Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe

In the heart of every home lies a dish that promises warmth and joy—like a cozy blanket on a chilly evening. Enter the Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake, where buttery shrimp meets perfectly cooked pasta in a creamy sauce that sings of garlic and lemon. It’s like a warm hug from your grandma but without the awkward questions about when you’re getting married.

This dish isn’t just food; it’s an experience—one that whisks you away to sun-soaked beaches and romantic dinners under twinkling stars. Picture this: it’s a Friday night, and you’ve had a long week. You’re ready to unwind with your favorite show on one hand and a forkful of cheesy goodness on the other. Sounds perfect, right?

Sharing this dish at family gatherings always brings smiles and compliments galore—it’s simply irresistible!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Large Shrimp: Use fresh or frozen shrimp; just ensure they are peeled and deveined for easy eating.
• Pasta: I prefer using penne or fusilli for their ability to hold onto the sauce beautifully.
• Garlic: Fresh cloves add an aromatic punch that elevates the entire dish.
• Butter: Use unsalted butter for control over the saltiness; it creates a rich base for the sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Essential for that creamy texture; don’t skimp here!
• Parmesan Cheese: Grated freshly for best flavor; it adds depth and richness.
• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed is best; it brightens up all the flavors perfectly.
• Parsley: Fresh chopped parsley not only adds color but also freshness to each bite.
• Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors throughout the dish.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures everything cooks evenly when we put our masterpiece inside.

Cook Your Pasta: Boil water in a large pot and cook your pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain well but don’t forget to save some pasta water!

Sauté The Shrimp: In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant—about 1 minute—then add shrimp. Cook until pink and opaque, around 3-4 minutes.

Create The Sauce: Pour in heavy cream, stir in lemon juice, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Let it simmer gently while you prepare the next step.

Add Cheese & Combine: Mix in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Toss your cooked pasta into this luscious sauce along with the sautéed shrimp until thoroughly coated.

Bake It Up: Transfer everything into a baking dish. Top with more cheese if you’re feeling indulgent! Bake for about 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top.

Enjoy diving into your Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake—a comforting delight that will leave everyone asking for seconds!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by cooking the pasta al dente, then sauté shrimp while preparing the garlic butter sauce. Combine everything before baking for an evenly cooked, flavorful dish.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap shrimp with chicken or veggies for a personal twist. Add extra spices like red pepper flakes for a kick or sprinkle fresh herbs for brightness.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in the oven to maintain creamy texture without drying out.

It’s funny how my friends always ask for this recipe when they come over. The last time I made it, one friend exclaimed that it tasted like a five-star restaurant dish! That moment made all the chopping and stirring worth it.

FAQ

Can I use frozen shrimp for Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake?

Yes, just thaw them before cooking to ensure even seasoning and cooking.

What type of pasta works best in this recipe?

Penne or rotini are great choices as they hold onto the sauce well.

How can I make this dish spicier?

Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the garlic butter sauce for extra heat.

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Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

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• Author: Ava Mack
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6

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Description

Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is a creamy, cheesy delight that combines succulent shrimp with al dente pasta, making it the ideal comfort food for any occasion.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 8 oz penne or fusilli pasta
• 4 garlic cloves (minced)
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the pasta in boiling salted water until al dente, then drain (reserve some pasta water).
3. In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat, add garlic, and sauté until fragrant. Add shrimp and cook until pink and opaque.
4. Stir in heavy cream, lemon juice, salt, and pepper; let simmer.
5. Mix in Parmesan cheese until melted, then combine with cooked pasta and shrimp.
6. Transfer to a baking dish, top with extra cheese if desired, and bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Seafood

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 472
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 560mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 13g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 210mg

Keywords: - For added spice, incorporate red pepper flakes into the sauce. - Substitute shrimp with chicken or vegetables for different variations. - Fresh herbs like basil can enhance flavor.