Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

Hey there, pasta lovers! Are you ready for a dish that combines the creamy goodness of shrimp scampi with the comfort of baked pasta? Trust me, this Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is a total game-changer. Picture tender shrimp nestled in a rich, garlicky butter sauce, all baked with pasta until golden and bubbly. It’s the kind of meal that fills your home with an irresistible aroma and leaves everyone asking for seconds. And the best part? It’s easy, comforting, and a perfect way to enjoy the flavors of a classic shrimp scampi in a cozy, casserole-style dish.

Why You’ll Love Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake isn’t just a meal—it’s an experience. Here’s why you’re going to fall head over heels for it:

• Versatile: Whether you’re feeding the family on a busy weeknight or impressing guests at a dinner party, this dish is always a crowd-pleaser.
• Budget-Friendly: It’s packed with flavor but doesn’t require fancy ingredients. You can make this dish on a budget without sacrificing any of the comfort.
• Quick and Easy: No need to be a seasoned chef to make this! With a few simple steps, you’ll have a delicious dinner ready to go.
• Customizable: Want a little extra kick? Add a dash of red pepper flakes. Prefer a milder flavor? Skip the spice and let the creamy garlic sauce shine.
• Crowd-Pleasing: From kids to adults, everyone loves a hearty pasta bake with shrimp. It’s a guaranteed hit at the table.

Ingredients

Here’s what you need to create this tasty masterpiece. No fancy ingredients, just simple stuff that comes together to make magic!

Shrimp: The star of this dish! Juicy, succulent shrimp cooked to perfection in a rich, buttery garlic sauce. It’s the perfect addition to your pasta.

Pasta: You’ll need a sturdy pasta to soak up all that creamy, flavorful sauce. I recommend something like penne or rigatoni, but feel free to get creative with your favorite shape.

Butter: The foundation of the sauce. Rich, creamy butter gives that classic shrimp scampi flavor and is the base for sautéing garlic.

Garlic: Aromatic, savory garlic that gets sautéed until it’s golden and fragrant. It’s the secret behind that “I’m already hungry just thinking about it” smell.

Parmesan Cheese: A generous sprinkle of Parmesan adds a sharp, nutty flavor that balances the richness of the dish. Melts beautifully on top for that golden, bubbly finish.

Heavy Cream: This adds richness and a velvety texture to the sauce. It’s what makes every bite feel indulgent.

Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice cuts through the richness and adds a bright, zesty kick to the dish, balancing all the flavors perfectly.

Parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley on top gives a pop of color and freshness to finish off the dish. It also adds a lovely flavor contrast.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Ready to dig in? Let’s get this Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake going:

Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that your pasta bake cooks evenly and gets that perfect, golden top.

Cook the Pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil, then cook your pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Sauté the Shrimp: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the shrimp and cook until they’re pink and opaque, about 3-4 minutes. Remove them from the pan and set aside.

Prepare the Scampi Sauce: In the same skillet, add a little more butter if needed and sauté the garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste, then cook for another 2-3 minutes.

Combine Pasta and Shrimp: Add the cooked pasta and shrimp to the sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is well-coated and the shrimp are evenly distributed.

Assemble the Bake: Transfer the pasta and shrimp mixture to a baking dish. Top with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

Bake to Perfection: Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is golden.

Finish and Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 450

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

This dish is hearty enough to stand on its own, but if you’re looking to round out the meal, here are some serving suggestions:

• Fresh Salads: Pair with a light, refreshing green salad to balance out the richness of the pasta.
• Garlic Bread: Nothing beats a warm slice of garlic bread to scoop up that delicious scampi sauce.
• Roasted Veggies: Add some roasted vegetables like zucchini or asparagus for a colorful and nutritious side.
• White Wine: A crisp white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, would complement the dish beautifully.

Additional Tips

• Make it Ahead: This recipe can be prepped ahead of time. Just assemble the pasta and shrimp mixture, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake. Bake when you’re ready for a quick, comforting meal.
• Freeze for Later: This dish freezes well, so consider making extra and freezing some for an easy meal down the road.
• Spice it Up: If you like a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy twist.
• Use Fresh Shrimp: Fresh shrimp is always best for this dish, but frozen shrimp will work in a pinch—just make sure to thaw them thoroughly before cooking.
• Add Extra Cheese: If you’re a cheese lover, feel free to sprinkle more Parmesan or mozzarella on top for an extra cheesy crust.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I substitute the shrimp with chicken?
A1: Yes! You can easily swap shrimp for cooked chicken breast or thighs. Just make sure the chicken is tender and cooked through before adding it to the dish.

Q2: Can I make this recipe without heavy cream?
A2: Absolutely! You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or even a lighter milk option, though the texture will be a bit different. If you want to keep it creamy, consider using a dairy-free cream alternative.

Q3: Can I use gluten-free pasta?
A3: Yes! Simply swap regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free variety. Just be sure to follow the cooking instructions on the gluten-free pasta package.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Q5: Can I freeze this dish?
A5: Yes! You can freeze the assembled pasta bake before baking. Just cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil. When you’re ready to bake, just thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as usual.

Q6: How do I reheat the leftovers?
A6: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes or in the microwave in 30-second intervals until hot.

Q7: Can I make this in a slow cooker?
A7: While I love the oven-baked version, you can cook the pasta and shrimp in a slow cooker on low for 2-3 hours and then add the cream and cheese at the end to avoid overcooking.

Q8: Can I add vegetables to this dish?
A8: Absolutely! Toss in some sautéed spinach, roasted tomatoes, or even peas for extra flavor and color.

Q9: What type of pasta works best for this dish?
A9: I recommend using sturdy pastas like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli, as they hold the sauce and shrimp well.

Q10: Can I double the recipe?
A10: Yes, you can easily double this recipe if you’re serving a crowd. Just make sure to use a larger baking dish and adjust the baking time as needed.

Conclusion

There you have it! This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is the perfect combination of creamy, garlicky shrimp, comforting pasta, and cheesy goodness. Whether you’re cooking for your family or entertaining friends, this dish will definitely become a favorite. It’s quick, easy, and absolutely delicious. So, grab your ingredients and get baking—you’re in for a treat!

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