Introduction to Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake
Hey there, fellow food lovers! Today, I’m excited to share a recipe that has quickly become my go-to weeknight miracle — Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake. Picture this: a creamy, garlicky dish baked to golden perfection, all in under 35 minutes! Whether you’re a busy mom juggling school pick-ups or a professional trying to squeeze in dinner prep, this easy recipe is perfect for you. It brings together the rich flavors of scampi with the comfort of pasta, making it a delightful dish that’ll impress your family or guests. Ready to give it a try?
Why You’ll Love This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake
This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is a triumph of flavor and convenience. It takes just 35 minutes from start to finish, so you can savor a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The best part? It’s a crowd-pleaser, with flavors that charm children and adults alike. Plus, you can customize it to fit your family’s tastes, ensuring everyone leaves the table happy. What’s not to love?
Ingredients for Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake
Gathering the ingredients for your Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is half the fun! Each component plays a pivotal role in creating this dreamy dish. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Linguine or Spaghetti: The star of our bake! Choose your favorite pasta that will soak up the delicious sauce.
- Shrimp: Fresh, juicy shrimp adds a delightful seafood flavor. Feel free to swap it out for chicken or veggies if seafood isn’t your thing!
- Unsalted Butter: This rich ingredient gives the dish its creamy base. Opt for unsalted, so you can control the saltiness.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic infuses your bake with aromatic goodness. You can use pre-minced garlic too, but fresh always wins!
- Red Pepper Flakes: These tiny flakes pack a flavorful punch! Adjust the amount to suit your heat preference.
- Dry White Wine: A splash of wine elevates the sauce and adds depth. If you prefer to skip it, chicken broth works wonders too!
- Lemon: Fresh lemon juice and zest brighten the dish, giving it a fresh zing. Don’t skip this vital step!
- Heavy Cream: This creates the luxurious, creamy texture that makes this dish irresistible.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan contributes a savory, nutty flavor. You could also use Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste.
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness. It’s an excellent way to balance the richness of the dish.
- Shredded Mozzarella: This gooey goodness creates a bubbly top layer for that delightful cheesy crust.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: These create a satisfying crunch on top. If you’re out, regular breadcrumbs work fine as an alternative.
- Olive Oil: A drizzle helps the breadcrumbs crisp up nicely. You might even try garlic-infused olive oil for an extra flavor boost!
- Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasoning to enhance flavor. Adjust to your taste for the perfect balance.
For exact measurements, check the end of the article where I’ve conveniently listed all ingredients for printing!
How to Make Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake
Now comes the best part — making your Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake! With a few simple steps, you’ll have a dish that not only fills your kitchen with an amazing aroma but also delights your taste buds. Let’s dive into the cooking process!
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures it’s nice and hot when it’s time to bake.
While it’s warming up, grab a baking dish and lightly grease it. Doing this will help your pasta bake slide out smoothly once it’s baked. You want the final reveal to be as glorious as possible!
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Next, boil a large pot of water, add a sprinkle of salt, and then toss in your linguine or spaghetti.
Cook it until it’s just al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes, depending on the package instructions. You want that perfect bite! Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside. A little drizzle of olive oil will prevent it from sticking.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic and Shrimp
Now it’s time to bring those flavors to life! In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter.
Add the minced garlic and the red pepper flakes. Cook for about 30 seconds until you can smell that amazing garlic aroma wafting through your kitchen. Then, add the shrimp seasoned with salt and pepper, cooking for about 2-3 minutes until they turn a lovely pink. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.
Step 4: Create the Sauce
In the same skillet, pour in the dry white wine, scraping up any tasty bits that clung to the bottom of the pan. This is where the magic happens!
Let the wine simmer for about 2 minutes, then add the lemon juice and zest, followed by the heavy cream. Stir everything together and allow it to simmer for another 2 minutes. This sauce will be the luscious foundation of your Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake.
Step 5: Combine and Bake
It’s time to bring everything together. Stir the Parmesan cheese into the creamy sauce and then return the cooked shrimp to the skillet.
Add the drained pasta and chopped parsley, mixing gently until it’s all well combined. Carefully transfer this beautiful mixture into your prepped baking dish.
In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with a drizzle of olive oil, then sprinkle this crunchy topping over the pasta bake. Lastly, add shredded mozzarella for that golden, bubbly finish.
Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbling. The anticipation will be real! Serve it warm, and prepare for a chorus of “Yum!” from everyone at the table.
Tips for Success
- Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor; frozen can work too, just thaw completely.
- Don’t overcook the pasta; it will continue to cook in the oven.
- Feel free to taste the sauce before adding salt and pepper, adjusting as needed.
- For even more flavor, let the wine simmer a bit longer.
- Try adding veggies like spinach or cherry tomatoes for added nutrition!
Equipment Needed
- Large Pot: For boiling pasta. A deep skillet can also work.
- Large Skillet: For sautéing garlic and shrimp. A non-stick skillet is ideal.
- Baking Dish: Any size will do! Glass or ceramic works beautifully.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Essential for accurate ingredient measuring. Use your regular kitchen utensils if you lack these.
- Wooden Spoon: Perfect for stirring and combining ingredients. A spatula can substitute too!
Variations of Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake
- Seafood Medley: Combine shrimp with scallops and mussels for a luxurious seafood experience!
- Vegetarian Option: Swap shrimp for roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian bake.
- Gluten-Free Delight: Use gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary needs without sacrificing flavor.
- Cheesy Variation: Mix in some goat cheese or cream cheese for an extra creamy texture that will have everyone asking for seconds.
- Herb-Infused: Experiment with fresh herbs like basil or thyme for a garden-fresh flavor that elevates your dish.
Serving Suggestions for Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake
- Garden Salad: Pair with a crisp garden salad drizzled with lemon vinaigrette for freshness.
- Breadsticks: Serve warm garlic breadsticks alongside for sopping up that delicious sauce!
- White Wine: A glass of chilled white wine complements the buttery flavors beautifully.
- Garnish: Finish with additional chopped parsley or a sprinkle of lemon zest for a visual pop.
- Family Style: Serve the pasta bake directly from the dish for a cozy presentation.
FAQs about Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake
As you embark on your culinary journey with Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake, you might have a few questions. Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered! Here are some common inquiries that pop up:
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen shrimp can be a convenient option. Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking. This ensures they sauté nicely and don’t release excess water into your dish.
What if I don’t have white wine on hand?
No problem at all! If you don’t have dry white wine, you can substitute it with chicken or vegetable broth. This will still add depth and flavor to your sauce without the alcohol!
Can I prepare the Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake in advance?
Yes! This is one of the beauties of this dish. You can assemble it ahead of time, cover it, and refrigerate. Just pop it in the oven when ready to bake, possibly adding a few extra minutes for cooking time.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Good question! The Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake can be made gluten-free by simply using gluten-free pasta. Everyone can enjoy a delicious meal together!
How can I make this dish spicier?
If you love a kick, consider increasing the amount of red pepper flakes. You can also add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for an extra punch. Spice preference varies, so add it according to your taste!
Final Thoughts
As you gather around the table to enjoy your Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake, I hope you feel the warmth of homemade goodness wrapping around you like a cozy hug. This dish isn’t just about satisfying hunger; it’s about creating memories with loved ones. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone or simply sharing a meal after a long day, this recipe brings joy and comfort to each bite. I can’t wait for you to experience the smiles and second helpings this delightful bake inspires. So, let’s get cooking and bring a little extra love into your kitchen!
Print
Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A delightful Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake that’s rich in flavor and easy to make!
Ingredients
- 12 oz linguine or spaghetti
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tbsp butter. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 2-3 minutes until pink. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Pour white wine into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits. Let simmer for 2 minutes.
- Add lemon juice, zest, and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Simmer for another 2 minutes.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese, then return shrimp to the pan. Mix in cooked pasta and chopped parsley.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.
- In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with olive oil. Sprinkle mozzarella and panko mixture over the pasta.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown and bubbly. Serve warm.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes for desired heat level.
- Can substitute shrimp with other seafood, if preferred.
- For a lighter version, use less butter and cream.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 860mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
