Savory Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe: Cozy Comfort Made Easy

Whipping up a delectable shrimp scampi pasta bake can turn an ordinary evening into a culinary celebration.

Succulent seafood and al dente noodles create a harmonious blend of flavors that dance across your palate.

Garlic, butter, and white wine infuse each bite with Mediterranean charm.

Mediterranean ingredients elevate this classic dish from simple to spectacular.

Rich, creamy textures mingle with zesty herbs, promising a restaurant-quality meal you can craft at home.

Fresh parmesan sprinkled on top adds a final touch of indulgence.

Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe that will impress everyone around your dinner table.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking to prevent excess moisture.

• Is it okay to substitute the white wine?

Absolutely. You can use chicken broth or seafood stock as a non-alcoholic alternative that still adds depth of flavor.

• How do I know when the shrimp are perfectly cooked?

Shrimp are done when they turn pink and curl into a C-shape. Overcooking will make them tough and rubbery, so watch them closely.

• Can I make this dish spicier?

Add more red pepper flakes or include a dash of cayenne pepper to increase the heat level according to your preference.

Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake: What Makes It Special

• Elevate Your Dining: Transform an ordinary meal into a gourmet experience with restaurant-quality lobster tails that impress guests and make special occasions memorable.
• Simplify Seafood Cooking: Master a straightforward technique that turns potentially intimidating seafood preparation into a stress-free cooking adventure, perfect for home chefs of all skill levels.
• Quick Gourmet Delight: Prepare a luxurious seafood dish in minimal time, delivering rich flavors through a simple garlic butter sauce that enhances the natural sweetness of lobster meat.
• Customize with Ease: Adjust seasonings and herbs to suit personal taste preferences, making this recipe adaptable for different palates and dietary needs while maintaining its delicious core.

Ingredients Needed For Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

• Shrimp: Fresh, medium-sized seafood that provides a tender and sweet flavor to the pasta dish.

• Pasta: A classic base that absorbs the creamy sauce and complements the shrimp perfectly.

• Butter: Adds rich, smooth flavor and helps create a velvety sauce.
• Garlic: Provides a sharp, aromatic base that enhances the overall taste of the dish.

• White Wine: Adds depth and complexity to the sauce with its bright, acidic notes.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious, creamy texture that binds the sauce together.
• Lemon Juice: Brings a fresh, citrusy brightness that balances the rich ingredients.

• Parmesan Cheese: Offers a salty, nutty flavor that adds depth to the sauce.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Provides a melty, stretchy topping that creates a golden, bubbly crust.

• Red Pepper Flakes: Adds a subtle heat and spicy kick to the dish.
• Salt: Enhances and balances the overall flavor profile.
• Black Pepper: Provides a mild, warm spiciness that complements the shrimp.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds a pop of color and fresh, herbal notes to finish the dish.

Cooking Directions For Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven and Boil Pasta

Crank the oven to a toasty 375F. Grab your favorite pasta and cook it until it’s perfectly tender but still has a slight bite.

Once done, drain and set the pasta aside, ready for its cheesy adventure.

Step 2: Sizzle Garlic and Dance with Shrimp

Melt butter in a skillet and let the garlic sizzle until it fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma.

Toss in the shrimp and cook them until they turn a beautiful pink. Carefully remove the shrimp and keep them waiting in the wings.

Step 3: Create a Dreamy Sauce

• Heavy cream
• Parmesan cheese
• Red pepper flakes
• Lemon juice
• Salt
• Black pepper

Let the sauce simmer and thicken into a luxurious blanket of flavor.

Step 4: Assemble the Pasta Masterpiece

Combine the cooked pasta, sizzled shrimp, and creamy sauce in a baking dish. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese generously on top, creating a golden, cheesy crown.

Step 5: Bake to Bubbly Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes. Watch for the cheese to turn bubbly and develop a gorgeous golden color.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve piping hot and watch everyone’s eyes light up with excitement.

Helpful Tips For Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

• Choose jumbo or large shrimp for better texture and presentation in this pasta bake.
• Pat shrimp dry before cooking to prevent excess moisture and achieve perfect searing.
• Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk for a lighter version of the dish.
• Enhance gluten-free diet compatibility by using gluten-free pasta and checking wine ingredients.
• Prevent overcooking shrimp by removing them from heat immediately after turning pink to maintain tender, juicy quality.

Flavor Options For Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

• Mediterranean Marvel: Replace white wine with ouzo, add kalamata olives, and sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top before baking for a Greek-inspired version.
• Spicy Southwest Sizzler: Swap white wine for tequila, incorporate diced jalapeños, use pepper jack cheese, and garnish with fresh cilantro for a zesty kick.
• Creamy Cajun Creation: Add Cajun seasoning to the sauce, include andouille sausage with shrimp, use sharp cheddar cheese, and finish with green onions for a Louisiana-style experience.
• Pesto Passion: Stir in homemade basil pesto to the sauce, top with toasted pine nuts, use fresh mozzarella, and finish with extra virgin olive oil drizzle for an herbaceous transformation.

Pairing Ideas For Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

• Coastal Dinner Party Delight: Arrange this pasta bake on a large wooden board with lemon wedges, fresh parsley sprigs, and crusty garlic bread. Serve with chilled white wine for an elegant Mediterranean-inspired presentation.
• Weeknight Comfort Meal: Portion into individual ramekins for a personalized touch. Pair with a crisp green salad and garlic toast points. Add a sprinkle of extra red pepper flakes for those who love extra heat.
• Potluck Crowd-Pleaser: Transfer to a large ceramic dish for sharing. Accompany with a simple arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette. Provide extra grated parmesan on the side for guests to customize their serving.

Storage Recommendations For Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

• Store leftover shrimp scampi pasta bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Transfer cooled pasta to a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Remove excess air, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. Add a splash of cream or chicken broth to restore moisture if needed.

Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe

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4.9 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent shrimp scampi pasta bake brings Italian coastal flavors to home kitchens with rich garlic butter sauce. Creamy parmesan and fresh herbs elevate this comforting Mediterranean-inspired dish you can savor with friends and family.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/2 oz pasta
• 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 4 tbsp butter
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup white wine or chicken broth
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 375F (190C) while preparing a pot of salted water for pasta cooking.
2. Cook pasta to al dente texture, ensuring it remains slightly firm, then thoroughly drain and set aside in a large mixing bowl.
3. In a spacious skillet, melt butter over medium heat and gently sauté minced garlic until aromatic and translucent.
4. Add raw shrimp to the skillet, cooking until they transform into a vibrant pink color and become opaque, then transfer to the pasta bowl.
5. Pour white wine into the same skillet, scraping any browned bits from the pan’s surface to capture maximum flavor.
6. Incorporate heavy cream, grated parmesan, red pepper flakes, fresh lemon juice, salt, and black pepper into the wine reduction, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens and develops a rich consistency.
7. Pour the creamy sauce over the pasta and shrimp, mixing thoroughly to ensure even coating.
8. Transfer the combined mixture into a prepared baking dish and generously sprinkle mozzarella cheese across the top.
9. Bake for 15 minutes, watching for the cheese to melt completely and develop a golden, bubbly surface.
10. Remove from oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving immediately while hot.

Notes

• Swap shrimp with chicken or tofu for different protein options, making the dish versatile for various dietary preferences.
• Use gluten-free pasta to transform this recipe into a celiac-friendly meal without compromising flavor.
• Keep an eye on pasta during initial cooking to ensure perfect al dente texture, preventing mushy results in the final bake.
• Opt for fresh shrimp when possible, as frozen can release excess water and dilute the creamy sauce’s richness.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 493 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 460 mg
• Fat: 26 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 140 mg