Description

This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is a comforting and flavorful dish that blends succulent shrimp with a creamy garlic and lemon sauce baked alongside tender pasta and melted cheeses. Perfect for seafood lovers seeking an easy, indulgent meal with a hint of spice and freshness from fresh parsley and lemon zest.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Shrimp

12 oz linguine or spaghetti
1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

Sauce

4 tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/2 cup white wine (or chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version)
1 lemon, juiced and zested
1 cup heavy cream

Cheese and Seasoning

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready for baking the pasta dish.
Cook the Pasta: Boil the linguine or spaghetti in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to brown the garlic.
Cook the Shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce: Pour white wine or chicken broth into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits for flavor. Let it simmer for 2 minutes. Add lemon juice, lemon zest, and heavy cream, stirring well. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
Toss the Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the creamy sauce. Toss thoroughly to coat all the pasta evenly. Season with salt and pepper to your taste.
Assemble and Bake: Transfer the pasta and sauce mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange the cooked shrimp evenly on top. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella cheeses over the pasta and shrimp.
Bake to Perfection: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden on top.
Garnish and Serve: Remove the baking dish from the oven. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for color and freshness. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.

Notes

Make it spicier by increasing the red pepper flakes.
Try different cheeses like Gruyère, Asiago, or Fontina for a unique flavor.
Add vegetables such as spinach, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms to boost nutrition.
Substitute shrimp with chicken, scallops, or salmon as preferred.
Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheat in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes or microwave for 1-2 minutes for convenience.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian-American

Keywords: Shrimp Scampi, Pasta Bake, Creamy Shrimp Pasta, Baked Shrimp Pasta, Seafood Pasta Casserole, Garlic Butter Shrimp, Easy Dinner Recipe, Comfort Food