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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Prepare the oven at 375F (190C) and cook pasta according to package directions, then drain thoroughly.
- Heat butter in a large skillet over medium temperature, introducing minced garlic and red pepper flakes for a fragrant base.
- 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.
- Remove shrimp from the pan and deglaze with white wine, allowing it to reduce and concentrate flavors for 2 minutes.
- Introduce heavy cream to the skillet, simmering gently to create a rich, velvety sauce.
- Blend Parmesan cheese and fresh lemon juice into the sauce, creating a tangy and creamy consistency.
- Reunite the cooked pasta and sautéed shrimp with the sauce, ensuring every strand is luxuriously coated.
- Transfer the entire mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading evenly and topping with a generous layer of mozzarella cheese.
- Slide the dish into the preheated oven, baking for 15-20 minutes until the cheese melts into a golden, bubbling crust.
- 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