The rich aroma of garlic and buttery goodness wafts through the air as you imagine diving into a warm bowl of Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake. Picture perfectly cooked pasta enveloped in a creamy sauce, tender shrimp nestled within it like little treasures waiting to be discovered by your fork. This dish is the culinary equivalent of wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket on a chilly evening.
I remember the first time I made this dish; my friends were over for movie night, and I thought I could impress them with my cooking skills. Little did I know that they would devour every last bite and forever consider me the “Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Guru.” Now, it’s our go-to for celebrations and casual hangouts alike!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This delightful Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights
- The explosion of flavors will have your taste buds dancing happily
- With its golden crust and creamy interior, it’s visually stunning and tastes like a gourmet meal
- Suitable for any occasion, this dish adapts beautifully whether it’s a cozy family dinner or an extravagant gathering with friends
I still chuckle at how my friends fought over the last spoonfuls of this dish—it was chaos!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Pasta: Use linguine or fettuccine for the best texture; fresh pasta elevates the dish even more.
- Shrimp: Opt for large, deveined shrimp; frozen works just fine but fresh is always a treat.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves add depth; don’t skimp on these little flavor bombs.
- Butter: Choose unsalted butter to control the saltiness; it creates that luxuriously creamy sauce.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is key here; pre-grated just doesn’t melt as beautifully!
- Heavy Cream: Adds richness to your sauce—feel free to use half-and-half if you want a lighter version.
- Breadcrumbs: Use panko for extra crunch on top; they give that satisfying texture contrast.
- Lemon Juice & Zest : For brightness—you’ll love how it lifts all the other flavors!
- Parsley: Fresh parsley not only adds color but also enhances flavor; it’s your final touch!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat Your Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Get your favorite baking dish ready by lightly greasing it with cooking spray or butter.
Cook the Pasta: Boil water in a large pot and cook pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside while you work on that heavenly sauce.
Sauté the Shrimp & Garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant—about 1 minute—then add shrimp until they turn pink and opaque.
Create the Creamy Sauce : Pour in heavy cream along with lemon juice and zest while stirring well; let this simmer gently until slightly thickened—about 3-4 minutes.
Combine Everything!: In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta with shrimp mixture and half of the Parmesan cheese. Mix thoroughly before transferring everything into your prepared baking dish.
Add Toppings & Bake!: Sprinkle remaining Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs evenly over your pasta bake. Pop it into the oven for about 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top.
Now you’re ready to bring out this gorgeous Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake! The moment you take that first bite—crispy topping giving way to creamy goodness—you’ll understand why this is an instant classic!
You Must Know
- Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake combines shrimp and pasta with garlic and butter, creating a deliciously creamy dish
- The golden, bubbly top adds an irresistible crunch, making it perfect for gatherings
- Plus, it’s a fantastic way to impress your friends without spending all day in the kitchen
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating the shrimp in garlic and lemon juice before cooking the pasta. This sequence ensures maximum flavor infusion while your pasta cooks to al dente perfection.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap shrimp for chicken or add veggies like spinach or bell peppers. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese can also elevate the dish to new heights of cheesiness.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftover Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F until warmed through for best results.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use high-quality shrimp for the best flavor; frozen is okay if thawed properly
- Be cautious not to overcook shrimp; they should be pink and firm
- Always taste before serving; a pinch of salt can elevate the whole dish
Cooking this dish reminds me of that one dinner party where I accidentally used way too much garlic. Instead of horrified faces, my friends just kept asking for more! It became a running joke that garlic was my secret ingredient.
FAQ
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, just make sure to thaw them properly before cooking.
What type of pasta works best with Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake?
Any pasta works well, but linguine or penne are particularly great choices.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick!
Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Indulge in this creamy Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake, featuring tender shrimp and al dente pasta enveloped in a rich garlic butter sauce and topped with a crispy breadcrumb crust.
Ingredients
- Linguine or fettuccine pasta
- Large deveined shrimp
- Fresh garlic cloves
- Unsalted butter
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Heavy cream
- Panko breadcrumbs
- Lemon juice and zest
- Fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
- Cook pasta in boiling water until al dente; drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant, then add shrimp until pink.
- Stir in heavy cream, lemon juice, and zest; simmer until slightly thickened.
- Combine cooked pasta with the shrimp mixture and half of the Parmesan cheese; mix well.
- Transfer to the prepared baking dish, top with remaining Parmesan and breadcrumbs, then bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Seafood
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 180mg