Description
This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake combines tender shrimp sautéed in garlic, butter, and lemon with perfectly cooked pasta, all baked to bubbly perfection under a layer of melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. A comforting Italian-American main dish that’s easy to prepare and full of bright, savory flavors, ideal for family dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 ounces pasta (such as penne or linguine)
Shrimp and Sauce
- 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Cheese and Miscellaneous
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Nonstick cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and generously spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook Pasta: Boil the pasta in salted water until just al dente, then drain it thoroughly and set aside to avoid overcooking during baking.
- Sauté Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes: In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil and butter. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Cook Shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2–3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Make Sauce: Pour in the white wine or chicken broth, add the lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper into the same skillet. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom and let the sauce simmer gently for 2–3 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cooked shrimp, sauce, half of the chopped fresh parsley, and the shredded mozzarella cheese. Mix everything thoroughly to distribute ingredients evenly.
- Assemble and Bake: Transfer the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese on top has melted and is bubbly and slightly golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and sprinkle with the remaining fresh parsley before serving to add a fresh and vibrant finish.
Notes
- For extra richness and creaminess, stir in a splash of heavy cream into the pasta mixture before baking.
- You can substitute cooked chicken for shrimp if you prefer a different protein or want a milder flavor.
- Be careful not to overcook the shrimp during the sauté step to prevent toughness.
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best bright citrus flavor.
