Description
This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is a delightful twist on the classic shrimp scampi, combining tender linguine with garlicky shrimp, creamy lemon-infused sauce, and a bubbly baked cheese topping. Perfectly balanced with fresh parsley and a hint of spice, it’s an easy and impressive dinner that serves six.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz (340 g) linguine or spaghetti
Shrimp and Sauce
- 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup white wine or chicken broth
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Cheese and Garnish
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a large baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook Pasta: Boil the linguine or spaghetti in salted water until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Spices: In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking until fragrant but not browned to develop the base flavor.
- Cook Shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet and cook until they turn pink and opaque, indicating they are done. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Deglaze Pan: Pour in white wine or chicken broth to the skillet, scraping up any browned bits for added flavor, and allow it to simmer gently.
- Prepare Cream Sauce: Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and heavy cream. Continue to simmer the mixture until it thickens slightly, forming a rich sauce.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet with the cream sauce, mixing well to coat the noodles. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your taste.
- Assemble Bake: Transfer the pasta and sauce mixture into the prepared baking dish. Evenly distribute the cooked shrimp on top, then sprinkle the grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella cheeses over the surface.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is fully melted, bubbling, and lightly golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley, and serve the Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake hot for a comforting meal.
Notes
- For a less rich version, substitute half-and-half or milk for heavy cream, but the sauce will be less creamy.
- You can use chicken broth instead of white wine for a wine-free option without sacrificing flavor.
- Adjust red pepper flakes quantity to control the level of spiciness.
- Make sure not to overcook the shrimp as they can become rubbery.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
