Description
Creamy Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake combines classic Italian flavors with comforting pasta. Garlic, white wine, and fresh herbs elevate this coastal-inspired dish that satisfies seafood cravings perfectly.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins:
- 1 pound (454 grams) shrimp, peeled and deveined
Pasta and Base:
- 12 ounces (340 grams) pasta (penne or linguine)
- 1 cup chicken broth
Dairy and Cheese:
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
Aromatics and Seasonings:
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup white wine (optional)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 375F (190C) and lightly coat a baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
- Prepare pasta according to package directions, ensuring it remains slightly al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
- Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat, releasing a fragrant aroma of garlic until it becomes golden and translucent.
- Pour in chicken broth, white wine, fresh lemon juice, and sprinkle red pepper flakes into the skillet. Allow the mixture to simmer and reduce for approximately 3 minutes.
- Incorporate heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, whisking until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Gently add raw shrimp to the sauce, cooking until they turn pink and appear opaque, which typically takes around 3 minutes.
- Combine the cooked pasta with the shrimp sauce, ensuring each pasta strand is evenly coated.
- Transfer the saucy pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it in an even layer.
- Generously sprinkle mozzarella cheese across the top of the pasta.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until the cheese melts and develops a golden, bubbly surface.
- Remove from oven, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Choose a sturdy pasta like penne or rotini that can hold the creamy sauce without becoming mushy during baking.
- Remove shrimp from heat immediately when they turn pink to prevent overcooking and maintain their tender texture.
- Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a lactose-free version that still delivers rich flavor.
- Prepare the dish up to the baking stage, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours, allowing flavors to meld and making meal prep easier.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 487 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 540 mg
- Fat: 23 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 41 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 33 g
- Cholesterol: 145 mg