Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Classic Flavors with a Twist: Marries the traditional taste of shrimp scampi with the comfort of a baked pasta casserole.
• Creamy and Zesty: The lemon-infused cream sauce adds a refreshing tanginess that complements the richness.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Perfect for preparing in advance, making it ideal for gatherings or busy weeknights.
• Versatile: Easily adaptable with different types of pasta or added vegetables to suit your preferences.
• Crowd-Pleaser: A dish that’s sure to impress family and friends with its gourmet appeal.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 12 oz (340 g) pasta, such as penne or spaghetti
• 1½ lbs (680 g) medium raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup chicken broth
• Juice and zest of 1 lemon
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
2. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Prepare Shrimp: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the shrimp and cook until they turn pink and opaque, approximately 2-3 minutes per side. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
4. Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Add the lemon juice, lemon zest, and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
5. Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked pasta and shrimp to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to ensure everything is evenly coated. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
6. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve warm.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

• Vegetable Addition: Incorporate sautéed spinach, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus
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  This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake combines the classic flavors of buttery garlic shrimp scampi with the comforting appeal of a cheesy baked pasta dish. Featuring succulent shrimp, a creamy lemon-infused sauce, and a golden, bubbly mozzarella topping, this easy-to-make casserole is perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or meal prep.

  • Author: Laura
  • Prep Time: 15min
  • Cook Time: 25min
  • Total Time: 40min
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Dinner 'Main Course
  • Method: Baking, Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

  Ingredients

  For the Pasta Bake:

  • 12 oz (340 g) pasta (penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti)
  • 1½ lbs (680 g) medium raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • Juice and zest of 1 lemon
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

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  Instructions

  • Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  • Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • Sauté Shrimp:
    • Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
    • Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
    • Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque.
    • Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
  • Make the Sauce:
    • In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter.
    • Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine.
    • Bring to a gentle simmer.
    • Stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, and Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth.
    • Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  • Combine Ingredients:
    • Add cooked pasta and shrimp to the skillet, tossing to coat evenly in the sauce.
    • Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.
    • Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
  • Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  • Garnish & Serve: Remove from oven and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve warm.

  Notes

  • Use pre-cooked shrimp: Simply toss them into the pasta before baking to avoid overcooking.
  • Enhance the flavor: Add a splash of white wine to the sauce for extra depth.
  • Spicy Kick: Sprinkle red pepper flakes or add hot sauce to taste.
  • Make Ahead: Assemble the dish up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate before baking.