Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake – Creamy, Garlicky, and Irresistible!

Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is the perfect balance of elegance and comfort. Juicy shrimp, garlic butter sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta are baked together with a cheesy, golden topping. It’s an easy yet impressive dish that’s great for weeknights or special occasions.

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Ingredients

For the Pasta:

• 12 oz (340g) pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt

For the Shrimp Scampi Sauce:

• 1 lb (450g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/2 cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

For the Bake:

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp melted butter

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How to Make Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and toss with olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
2. Prepare the Shrimp: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Cook the Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the pan, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink. Remove from the pan and set aside.
4. Make the Sauce: In the same pan, add white wine (or chicken broth) and simmer for 2 minutes to deglaze. Stir in chicken broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Simmer for 3-4 minutes.
5. Combine Everything: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat. Stir in heavy cream, half of the mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan. Mix well.
6. Assemble the Bake: Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased baking dish. Arrange shrimp on top and sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
7. Make the Topping: Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the pasta.
8. Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly with a golden crust.
9. Serve: Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot.

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Servings and Cooking Time

• Servings: 4-6
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Just thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking.

2. What pasta works best for this recipe?
Short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine works great as it holds the sauce well.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

4. What can I use instead of white wine?
You can substitute white wine with chicken broth or a splash of white vinegar for acidity.

5. How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

Enjoy this creamy, garlicky, and cheesy Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake for your next dinner!