Sizzling Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe: A Cheesy Comfort Delight

Craving a delightful shrimp scampi pasta bake that combines zesty flavors with comfort?

Mediterranean-inspired ingredients dance together in this mouthwatering dish that promises pure culinary magic.

Garlic and herbs weave their enchantment through tender shrimp and perfectly cooked pasta.

Each forkful delivers a symphony of rich, buttery goodness that feels like an indulgent escape.

Succulent seafood nestles between golden pasta layers, creating a memorable meal that sparks conversation.

Simple yet sophisticated, this recipe transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dining experience.

Dig in and let your taste buds embark on a delicious adventure.

Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake to Impress

• Transform Weeknight Dinners: Dazzle your family with a restaurant-quality meal that comes together quickly and delivers maximum flavor in one delicious baking dish.
• Customize with Ease: Swap shrimp for chicken or add vegetables like spinach or zucchini to make this recipe perfectly suited to your taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Create Restaurant-Worthy Magic: Impress guests with a sophisticated pasta bake that looks and tastes gourmet but requires minimal cooking skills and basic ingredients.
• Family-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Kids and adults will love the creamy, cheesy pasta with tender shrimp, making it an ideal meal for family gatherings or casual dinner parties.

Ingredients for Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

• Pasta: A classic base that provides a hearty foundation for the shrimp scampi dish.
• Shrimp: Tender seafood that serves as the primary protein in this flavorful recipe.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Creamy cheese that melts beautifully and adds a rich topping to the pasta bake.

• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth sauce base.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious and creamy texture for the sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Provides a sharp and salty flavor to enhance the overall dish.

• Garlic, Red Pepper Flakes: Aromatic ingredients that add depth and a slight kick to the pasta.
• White Wine: Introduces a sophisticated flavor and helps deglaze the pan.
• Lemon Juice: Brings a bright and tangy element to balance the rich sauce.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the ingredients.
• Parsley: Fresh herb used as a garnish to add color and a light, fresh finish.

How to Prepare Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Oven

Heat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Cook pasta according to package directions, then drain and set aside in a large mixing bowl.

Step 2: Sizzle Garlic and Spices

Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking until fragrant and releasing their aromatic flavors for about 1 minute.

Step 3: Cook Succulent Shrimp

Add shrimp to the skillet, seasoning with salt and black pepper. Cook until shrimp turn pink and become opaque, which takes approximately 2-3 minutes per side.

Remove shrimp and place them aside.

Step 4: Create Creamy Wine Sauce

Pour white wine into the same skillet, allowing it to reduce and concentrate its flavors for 2 minutes.

Stir in heavy cream and let the sauce simmer until it thickens slightly, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 5: Blend Cheese and Citrus

Mix in grated Parmesan cheese and freshly squeezed lemon juice.

Add the cooked pasta and reserved shrimp to the sauce, tossing everything together to ensure even coating.

Step 6: Prepare for Baking

Transfer the pasta and shrimp mixture to a greased baking dish.

Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly across the top.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, watching until the cheese melts completely and turns golden brown with delightful crispy edges.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top. Serve the dish immediately while it’s warm and bubbling with delicious flavors.

Helpful Notes for Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

• Select jumbo or large shrimp for the best texture and bite in this pasta bake.
• Drain pasta slightly al dente since it will continue cooking in the oven, preventing mushy results.
• Use dry white wine like sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio for authentic flavor without overwhelming the dish.
• Fresh lemon juice adds brightness and cuts through the rich, creamy sauce more effectively than bottled versions.
• Pat shrimp completely dry before cooking to ensure proper caramelization and prevent watery sauce development.

Flavor Alternatives for Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

• Zucchini Noodle Swap: Replace pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles for a low-carb version that's fresh and light.
• Dairy-Free Delight: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a vegan-friendly option.
• Mediterranean Makeover: Add diced sun-dried tomatoes, kalamata olives, and swap white wine with chicken broth for a Mediterranean-inspired twist.
• Gluten-Free Alternative: Use gluten-free pasta or cauliflower rice, and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free certified.

Suggested Complements for Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

• Coastal Family Feast: Serve this pasta bake as a centerpiece for a seafood-themed family dinner, perfect for bringing everyone together with its rich, creamy flavors and inviting aroma.
• Elegant Dinner Party Showstopper: Plate the dish on white china with a crisp white wine pairing, creating a sophisticated main course that impresses guests with minimal effort.
• Quick Weeknight Comfort Meal: Pack individual portions in meal prep containers for an easy lunch option, letting the flavors meld and become even more delicious when reheated the next day.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Lunch Bowl: Serve over a bed of fresh arugula with a sprinkle of extra lemon zest, transforming the pasta bake into a lighter, brighter meal that feels fresh and vibrant.

Storage Tips for Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

• Store leftover shrimp scampi pasta bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Separate portions in sealed containers to maintain freshness and prevent moisture buildup.
• Always use clean utensils when handling leftovers to prevent bacterial contamination.
• Cover the container with a tight-fitting lid or plastic wrap to preserve flavor and texture.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, just thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking to prevent excess water in the dish.

• What type of white wine works best?

A dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc will provide the best flavor without making the sauce too sweet.

• Is there a substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be slightly less rich and creamy.

• How do I prevent the shrimp from becoming tough?

Cook shrimp just until they turn pink and curl up, which usually takes 2-3 minutes per side. Overcooking will make them rubbery and dry.

Delicious Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe

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4.9 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mediterranean-inspired shrimp scampi pasta bake delights palates with its creamy, herb-infused sauce and succulent seafood. Cheese-topped layers create a comforting meal that you will savor from first bite to last.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) shrimp, peeled and deveined

Pasta and Cheese:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) pasta (penne or linguine)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings and Liquid Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup white wine (or chicken broth)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
• Salt and black pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 375F (190C) and cook pasta according to package directions, then drain thoroughly.
2. Heat butter in a large skillet over medium temperature, introducing minced garlic and red pepper flakes for a fragrant base.
3. Incorporate shrimp into the skillet, seasoning with salt and pepper, cooking until they transform into a vibrant pink hue, approximately 2-3 minutes per side.
4. Remove shrimp from the pan and deglaze with white wine, allowing it to reduce and concentrate flavors for 2 minutes.
5. Introduce heavy cream to the skillet, simmering gently to create a rich, velvety sauce.
6. Blend Parmesan cheese and fresh lemon juice into the sauce, creating a tangy and creamy consistency.
7. Reunite the cooked pasta and sautéed shrimp with the sauce, ensuring every strand is luxuriously coated.
8. Transfer the entire mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading evenly and topping with a generous layer of mozzarella cheese.
9. Slide the dish into the preheated oven, baking for 15-20 minutes until the cheese melts into a golden, bubbling crust.
10. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish for a burst of color and serve piping hot.

Notes

• Use high-quality, fresh shrimp for the best flavor and texture in this creamy pasta bake.
• Avoid overcooking shrimp to prevent rubbery, tough texture; they should be just pink and slightly curled.
• Opt for dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to enhance the sauce’s depth without overpowering the delicate shrimp.
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt and reduce the cheese quantity.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 130 mg