Description
A delicious Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake featuring tender shrimp sautéed with garlic and red pepper flakes, tossed in a creamy lemon-infused sauce, and baked with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese for a bubbly, golden finish. This comforting dish combines the bright flavors of scampi with the ease of a baked pasta casserole, perfect for a family dinner in just 35 minutes.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz linguine or spaghetti
Shrimp and Aromatics
- 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Sauce
- 1/2 cup white wine or chicken broth
- 1 lemon (juiced and zested)
- 1 cup heavy cream
Cheese and Garnish
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Seasoning
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the pasta dish.
- Cook Pasta: Prepare the linguine or spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the sauce and shrimp.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned, to infuse the butter with flavor.
- Cook Shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside to prevent overcooking.
- Prepare Sauce: Pour the white wine or chicken broth into the skillet, scraping the bottom to loosen any browned bits. Let the liquid simmer for about 2 minutes to reduce slightly and develop flavor.
- Combine Flavors: Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and heavy cream. Allow the sauce to come to a gentle simmer, blending all the flavors into a creamy, tangy base.
- Toss Pasta: Return the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss it thoroughly to coat every strand in the creamy lemon sauce. Season with salt and pepper to your taste.
- Assemble Dish: Transfer the sauced pasta into a large baking dish, spreading it evenly. Arrange the cooked shrimp evenly on top of the pasta.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella evenly over the shrimp and pasta to create a cheesy crust once baked.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden on top.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the pasta bake from the oven, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness, and serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the brightest flavor in the sauce.
- Substitute the white wine with chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version.
- Cook pasta just until al dente since it will finish cooking in the oven.
- Ensure shrimp are cooked until just opaque to avoid toughness after baking.
- Feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the top before baking for extra heat.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella for the best melting and flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American