This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake takes the classic flavors of shrimp scampi and transforms them into a comforting, cheesy baked dish. Tender pasta and succulent shrimp are tossed in a garlicky, lemon-cream sauce, then baked under a blanket of melted cheese.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Linguine or spaghetti | 12 oz |
| Large shrimp, peeled and deveined | 1 lb |
| Butter | 4 tablespoons |
| Garlic cloves | 4 |
| Red pepper flakes | 1/4 teaspoon |
| White wine or chicken broth | 1/2 cup |
| Lemon | 1 |
| Heavy cream | 1 cup |
| Grated Parmesan cheese | 1/2 cup |
| Shredded mozzarella cheese | 1 cup |
| Salt | To taste |
| Pepper | To taste |
| Fresh parsley, chopped | 2 tablespoons |
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven & Cook Pasta: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the linguine or spaghetti according to package instructions until it is al dente (still firm to the bite). Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Sauté Aromatics & Shrimp: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet and cook for approximately 3-4 minutes, or until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the cooked shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.
- Deglaze and Build Sauce: Pour the white wine (or chicken broth) into the skillet. Bring it to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 2 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan to incorporate their flavor into the sauce.
- Add Cream and Season: Stir in the fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and heavy cream. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce, tossing well to ensure the pasta is thoroughly coated. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the pasta mixture to a large baking dish, spreading it evenly. Arrange the cooked shrimp on top of the pasta.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese and shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the pasta and shrimp.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
- Garnish & Serve: Remove the Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake from the oven. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving hot.