If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting dish that’s just the right mix of fancy and easy, look no further than this Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake. Picture it now: tender shrimp, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich, garlicky sauce all baked together into one deliciously cheesy masterpiece. This dish comes together effortlessly, and the best part? It’s guaranteed to impress everyone at your table. Trust me, you’re going to love this!
Why You’ll Love Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: Perfect for busy weeknights or as a standout dish at gatherings. Imagine coming home after a long day, knowing you can whip up something delicious and comforting in no time. Or envision serving this at a party, where guests ask for the recipe before the night ends.
Budget-Friendly: Uses ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. No need for exotic items; this dish proves that simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavors. It’s perfect for when you’re trying to stick to a budget but still want something hearty and satisfying.
Quick and Easy: Straightforward steps that even beginners can follow. If you’re someone who usually avoids complex recipes, this one is for you. It’s designed to be foolproof, so you can enjoy cooking without stress.
Customizable: Easy to tweak with different flavors to suit your preferences. For example, if you love bold flavors, add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika. Prefer something milder? You can adjust the seasoning to make it kid-friendly.
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.
Ingredients
Here’s what makes this Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake so irresistible:
Shrimp: The star of the show. Juicy, tender shrimp add a touch of elegance and protein to this bake, making every bite a delightful treat.
Pasta: A hearty pasta base that soaks up all the savory sauce, creating a perfectly balanced bite.
Butter: Rich, golden butter brings out the flavors of garlic and herbs, creating that signature buttery, garlicky taste we all crave.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives this dish a fragrant, mouthwatering aroma and adds depth to the sauce.
Lemon: A burst of fresh lemon juice brightens up the rich sauce and adds a zesty kick to each bite.
Parmesan Cheese: A generous sprinkle of Parmesan on top melts into gooey perfection, adding that crave-worthy cheesy goodness.
Herbs: Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a touch of freshness to balance the richness of the dish.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the pasta bake cooks evenly and gets that perfect golden crust.
Cook the Pasta: Boil your pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Make sure not to overcook it since it will bake further in the oven.
Cook the Shrimp: In a large skillet, melt some butter over medium heat. Add the shrimp and garlic, cooking for just 2-3 minutes until the shrimp are pink and cooked through. Remove from heat.
Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, add more butter, then pour in some white wine and lemon juice. Let it simmer for a few minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
Combine Everything: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shrimp, and sauce. Add Parmesan cheese and a handful of fresh parsley. Stir everything together gently to coat the pasta and shrimp in that luscious sauce.
Assemble the Dish: Pour the pasta mixture into a greased baking dish and top with extra Parmesan cheese. Pop it into the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
Finishing Touches: Once the pasta bake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This helps the sauce set and makes it easier to serve.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve warm and enjoy the melty, garlicky goodness! Garnish with additional fresh parsley for a touch of color and freshness.
How to Serve Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake
This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
Fresh Salads: Pair it with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast to the rich, buttery pasta.
Crusty Bread: Serve with warm, crusty bread to soak up any delicious sauces or juices. Garlic bread works wonderfully here, adding even more savory flavor.
Creamy Accompaniments: A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt can add a creamy element to balance out the richness.
Vegetable Sides: Roasted vegetables, like carrots, zucchini, or asparagus, are great pairings that add color and nutrition to the meal.
As a Standalone: Sometimes, this dish is hearty enough to enjoy on its own. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a beautiful finishing touch.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
Prep Ahead: Save time by chopping and measuring ingredients the night before. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge to keep them fresh.
Spice It Up: Experiment with spices like red pepper flakes or chili powder to add a little heat to the dish.
Dietary Adjustments: If you’re catering to specific dietary needs, swap ingredients like regular pasta for gluten-free alternatives or dairy products for plant-based options.
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven to preserve the dish’s texture and flavor.
Double the Batch: This recipe freezes beautifully, so consider making a double batch. It’s perfect for busy days when you want a homemade meal ready to go.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I substitute shrimp with another protein?
A1: Absolutely! If you prefer, you can use chicken or even a plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version.
Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Yes, this is a great make-ahead recipe. Prepare it up to the baking step, then store it in the fridge overnight. When you’re ready, just bake it as directed.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat in the oven to preserve the texture.
Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: Yes! Place it in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven or microwave.
Q5: What’s the best way to reheat this dish?
A5: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or microwave in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: Absolutely! If you’re feeding a crowd, just double the ingredients and use a larger baking dish.
Q7: Can I use store-bought pasta sauce?
A7: While homemade sauce is always a treat, store-bought works just fine if you’re short on time. It’ll still taste delicious!
Q8: How can I add more veggies to this dish?
A8: Great idea! You can toss in some spinach, cherry tomatoes, or roasted bell peppers for an extra dose of veggies.
Q9: Can I make this dish spicier?
A9: Yes! Just add some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce to kick up the heat.
Q10: What’s the best way to serve this dish?
A10: Serve it warm with a side salad and a hunk of crusty bread to soak up every last bit of that creamy sauce!
Conclusion
This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is a true winner that brings the comfort of a classic pasta bake with a burst of flavorful shrimp. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Easy to make, incredibly tasty, and oh-so-satisfying, this dish has everything you need for a perfect meal. Enjoy!
Print
Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake combines the elegance of shrimp scampi with the coziness of a baked pasta dish. Tossed in a creamy, garlicky sauce and topped with melted cheese, it’s the perfect meal for special occasions or weeknight indulgence.
Ingredients
- 12 oz linguine or spaghetti
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup white wine or chicken broth
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: Fresh parsley and lemon slices for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside. - Sauté the Shrimp:
In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and cooked through. Remove shrimp and set aside. - Make the Sauce:
In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter and sauté garlic for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in white wine (or chicken broth) and lemon juice, simmering for 2–3 minutes. Add heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and red pepper flakes, whisking until smooth and creamy. - Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Toss the cooked pasta in the creamy scampi sauce, ensuring it’s evenly coated. - Assemble the Bake:
Transfer the pasta to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with the cooked shrimp, shredded mozzarella, and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan. - Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. - Serve:
Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices. Serve hot with garlic bread or a side salad.
Notes
- Substitute linguine or spaghetti with fettuccine for a richer texture.
- Add sautéed spinach or mushrooms for extra veggies.
- Adjust the spice level by increasing or omitting the red pepper flakes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 790mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 230mg