Sometimes a dish comes along that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Imagine the buttery aroma of shrimp scampi wafting through your kitchen as you pull a bubbling casserole from the oven. The Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is not just food; it’s an experience that brings people together over shared laughter and delicious bites.
Picture this: It’s a chilly Friday night, and your friends are on their way over. You want something comforting yet impressive without spending all day in the kitchen. The thought of cheesy pasta mingling with succulent shrimp makes your heart race with anticipation. And trust me; your guests will be begging for seconds before the first round even hits the table.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake combines ease and flavor for an unforgettable meal
- The creamy sauce envelops every noodle and shrimp perfectly
- Its vibrant colors make it a feast for the eyes too!
- Perfect for serving at family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners
I’ll never forget the first time I made this dish for my family during our annual movie night. The look on my dad’s face when he took his first bite was priceless—like he’d just discovered gold in his bowl.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Pasta: Use any short pasta like penne or fusilli that can hold the sauce well.
- Shrimp: Opt for large, deveined shrimp for maximum flavor; fresh is best but frozen works too!
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic gives a strong flavor punch; don’t skimp on it!
- Butter: Use unsalted butter to control the saltiness; it adds richness to the dish.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated parmesan melts beautifully and enhances the overall flavor.
- Heavy Cream: For a luscious texture, heavy cream is essential; half-and-half can work in a pinch.
- Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice brightens up the dish and balances flavors wonderfully.
- Parsley: Chopped fresh parsley adds color and freshness as a garnish.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while you prepare your ingredients so everything is ready to go.
Cook Pasta: Boil salted water in a large pot and cook pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Sauté Shrimp: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter until bubbly, then add minced garlic until fragrant and golden—about 1 minute.
Combine Ingredients: Add shrimp to the skillet and sauté until pink—about 3-4 minutes. Pour in heavy cream and lemon juice while stirring gently.
Mix Everything Together: Combine cooked pasta with shrimp mixture in a large bowl and stir in parmesan cheese until well-coated.
Bake: Transfer everything into a greased baking dish. Top with additional parmesan cheese if you’re feeling cheesy! Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
Garnish & Serve: Remove from oven, sprinkle chopped parsley on top, serve hot! Watch as everyone dives into their plates like they’ve been stranded on an island!
Enjoy every bite of this decadent Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake—your taste buds will thank you!
You Must Know
- This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake not only delivers on flavor but also brings a comforting aroma that fills your kitchen
- The creamy texture will make you swoon, while the crispy topping adds a delightful crunch
- It’s a dish that effortlessly impresses without requiring culinary wizardry!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by cooking the pasta al dente, then sauté shrimp with garlic and butter before mixing everything in a baking dish for even flavor distribution.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap shrimp for scallops or add veggies like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra color and nutrition.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Chef's Helpful Tips
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- <p>When cooking shrimp, avoid overcooking by removing them from heat once they turn pink
- For creaminess, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream
- Experiment with different cheeses to find your perfect topping blend.</p>
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Creating this dish reminds me of a gathering where everyone was completely silent—just enjoying every bite of my Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake. That’s when I knew I had something special!
FAQ
Can I use frozen shrimp for Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake?
Yes, just ensure the shrimp are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking.
What type of pasta works best in this recipe?
Any short pasta like penne or fusilli holds sauce well and bakes beautifully.
How spicy can I make this Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake?
Add red pepper flakes to the shrimp while sautéing for a delightful kick!
Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is a creamy, flavorful casserole that combines succulent shrimp and cheesy pasta. Ideal for family dinners or gatherings, this dish is sure to impress.
Ingredients
- 8 oz short pasta (penne or fusilli)
- 1 lb large shrimp, deveined
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente; drain and set aside.
- In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant.
- Add shrimp to the skillet and cook until pink, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in heavy cream and lemon juice; combine with the pasta and half of the Parmesan.
- Transfer to a greased baking dish, top with remaining Parmesan, and bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until golden.
- Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
