Description
Creamy Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake combines classic Italian coastal flavors with comforting American dinner traditions. Garlic-infused sauce, tender shrimp, and perfectly al dente pasta promise a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 1 pound (454 grams) shrimp, peeled and deveined
Pasta and Cheese:
- 12 ounces (340 grams) pasta (penne or linguine)
- 1 cup (100 grams) parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 cup (100 grams) mozzarella cheese, shredded
Liquids and Seasonings:
- 3 tablespoons (45 grams) butter
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) chicken broth
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) white wine (optional)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons (8 grams) fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 375F (190C) for optimal cooking temperature.
- Prepare pasta according to package directions, ensuring al dente texture, then drain and reserve.
- Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat, creating a rich cooking base.
- Sauté minced garlic until aromatic and translucent, releasing its intense flavor.
- Introduce white wine and allow it to simmer, concentrating the liquid’s essence for 2 minutes.
- Incorporate heavy cream, chicken broth, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper, creating a smooth, seasoned sauce.
- Blend in parmesan cheese and fresh lemon juice, stirring until fully integrated.
- Add raw shrimp to the skillet, cooking until they transform to a vibrant pink hue.
- Combine cooked pasta thoroughly with the shrimp and sauce mixture.
- Transfer the entire preparation to a baking dish, spreading evenly.
- Generously sprinkle mozzarella cheese across the surface for a golden, melted topping.
- Bake for 15 minutes until the cheese becomes golden and the edges bubble appetizingly.
- Finish by scattering fresh parsley over the dish for a bright, herbaceous garnish.
- Serve immediately while warm, ensuring maximum flavor and texture.
Notes
- Swap white wine with chicken broth or extra lemon juice for a non-alcoholic version that maintains rich flavor complexity.
- Use gluten-free pasta to transform this dish into a celiac-friendly meal without compromising taste or texture.
- Allow shrimp to cook just until pink to prevent rubbery, overcooked seafood that loses its delicate tenderness.
- Prep ingredients beforehand to streamline cooking process and ensure smooth, stress-free meal preparation.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 180 mg