Description
This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake transforms the classic, beloved flavors of shrimp scampi into a comforting and satisfying baked pasta dish. Imagine tender shrimp, bathed in a luscious garlic-infused sauce with a bright lemon zest, all clinging to perfectly cooked pasta and blanketed in a generous layer of melted, bubbly cheese. This recipe elevates the simplicity of scampi to a whole new level of deliciousness, making it perfect for a weeknight family dinner or a special occasion gathering. It’s a crowd-pleaser that requires minimal effort, delivering maximum flavor with every single bite. The combination of creamy sauce, savory shrimp, and cheesy topping is irresistible.
Why you will love this recipe
This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is destined to become a household favorite for several compelling reasons:
- Ultimate Comfort Food: It’s warm, cheesy, and loaded with flavorful ingredients, making it the perfect dish to curl up with on a chilly evening.
- Effortless Elegance: Despite its impressive presentation and rich flavor, this recipe is surprisingly easy to prepare. Most of the work is done in a single skillet and baking dish.
- Customizable: Feel free to adapt the recipe to your liking. Add vegetables like spinach, asparagus, or cherry tomatoes to the sauce, or substitute different types of cheese.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Both kids and adults will rave about this dish. The familiar flavors of shrimp scampi are universally appealing, while the addition of melted cheese makes it extra kid-friendly.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can assemble the pasta bake ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake, making it perfect for entertaining.
- Impressive Presentation: This dish is as visually appealing as it is delicious. The golden-brown, bubbly cheese and vibrant parsley garnish make it a stunning centerpiece for any table.
- Freezer Friendly The finished product freezes well.
Ingredients:
- 12 oz linguine or spaghetti
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio) or chicken broth
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Preparation:
step 1: Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the pasta bake will cook evenly and the cheese will melt to a perfect, bubbly consistency. While the oven is heating, you can move on to the next steps.
Step 2: Cook Pasta: Cook the linguine or spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. The “al dente” texture is important because the pasta will continue to cook slightly in the oven. Overcooked pasta will become mushy in the finished dish. Once cooked, drain the pasta thoroughly and set it aside. You can toss it with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent it from sticking together while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Ensure the skillet is large enough to accommodate the pasta and sauce later. Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1 minute, or until the garlic is fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this will impart a bitter taste to the sauce. The red pepper flakes add a subtle kick, but you can adjust the amount to your preference.
Step 4: Cook Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they will become rubbery. They should be cooked just until they are no longer translucent. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.
Step 5: Prepare Sauce: Pour the white wine (or chicken broth) into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. These browned bits, known as “fond,” are packed with flavor and will add depth to the sauce. Let the wine (or broth) simmer for 2 minutes, allowing the alcohol to evaporate slightly. This will concentrate the flavors and create a richer sauce.
Step 6: Combine Flavors: Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and heavy cream. The lemon juice adds brightness and acidity, balancing the richness of the cream. The lemon zest intensifies the citrus flavor. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly, about 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to boil the sauce, as this may cause the cream to curdle.
Step 7: Toss Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss gently to coat in the creamy sauce. Make sure the pasta is evenly coated so that every strand is infused with the flavorful sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning as needed to your preference.
Step 8: Assemble Dish: Transfer the pasta mixture to a large baking dish, spreading it evenly. You can use a 9×13 inch baking dish or a similar size. Arrange the cooked shrimp on top of the pasta, distributing them evenly across the surface.
Step 9: Add Cheese: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the pasta and shrimp, followed by the shredded mozzarella cheese. The Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty flavor, while the mozzarella cheese melts beautifully and creates a gooey, cheesy topping.
Step 10: Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on the dish to prevent the cheese from burning.
Step 11: Garnish and Serve: Remove the pasta bake from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before garnishing with chopped fresh parsley. The parsley adds a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve immediately while the dish is hot and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
COOKING Rating:
Easy to Medium
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve as a main course with a side salad or crusty bread.
- Pair with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
- Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes for added flavor.
- Serve with roasted vegetables such as asparagus or broccoli.
- Consider a light dessert like lemon sorbet or a simple fruit salad to complete the meal.
Tips:
- Use fresh, high-quality shrimp for the best flavor.
- Don’t overcook the shrimp, as they will become rubbery.
- Cook the pasta al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
- Use dry white wine or chicken broth.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your preference.
- Assemble the pasta bake ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake.
- Add vegetables to the sauce for added nutrition and flavor.
- Substitute different types of cheese, such as provolone or fontina.
- Toast the breadcrumbs in a pan with melted butter until golden brown.
Prep Time:
20 minutes
Cook Time:
30 minutes
Total Time:
50 minutes
Nutritional Information: (Approximate, may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes)
- Calories: 650-750 per serving
- Protein: 40-50g per serving
- Sodium: 800-1000mg per serving
Conclusion
This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is a delightful combination of classic flavors and comforting textures. It’s an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The creamy sauce, tender shrimp, and bubbly cheese create a symphony of flavors that will leave you wanting more. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite. The ability to customize the ingredients and make it ahead of time adds to its appeal, making it a versatile dish for busy weeknights or special gatherings. Enjoy the deliciousness of this Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake and share it with your loved ones.
Questions and Answers:
- Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
- Yes, you can definitely use frozen shrimp. Make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture, which will help them brown nicely in the skillet.
- What if I don’t have white wine? Can I substitute something else?
- Absolutely! Chicken broth is an excellent substitute for white wine in this recipe. It will still provide the necessary moisture and add a savory flavor to the sauce. You can also use vegetable broth or clam juice if you prefer.
- Can I add vegetables to this pasta bake?
- Yes, you can absolutely add vegetables to the pasta bake to increase its nutritional value and flavor. Some great options include spinach, asparagus, cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, or bell peppers. Add the vegetables to the skillet along with the garlic and sauté them until they are tender-crisp.
- Can I make this pasta bake ahead of time?
- Yes, this pasta bake is perfect for making ahead of time. Assemble the entire dish, including adding the cheese, and then cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, remove the plastic wrap and bake as directed. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if the dish is cold from the refrigerator.
- Can I freeze this pasta bake?
- Yes, you can freeze the baked or unbaked pasta bake. Cook the pasta according to the instructions, let it cool completely, cover tightly with freezer-safe wrap, and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then bake until heated through and cheese is melted (if unbaked).
