Description
This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is a delicious and comforting Italian-American dish combining tender shrimp, garlic-infused creamy sauce, and perfectly baked pasta topped with melted mozzarella cheese. It’s an easy-to-make meal ideal for busy weeknights or casual dinners, offering rich flavors with a delightful cheesy finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Protein
- 12 ounces pasta (penne or linguine)
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Sauce and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup white wine or chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Optional: lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Cook Pasta: Boil the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside so it’s ready to combine with the sauce and shrimp.
- Sauté Garlic and Shrimp: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant to release their aroma without burning. Add the shrimp, season with salt and black pepper, and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and are just cooked through. Remove shrimp and keep warm.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, pour in the white wine or chicken broth along with the heavy cream. Stir and let it simmer gently for 2-3 minutes to let the flavors meld and the sauce thicken slightly. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into the sauce smoothly.
- Combine and Transfer to Baking Dish: Toss the cooked pasta and shrimp into the skillet with the sauce, mixing thoroughly to coat everything evenly. Then transfer this mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Add Cheese Topping and Bake: Evenly sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the pasta mixture. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and golden brown on top.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve hot with lemon wedges on the side for an optional fresh citrus twist.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
- Add vegetables such as spinach, peas, or cherry tomatoes to enhance flavor and nutrition.
- This dish can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving, perfect for meal prepping or entertaining.
