Baked shrimp scampi pasta topped with cheese and herbs in a casserole dish.

Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

by
Jump to Recipe

Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake: A Cozy Culinary Embrace

Ah, there’s something so comforting about a creamy Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake, don’t you think? The rich aroma of garlic mingling with the gentle surf of buttery shrimp as it bubbles in the oven brings me back to family gatherings where laughter fills the air and warm, inviting dishes grace the table. This recipe encapsulates the warmth of home and the joy of togetherness, lovingly cradling al dente pasta and a velvety sauce that sings with zesty lemon and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Perfect for a cozy home-cooked easy weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends, this dish is effortlessly delightful and sure to please everyone at the table. Trust me; this is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • It’s incredibly quick and easy to prepare, making it a perfect choice for a busy weeknight dinner.
  • The dish is creamy and indulgent, offering a comforting flavor profile that everyone will adore.
  • Packed with fresh ingredients, it feels wholesome yet indulgent, ideal for a family gathering or special occasion.
  • It’s a crowd-pleaser that combines the beloved flavors of shrimp scampi with the fun of a pasta bake.
  • You can make it ahead of time and simply pop it in the oven when ready to serve.

What You’ll Need

To create this cozy Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake, gather the following simple ingredients:

  • 8 oz pasta (e.g., penne or fusilli)
  • 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 lemon, juiced and zested
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Chopped parsley for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s Make It Together, shall we? Follow these simple steps to whip up this heartwarming dish:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain.
  3. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté until fragrant, creating a delightful aroma.
  4. Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook until they turn a beautiful pink.
  5. Stir in the heavy cream, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and pepper, letting those flavors dance together.
  6. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shrimp mixture, and half of the Parmesan cheese, stirring gently.
  7. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, and top with the remaining Parmesan and mozzarella cheese for that bubbly finish.
  8. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly, filling your home with a mouthwatering scent.
  9. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving, adding a touch of freshness to your cozy bake.

Delicious Variations to Try

Once you’ve mastered the classic Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake, feel free to get creative! Here are a few fun ways to customize it:

  • Add Veggies: Toss in some spinach or cherry tomatoes for a zesty kick and vibrant color.
  • Spice It Up: Add a dash of crushed red pepper flakes for a delightful heat that elevates the dish.
  • Different Proteins: Swap shrimp for scallops or even grilled chicken for a different flavor profile.
  • Herb Infusion: Experiment with fresh herbs like basil or thyme to infuse an aromatic freshness into the bake.

Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips

To ensure your Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake turns out perfect every time, keep these helpful tips in mind:

  • Make-Ahead: Prepare the dish a day in advance, cover it tightly, and store it in the fridge. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to enjoy!
  • Ingredient Swaps: If you’re out of heavy cream, substitute it with half-and-half for a lighter sauce.
  • Perfect Pasta: Avoid overcooking the pasta since it will continue to cook a little while baking.
  • Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container. They should last up to 3 days in the fridge.

What’s Inside – Nutrition Breakdown

For those mindful of their meals, here’s the nutrition information per serving:

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 470
  • Carbs: 33g
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Fat: 29g
  • Protein: 23g
  • Sodium: 680mg

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Can I make this ahead? Absolutely! You can prepare it a day in advance and bake it when ready to serve.

  2. Can I use different ingredients? Yes! Feel free to substitute shrimp with other proteins or add different veggies based on your preference.

  3. How do I store leftovers? Store leftover pasta bake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

  4. How long does it last? This dish stays fresh in the refrigerator for about 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.

Wrapping It Up

As you savor each creamy, zesty bite of this Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake, I hope it wraps you in a warm blanket of flavor, much like the cherished recipes of our families. It’s a dish that brings people together, creating new memories around the table while celebrating the simplicity of good food. So don’t forget to save this Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake to your Pinterest board so it’s ready when you need a cozy treat! Happy cooking, my friends!

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

  • Author: Chef Emma
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Seafood
Save Recipe

Description

A creamy Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake that combines rich garlic, buttery shrimp, and al dente pasta, perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or family gathering.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz pasta (e.g., penne or fusilli)
  • 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 lemon, juiced and zested
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain.
  3. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté until fragrant.
  4. Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook until they turn a pink color.
  5. Stir in the heavy cream, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
  6. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shrimp mixture, and half of the Parmesan cheese, stirring gently.
  7. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, topping with the remaining Parmesan and mozzarella cheese.
  8. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
  9. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

Make the dish a day ahead and refrigerate for easy preparation. You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half if needed.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 470
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 680mg
  • Fat: 29g
  • Saturated Fat: 14g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 33g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 23g
  • Cholesterol: 150mg

Keywords: shrimp scampi, pasta bake, cozy dinner, seafood recipe, family meal

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!

Leave a Comment

Recipe rating ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆