dish with a sweet, succulent bite.
- Mozzarella cheese (½ cup, shredded): Melts beautifully for that irresistibly gooey top layer.
- Chopped fresh parsley (1 tsp, optional): Adds a fresh, vibrant pop of color and herbaceous finish.
How to Make Baked Shrimp Scampi Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by cooking your pasta to al dente according to the package instructions. This is key because the pasta will bake further later, so you want it just tender enough to hold its shape without getting mushy.
Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce
In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat and stir in the jarred minced garlic and flour. Keep stirring until the mixture becomes bubbly and fragrant, which usually takes a minute or two. This roux-like base will thicken the sauce beautifully.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
Gradually whisk in the whole milk and chicken broth, continuing to stir so no lumps form. Let the sauce cook for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly. Season it with salt and pepper, then remove from heat.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta with the creamy sauce. Add the beaten egg, shredded Parmesan, ricotta cheese, and raw peeled shrimp. Stir everything gently to ensure the shrimp is evenly distributed and coated in the sauce.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Divide the mixture evenly into two prepared baking dishes. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the top. Bake in a preheated oven until the shrimp are cooked through and the cheese on top is bubbly and golden—approximately 25-30 minutes.
How to Serve Baked Shrimp Scampi Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Finishing your baked shrimp scampi pasta with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley not only adds a bright splash of color but also a refreshing herbal note that perfectly balances the rich, garlicky sauce.
Side Dishes
Pair this dish with a crisp green salad tossed in a lemon vinaigrette or roasted asparagus for a light, vibrant contrast. Garlic bread also makes a perfect accompaniment to soak up every last bit of that luscious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the Baked Shrimp Scampi Pasta Recipe in individual ramekins for an elegant dinner party touch, or family-style in a rustic casserole dish to encourage everyone to dig in together. A light dusting of extra Parmesan at the table never hurts, either.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover baked shrimp scampi pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for 2 to 3 days, making it a convenient and delicious next-day meal.
Freezing
This dish freezes well if you want to prep ahead or save some for later. Place the baked pasta in a freezer-safe container before baking, or freeze leftovers after baking. For best taste, consume within 1-2 months.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to retain that baked goodness and avoid drying out. Alternatively, microwave on medium power in short bursts, stirring occasionally, until hot.
FAQs
Can I use fresh garlic instead of jarred minced garlic?
Absolutely! Fresh garlic will provide a stronger, more vibrant flavor. Use about one to two cloves minced finely and sauté it gently in butter before adding the flour.
What type of pasta works best for this recipe?
Any pasta shape works well, but short pastas like penne, rigatoni, or rotini hold onto the creamy sauce nicely and provide a great texture balance with the shrimp.
Is it okay to use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw and peel the shrimp completely before mixing them in. This ensures even cooking and the best texture in your final dish.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can substitute the butter, milk, and cheeses with plant-based alternatives, but keep in mind the texture and flavor will differ slightly. Use a dairy-free butter substitute and non-dairy milk like almond or oat.
How spicy is the dish? Can I add heat?
The dish is mild by default, focusing on garlic and buttery flavors. You can add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce for some heat, adjusting to your taste preference.
Final Thoughts
Thank you for joining me on this delicious adventure with the Baked Shrimp Scampi Pasta Recipe. It’s truly one of those dishes that feels special while being easy enough for any night of the week. I hope you give it a try soon and enjoy every creamy, garlicky bite as much as I do!
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Baked Shrimp Scampi Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Baked Shrimp Scampi Pasta is a delicious and comforting dish featuring tender shrimp, creamy ricotta and Parmesan cheeses, and a buttery garlic sauce baked to perfection with mozzarella on top. It’s an easy-to-make recipe that combines pasta with rich, cheesy flavors and succulent shrimp for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Sauce Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp butter
- 1 tsp jarred minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp all-purpose flour
- â…“ cup whole milk
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- â…› tsp salt
- â…› tsp pepper
- 1 egg (slightly beaten)
- â…› cup Parmesan cheese (shredded)
- ¼ cup ricotta cheese
Main Ingredients
- 4 oz uncooked pasta (any shape)
- ½ lb raw shrimp, thawed and peeled
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- 1 tsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil the pasta according to package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Prepare the sauce base: In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the minced garlic and all-purpose flour, cooking until the mixture becomes bubbly and fragrant.
- Complete the sauce: Gradually whisk in the whole milk and chicken broth. Add salt and pepper, and continue to cook and stir for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and mix in the slightly beaten egg, Parmesan cheese, and ricotta cheese until smooth.
- Combine pasta and shrimp: In the sauce, fold in the cooked pasta and raw shrimp, ensuring the shrimp are evenly distributed as the residual heat will cook them in the oven.
- Assemble the baking dishes: Divide the mixture evenly into two prepared baking dishes. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top of each.
- Bake: Place the dishes in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for approximately 20-25 minutes, or until the shrimp are opaque, the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven and optionally sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley before serving for added freshness and color.
Notes
- Make sure not to overcook the shrimp during baking to keep them tender.
- You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a lighter flavor.
- Using fresh garlic instead of jarred minced garlic will enhance the flavor.
- Any pasta shape can be used based on preference.
- For a cheesier topping, add extra mozzarella or a sprinkle of Parmesan before baking.
