Description

This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake combines tender linguine with succulent shrimp in a creamy, garlicky sauce topped with melted Parmesan and mozzarella cheese. Baked to bubbly perfection, it’s a comforting and elegant meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for family dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

12 oz linguine or spaghetti

Shrimp and Aromatics

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
4 tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Sauce

1/2 cup white wine (or chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version)
1 lemon, juiced and zested
1 cup heavy cream

Cheese and Garnishes

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Seasoning

Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking when you finish preparing the pasta and sauce.
Cook the Pasta: Boil the linguine or spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to be combined later with the sauce.
Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant to build the base flavor of the sauce.
Cook the Shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside to prevent overcooking.
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, then add lemon juice, lemon zest, and heavy cream. Stir well and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer to thicken slightly.
Toss the Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce and toss to coat evenly. Season with salt and pepper to taste to balance the flavors.
Assemble and Bake: Transfer the pasta and sauce mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange the cooked shrimp on top, then sprinkle the grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella cheese over everything.
Bake to Perfection: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbly, signaling a perfectly melded dish.
Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a bright finish, and serve immediately while warm and comforting.

Notes

Make it Spicier – Add extra red pepper flakes for more heat.
Use Different Cheese – Try Gruyère, Asiago, or Fontina for a unique flavor twist.
Add Veggies – Spinach, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms can be stirred into the pasta before baking for added nutrition.
Protein Swap – Substitute shrimp with chicken, scallops, or salmon for variation.
Gluten-Free Option – Use gluten-free pasta to make the dish suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
Storage – Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating – Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes.

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

Keywords: shrimp pasta bake, shrimp scampi, baked pasta, creamy shrimp pasta, garlic butter shrimp, cheesy pasta bake, comfort food, easy dinner