Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

If you’re craving something that’s rich, indulgent, and packed with flavor, this Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is the recipe you’ve been waiting for! Picture this: tender shrimp swimming in a buttery garlic sauce, all mixed with perfectly cooked pasta and topped with melty cheese—then baked to perfection. It’s like comfort food meets seafood heaven, and trust me, it’s a total crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner or bringing it to a gathering, this dish is sure to impress. Let’s dive in and see why this bake is a must-try!

Why You’ll Love Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating a delicious moment. Here’s why it’s one of those dishes that always gets rave reviews:

• Versatile: Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Picture this: coming home after a long day, knowing that in just a little over an hour, you’ll be enjoying this flavorful dish. Or imagine serving it at a gathering where everyone asks for the recipe—because trust me, they will.
• Budget-Friendly: Made with everyday ingredients, this bake delivers restaurant-worthy flavors without breaking the bank. Shrimp, pasta, garlic, butter—simple, but oh-so-satisfying.
• Quick and Easy: This recipe is super easy to follow, with just a few simple steps. Even if you’re not a pro in the kitchen, you’ll feel like one after making this dish!
• Customizable: Feel free to tweak the seasonings and ingredients to suit your tastes. Add more garlic, toss in a little lemon zest for extra zing, or even throw in some spinach for an extra pop of color and nutrition.
• Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re feeding your family, hosting friends, or making a meal for a special occasion, this pasta bake is sure to be the star of the show. It’s comforting, hearty, and absolutely delicious!

Ingredients

This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is all about simple ingredients that come together to create something extraordinary. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need:

• Shrimp: The star of the dish! Succulent, tender shrimp provide the perfect amount of protein and flavor. You’ll want to use large, peeled, and deveined shrimp for the best texture.
• Pasta: The base of this dish—use your favorite short pasta like penne, rotini, or ziti. It holds onto the sauce beautifully, making every bite comforting and satisfying.
• Butter: Rich, velvety butter adds that signature creamy, indulgent flavor we all crave in a shrimp scampi dish. It also helps create that luscious sauce that coats the pasta and shrimp perfectly.
• Garlic: The essential ingredient for any scampi dish! Fresh garlic, sautéed until golden, creates the base of that irresistible, garlicky goodness.
• Lemon: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens up the dish, adding a tangy, citrusy note that perfectly balances the richness of the butter and shrimp.
• Parmesan Cheese: For that perfect finishing touch. Grated parmesan adds a salty, nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the shrimp and pasta.
• Parsley: Fresh parsley not only adds a vibrant green color to the dish but also brings a fresh, herbaceous flavor that lifts the whole recipe.

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

Instructions

Now let’s walk through the steps to create this flavor-packed Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake:

Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. This ensures the bake cooks evenly and gets that golden, crispy top we all love.

Cook the Pasta

Cook your pasta according to package instructions, but make sure to undercook it by about 2 minutes. The pasta will continue to cook in the oven, and this prevents it from becoming too soft or mushy.

Sauté the Shrimp

In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1-2 minutes). Then, add the shrimp and cook until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them—shrimp cook fast!

Make the Scampi Sauce

Once the shrimp are cooked, squeeze in fresh lemon juice and toss everything together. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This creates the base of the scampi sauce.

Combine Everything

In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shrimp and garlic butter mixture, and half of the grated parmesan. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated in the buttery sauce.

Prepare the Baking Dish

Grease a baking dish with a little butter or cooking spray. Then, transfer the pasta and shrimp mixture into the prepared dish, spreading it evenly.

Top and Bake

Top the pasta with the remaining parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Pop the dish into the oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.

Finishing Touches

Once the pasta bake is out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps everything set and makes serving easier.

Serve and Enjoy

Serve the bake warm, with a side of garlic bread or a crisp green salad. Enjoy every flavorful bite!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 400

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

How to Serve Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

This dish is delicious on its own, but here are a few ways to elevate your meal:

• With a Fresh Salad: A simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette is a great way to balance the richness of the pasta bake.
• Garlic Bread: Serve with warm, buttery garlic bread for dipping into any extra sauce.
• Roasted Veggies: Roasted vegetables, like asparagus, zucchini, or broccoli, pair beautifully with this dish and add some extra color and nutrients to your plate.
• As a Standalone: This pasta bake is hearty enough to enjoy all by itself. Just garnish with a little extra fresh parsley for a pop of color.

Presentation matters, too! Serve the bake in a beautifully arranged platter or individual bowls for that extra touch of elegance.

Additional Tips

Here are some tips to make sure your Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake turns out perfectly:

• Prep Ahead: You can make the pasta and shrimp mixture ahead of time, then simply assemble and bake it when you’re ready to eat.
• Make It Spicy: If you love a little heat, add red pepper flakes to the butter and garlic sauce for an extra kick.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta to easily make this dish gluten-free without sacrificing flavor.
• Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to keep it moist and flavorful.
• Double the Batch: This recipe makes great leftovers, so consider doubling it and freezing half for a future meal!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I substitute the shrimp with chicken?
A1: Yes, you can use chicken instead of shrimp! Just make sure to cook the chicken thoroughly before combining it with the pasta.

Q2: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A2: Absolutely! Just thaw the shrimp before cooking, and you’re good to go.

Q3: Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
A3: Yes! You can prepare everything up to the baking step, then cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Q5: Can I freeze this dish?
A5: Yes, this dish freezes well! Freeze the assembled but unbaked casserole for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

Q6: What’s the best way to reheat this dish?
A6: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes, or microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.

Q7: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A7: Yes! Feel free to swap in any short pasta you like—penne, rigatoni, or even fusilli would work great.

Q8: Can I make this dish without cheese?
A8: You can skip the cheese, but it adds a delicious creamy texture and extra flavor. If you want to keep it dairy-free, try a dairy-free cheese alternative.

Q9: How do I know when the bake is done?
A9: The top should be golden and bubbly, and when you insert a fork or knife, it should come out clean. The pasta should be tender but not mushy.

Q10: Can I add other vegetables to this bake?
A10: Yes! Feel free to add spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the dish for extra flavor and nutrition.

Conclusion

This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is a comforting, delicious dish that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s packed with flavor, super easy to make, and will quickly become a family favorite. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just treating yourself to something indulgent, this bake will not disappoint. So grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to enjoy a meal that’s as satisfying as it is tasty! Happy cooking!

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