Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

At its core, shrimp scampi is a beloved seafood dish that features shrimp sautéed in a luxurious garlic butter sauce, often enhanced with white wine, lemon juice, and a variety of herbs. Traditionally served over pasta or with crusty bread, the dish has its roots in Italian cuisine, where it embodies the essence of simplicity and flavor. The term "scampi" actually refers to the method of cooking rather than the shrimp itself; it describes the style in which the shrimp is prepared, typically involving quick cooking in a rich sauce.

Indulge in the delightful flavors of Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake, a perfect blend of succulent shrimp, creamy sauces, and baked pasta that’s sure to impress at family dinners or casual gatherings. This guide walks you through selecting quality ingredients, preparing the dish, and balancing flavors for maximum enjoyment. With detailed instructions and tips, you’ll create a visually stunning centerpiece that tastes as good as it looks! Discover the joy of cooking this comforting classic today.

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Ingredients

12 oz (340g) linguine or spaghetti

1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined

4 cloves garlic, finely minced

1/2 cup (120ml) dry white wine

1/4 cup (60ml) fresh lemon juice

1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter

1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream

1 cup (100g) shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 cup (15g) chopped fresh parsley, plus extra for garnish

1 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust based on your heat preference)

Salt and pepper, to taste

Zest of 1 lemon

1/2 cup (60g) breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Cook the Pasta: Fill a large pot with water, add a generous amount of salt, and bring to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add the linguine or spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

Sauté the Shrimp: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, stirring frequently until fragrant. Next, add the peeled shrimp, red pepper flakes, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp are pink and fully cooked. Remove from heat to prevent overcooking.

Prepare the Sauce: Pour the dry white wine and fresh lemon juice into the skillet with the shrimp, stirring to combine. Reduce the heat to low and allow it to simmer for about 2-3 minutes. Then, pour in the heavy cream, stirring until the mixture is well combined. Add in the lemon zest, and taste to adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary.

Combine Pasta and Shrimp: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta and the shrimp mixture. Toss gently to ensure that the pasta is well coated in the creamy sauce. Fold in the chopped parsley and half of both the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, mixing well.

Transfer to Baking Dish: Spray a 9x13 inch (23x33 cm) baking dish with non-stick cooking spray or lightly grease it with butter. Pour the pasta and shrimp mixture into the baking dish, spreading it out evenly to form an even layer.

Add Cheese and Breadcrumbs: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the pasta mixture. For added crunch, you can sprinkle the breadcrumbs on top if desired.

Bake: Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown.

Serve and Enjoy: Once out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish the pasta bake with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley before serving. Dive into the deliciousness of your Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake!

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 minutes | 45 minutes | Serves 6