There’s something magical about a plate of Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake. Imagine perfectly cooked shrimp nestled in a creamy, garlicky sauce, swirling with al dente pasta and topped with bubbly, golden cheese. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will make you feel like a culinary superstar. This dish is not just a meal; it’s an experience that transports you to a cozy Italian trattoria, even if you’re just in your PJs at home.
I still remember the first time I made this dish for my family. My parents walked in, and their eyes lit up like they had just discovered gold at the end of a rainbow. We all sat down, forks poised in excitement, and after the first bite, it was as if we were transported to a sun-drenched piazza in Rome. This recipe is perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in—just make sure you have enough because seconds are guaranteed!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake combines ease of preparation with bold flavors that everyone loves
- Its vibrant colors and rich aromas make it an attractive centerpiece
- Plus, you can tailor it to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs
- Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions!
Sharing this dish with friends brought roars of laughter and happy bellies. It became an instant favorite at our family gatherings.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Shrimp: Fresh or frozen shrimp works well; choose large ones for maximum flavor and juicy bites.
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Pasta: Use linguine or spaghetti; their shape holds onto the sauce beautifully.
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Butter: Unsalted butter adds richness; feel free to use olive oil for a lighter option.
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Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves provide the best flavor; minced garlic from a jar lacks that zing.
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Heavy Cream: This creates that luxurious sauce; half-and-half can be used for a lighter version.
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Parmesan Cheese: Grated fresh Parmesan melts beautifully and adds depth; never settle for pre-grated!
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Parsley: Fresh parsley brightens up the dish and brings color; dry parsley won’t do it justice.
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Lemon Juice: A splash of fresh lemon juice balances the richness perfectly; zest adds an extra zing!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while gathering your ingredients and reveling in that exciting aroma of shrimp scampi magic on its way.
Cook the Pasta: Begin by boiling salted water in a large pot. Add your pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside while you prepare the sauce.
Sauté the Shrimp: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter until bubbly. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Toss in the shrimp and cook until they turn pink and opaque—about 3-4 minutes.
Create the Creamy Sauce: Reduce heat to low and pour heavy cream into the skillet with shrimp. Stir well to combine everything, then sprinkle in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and gooey perfection forms.
Add Pasta to Sauce: Gently fold cooked pasta into the creamy shrimp mixture, ensuring every noodle gets drenched in that luscious goodness. If needed, add more cream or pasta water for desired consistency.
Bake to Perfection: Transfer everything into a greased baking dish, sprinkle more Parmesan on top for that cheesy crust, and bake for about 20-25 minutes until golden brown and bubbling.
Now you have yourself a fantastic Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake that will impress anyone lucky enough to share your table!
Enjoy serving this delightful dish alongside some crusty bread or a fresh salad—the perfect companions to soak up any leftover sauce!
Remember: Cooking should be fun! So don’t hesitate to throw on some upbeat music while whipping this up—it might just inspire some spontaneous dance moves!
You Must Know
- This delightful Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake combines flavors that dance on your palate
- It’s creamy, cheesy, and has a hint of garlic that fills your kitchen with warmth
- Perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy night in
- Just be wary of leftovers; they vanish quickly!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by cooking the pasta al dente while you sauté the shrimp and prepare the sauce. This multitasking will ensure everything is hot and ready together.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap shrimp for chicken or add veggies like spinach or bell peppers. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes can also add a nice kick!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through for best results.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use fresh, high-quality shrimp for maximum flavor; frozen shrimp can work too but avoid overcooking them during preparation
- Adding a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving brightens the dish beautifully
- Always taste as you go to adjust seasonings to your liking!
Sharing this recipe always brings back fond memories of family dinners where everyone fought over the last bite of pasta bake, laughter filling the air as we savored every cheesy morsel.
FAQ
Can I make Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it a day ahead and bake it just before serving.
What sides pair well with Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake?
Garlic bread and a light salad complement this dish perfectly.
Can I freeze Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake?
Freezing is not recommended due to texture changes; it’s best enjoyed fresh!
Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Indulge in the rich, creamy flavors of Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake! This comforting dish features succulent shrimp enveloped in a luscious garlic cream sauce, tossed with al dente pasta and topped with golden, bubbling cheese. Perfect for cozy nights or entertaining guests, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. With its vibrant colors and enticing aroma, it brings the warmth of an Italian trattoria right to your home!
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp (fresh or frozen)
- 8 oz linguine or spaghetti
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated fresh Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Boil salted water in a large pot. Cook pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
- Toss in shrimp and cook until pink and opaque (about 3-4 minutes).
- Reduce heat to low; add heavy cream and stir until combined. Mix in Parmesan cheese until melted.
- Gently fold cooked pasta into the shrimp mixture. Transfer to a greased baking dish, top with additional Parmesan, and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 220mg
