Easy Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe

As I walked into my kitchen the other day, the enticing aroma of garlic and butter filled the air. It was as if a culinary fairy sprinkled magic over my stovetop; I couldn’t wait to dive into this warm bowl of Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake that beckoned me like an old friend.

This dish isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience. It brings together succulent shrimp, al dente pasta, and a creamy sauce that dances on your taste buds. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends, this dish is bound to steal the spotlight and create lasting memories.

I still remember the first time I made this dish at a family gathering. Everyone was so impressed they thought I had been studying at a culinary school!

Essential Ingredients

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

• Large Shrimp: Opt for fresh or thawed shrimp, peeled and deveined for easy cooking.
• Fettuccine or Linguine Pasta: Choose your favorite type of pasta; both work wonderfully in this recipe.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves add depth; avoid pre-minced as they lack flavor.
• Butter: Use unsalted butter for control over the dish’s saltiness while enhancing creaminess.
• Heavy Cream: This gives the sauce its rich texture; you can substitute with half-and-half if needed.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated cheese melts beautifully; avoid pre-grated versions for best results.
• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens flavors; it’s worth skipping bottled options.
• Parsley: Fresh parsley adds color and freshness; chop finely for best distribution throughout the dish.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all flavors; adjust according to your taste preference.

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

Let’s Make it Together

Cook the Pasta: Start by boiling water in a large pot and adding salt generously before tossing in your pasta of choice. Cook until al dente per package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes.

Sauté Garlic and Shrimp: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter and add minced garlic until fragrant. Toss in the shrimp and cook until they turn pink and opaque, about 3-4 minutes.

Create the Sauce: Reduce heat slightly and stir in heavy cream while scraping up any bits stuck to the pan. Add lemon juice and Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.

Combine Ingredients : Drain cooked pasta but reserve some pasta water. Fold the pasta into the skillet with sauce, adding reserved water for desired consistency. Mix in chopped parsley for freshness.

Bake it Up!: Transfer everything into a greased baking dish and sprinkle extra cheese on top. Bake at 350°F (175°C) until bubbly and golden brown, approximately 15-20 minutes.

Serve Warm : Remove from oven carefully; let cool slightly before serving so no one burns their mouth on molten cheese! Garnish with more parsley if desired.

Enjoying Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is not just about filling your belly—it’s about savoring each layer of flavor that comes together beautifully in this comforting dish!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by sautéing shrimp in butter and garlic until golden. Cook pasta separately, then combine everything in a baking dish for a bubbly finish.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out shrimp for chicken or add veggies like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition and flavor.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover shrimp scampi pasta bake in an airtight container. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 20 minutes.

Sometimes I make this dish when friends come over, and their oohs and ahhs remind me that comfort food truly brings people together!

FAQ

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

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

How spicy can I make my shrimp scampi pasta bake?

Add red pepper flakes during cooking for a nice kick!

Is there a vegetarian version of shrimp scampi pasta bake?

Absolutely! Substitute shrimp with mushrooms or zucchini for a delicious alternative.

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Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

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Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is a creamy, flavorful dish featuring succulent shrimp and al dente pasta, all topped with melted cheese for a comforting family meal that’s sure to impress.

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6

Ingredients

• Large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• Fettuccine or linguine pasta
• Fresh garlic
• Unsalted butter
• Heavy cream
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh lemon juice
• Chopped parsley
• Salt and pepper

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Instructions

1. Boil salted water in a large pot and cook pasta until al dente (8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Add shrimp and cook until pink (3-4 minutes).
3. Stir in heavy cream, lemon juice, and Parmesan cheese until the mixture is creamy and well combined.
4. Fold the cooked pasta into the sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed for desired consistency. Mix in chopped parsley.
5. Transfer everything to a greased baking dish, sprinkle with extra cheese, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
6. Serve warm, garnished with additional parsley if desired.

• Author: Jennifer
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (250g)
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 820mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 11g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 180mg