Description
Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake delivers Mediterranean coastal flavors in one irresistible casserole, blending succulent seafood with garlic-infused pasta. Creamy, herbed sauce and golden-brown cheese create a comforting dish you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
Main Carbohydrate:
- 12 ounces (340 grams) pasta (penne or linguine)
Dairy and Flavor Enhancers:
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 12 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
Aromatics and Seasonings:
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 12 cup white wine (optional)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 375F (190C) and prepare a baking dish with a light coating of oil or butter to prevent sticking.
- Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, following package guidelines. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
- Melt butter in a spacious skillet over medium heat, creating a smooth, bubbling base.
- Introduce minced garlic to the butter, sautéing until aromatic and translucent.
- Add shrimp to the skillet, seasoning with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
- Cook shrimp until they transform into a vibrant pink color and appear slightly curled, indicating perfect doneness.
- Deglaze the pan with white wine and fresh lemon juice, allowing the liquid to simmer and reduce for approximately 2 minutes.
- Incorporate heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens and develops a smooth, glossy texture.
- Gently fold the cooked pasta into the shrimp mixture, ensuring each strand is generously coated with the creamy sauce.
- Transfer the combined pasta and shrimp into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly.
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese across the top, creating a luxurious, melty layer.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until the cheese turns golden and bubbly.
- Remove from oven, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- Swap white wine with chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version that maintains rich flavor depth.
- Ensure shrimp are not overcooked by removing them from heat the moment they turn pink to prevent rubbery texture.
- Add gluten-free pasta for a celiac-friendly alternative without compromising the creamy, zesty essence of the dish.
- Create a lighter version by substituting heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt to reduce overall calorie content.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 545 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 37 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 145 mg