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
Scale
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.
