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- 8 oz. linguine or penne pasta - 1 lb. large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes - Zest and juice of 1 lemon - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped - Salt and pepper to taste - Baking dish (9x13 inch) - Large pot for boiling pasta - Skillet for cooking shrimp - Mixing bowl - Additional spices (e.g., Italian seasoning) - Fresh herbs (e.g., basil or thyme) When making Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake, you’ll need key ingredients that pack flavor and comfort. Start with 8 oz. of pasta. You can use linguine or penne, based on your taste. I prefer linguine for its ability to hold the sauce well. Next, the star of the dish: 1 lb. of large shrimp. Ensure these are peeled and deveined for ease of eating. The shrimp will soak up the buttery, garlicky flavors, making each bite a delight. For the base, you’ll need 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter. This gives richness to the dish. The butter melts and mixes with 4 cloves of minced garlic. Garlic adds depth and aroma. A kick of heat comes from 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Adjust to your taste. If you like it spicy, add more! To brighten the dish, use the zest and juice of 1 lemon. This adds a nice zing. For creaminess, have 1 cup of heavy cream ready. It makes the dish rich and satisfying. You’ll also need 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. These cheeses create a gooey topping that everyone loves. Add 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes for a burst of freshness and color. Finally, sprinkle in 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley. This adds a pop of green and freshness. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste. Gather your recommended equipment: a 9x13 inch baking dish for baking, a large pot for boiling the pasta, a skillet for cooking the shrimp, and a mixing bowl for combining everything. You can also enhance flavors with optional ingredients. Consider adding Italian seasoning or fresh herbs like basil or thyme. These can elevate your dish even more! {{ingredient_image_2}} - Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). - Boil salted water and cook pasta until al dente. To start, you need a hot oven. This step ensures your pasta bake cooks evenly. While the oven heats, grab a large pot. Fill it with water, add salt, and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add your pasta. Cook the linguine or penne until it's al dente. This means it should be firm to the bite. After cooking, drain the pasta and let it cool a bit. - Melt butter and sauté garlic and red pepper flakes. - Add shrimp and cook until pink and opaque, seasoning as needed. Next, you’ll cook the shrimp. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté these for about 1-2 minutes. You want the garlic to smell great, not burn. Now, add the shrimp to the skillet. Cook them for 3-4 minutes, stirring often. The shrimp should turn pink and opaque. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper for flavor. - Stir in lemon juice, zest, and heavy cream. - Combine cooked pasta, shrimp mixture, tomatoes, and cheeses; transfer to baking dish. - Bake until cheese is melted and golden brown. Now comes the fun part! Stir in the fresh lemon juice, zest, and heavy cream with the shrimp. Mix it well and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes. This helps all the flavors blend. In a large bowl, combine your cooked pasta, the shrimp mixture, halved cherry tomatoes, and half of both cheeses. Gently toss everything together. Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Transfer the pasta mixture to it and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Now, pop the dish in your preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes. You want the cheese to melt and turn golden brown. Enjoy the wonderful aroma while it bakes! To make sure your shrimp scampi pasta bake cooks evenly, follow these tips: - Ensure even cooking and browning: Spread the pasta mixture evenly in the baking dish. This allows for uniform heat distribution. Watch the edges; they tend to brown faster. You can rotate the dish halfway through baking to help. - Letting the dish rest before serving: After baking, let the dish sit for about 5 minutes. This helps the layers set and makes serving easier. It also allows flavors to meld. Flavor is key in this dish. Here’s how to make it pop: - Balancing creamy and zesty elements: The heavy cream provides richness, while lemon juice gives a bright bite. Adjust these to find your perfect balance. Add more lemon or cream as needed. - Using high-quality ingredients: Fresh shrimp and good cheese can elevate your bake. The better your ingredients, the better the dish. Seek out fresh shrimp and real Parmesan for the best taste. What to serve with your shrimp scampi pasta bake? Here are some ideas: - Recommended side dishes or salads: A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette pairs well. Garlic bread also complements this dish nicely. - Wine pairings for shrimp scampi pasta bake: A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc is a great match. It enhances the flavors without overpowering them. Pro Tips Perfect Pasta: Be sure to cook the pasta al dente, as it will continue to cook while baking in the oven. Garlic Magic: Watch the garlic closely while sautéing; it should be fragrant but not browned, as burnt garlic can become bitter. Cheesy Goodness: For an extra cheesy topping, mix in some cream cheese or ricotta with your mozzarella before baking. Flavor Boost: Customize the seasoning by adding fresh herbs like basil or thyme for a unique twist on the classic flavor. {{image_4}} You can change the pasta type for fun. Try bowtie or spaghetti instead of linguine or penne. Each shape holds sauce differently, giving you new tastes. For seafood swaps, use scallops or crab if you want. These options add different flavors and textures. You could even mix shrimp with these seafood items for a medley. If you need gluten-free options, look for gluten-free pasta. Many brands make great substitutes that work well in this dish. Just cook them according to the package. For dairy-free options, replace the heavy cream with coconut cream or a nut milk. Use dairy-free cheese to keep the cheesy goodness while avoiding dairy. Seasonal vegetables can brighten your dish. In summer, add zucchini or bell peppers for freshness. In winter, consider using butternut squash or spinach for warmth. You can also adjust flavors based on the season. In summer, use fresh herbs like basil for a bright taste. In winter, add sage or thyme to deepen the dish's warmth. To keep your shrimp scampi pasta bake fresh, store leftovers right away. Place it in an airtight container. This helps keep flavors in and bacteria out. Refrigerate the dish within two hours of baking. Leftovers last about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. To reheat, use the oven or microwave. The oven is best for keeping the texture. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the pasta bake in a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes. For the microwave, heat in short bursts. Stir every minute to help it heat evenly. To refresh flavors, squeeze a bit of lemon juice on top before serving. You can freeze this dish before or after baking. If freezing before baking, wrap the dish tightly with plastic wrap and then foil. This prevents freezer burn. It can stay frozen for up to three months. To freeze after baking, let it cool completely. Store it in an airtight container. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it as described above. This ensures you enjoy your pasta bake just as much as the first time! You can tell shrimp is cooked when it turns pink and opaque. It should curl slightly. If it looks gray or transparent, it needs more time. Cooking shrimp takes about 3-4 minutes. Keep a close eye to avoid overcooking. Yes, you can prepare the dish in advance. Cook the pasta and shrimp mixture, then mix them together. Place everything in a baking dish, but don’t bake it. Cover and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready, just bake it as directed. This dish pairs well with many sides. Consider a fresh green salad for a light touch. Garlic bread also complements it nicely. For a heartier option, serve roasted vegetables or a creamy coleslaw. The spice level can be adjusted to your taste. The red pepper flakes add mild heat. You can use less or more to suit your preference. If you want no heat, skip the flakes altogether. Enjoy the creamy, lemony flavors without spice! This blog post covered the delicious shrimp scampi pasta bake, from ingredients to storage tips. We discussed key ingredients like shrimp, pasta, and creamy sauces, along with ways to enhance flavor. Properly cooking shrimp and pairing side dishes boost your meal. Remember, you can customize this dish for dietary needs or seasonal flavors. Follow the steps to create a tasty meal everyone will enjoy. Enjoy your cooking journey and share this recipe with others!

Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

A delicious baked pasta dish featuring shrimp, garlic, and a creamy cheese sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz linguine or penne pasta
  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 lemon zest and juice
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • to taste salt and pepper

Instructions
 

  • Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), ensuring it is hot enough to provide an even bake.
  • In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil to cook the pasta. Add the linguine or penne and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside to cool slightly.
  • While the pasta is cooking, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic along with the red pepper flakes. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant and slightly golden, but be careful not to burn it.
  • Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Cook the shrimp for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn pink and opaque. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Stir in the lemon juice and zest followed by the heavy cream. Mix thoroughly, allowing the mixture to come to a gentle simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes, which helps to meld the flavors.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shrimp mixture, halved cherry tomatoes, and half of both the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Gently toss until the ingredients are evenly combined.
  • Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish and transfer the pasta mixture into it, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese for a deliciously gooey topping.
  • Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the top is a beautiful golden brown.
  • Once baked, carefully remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. This will help set the dish and make serving easier. Before serving, garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Notes

Serve in individual bowls with a lemon wedge and parsley for garnish.
Keyword bake, cheese, garlic, pasta, shrimp