Cheesy Shrimp Scampi Bake: A Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Dish

3. Prepare the Shrimp Scampi

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, add the butter and olive oil.
2. Once the butter melts, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add the shrimp in a single layer, seasoning with salt and black pepper. Cook for 1–2 minutes per side, just until they turn pink and opaque.
4. Pour in the white wine (or chicken broth) and lemon juice. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly.
5. Remove the skillet from heat and stir in half of the chopped parsley.

4. Combine Pasta and Sauce

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the shrimp and garlic butter sauce.
• Stir in the cream and half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese until evenly mixed.
• If the mixture seems dry, add a little of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired creaminess.

5. Assemble the Bake

1. Transfer the shrimp and pasta mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly on top.
3. Optional: Mix breadcrumbs with a teaspoon of melted butter and sprinkle over the cheese for a crunchy topping.
4. Dust lightly with smoked paprika for added color and flavor.

6. Bake

• Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden on top.

7. Garnish and Serve

• Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes.
• Sprinkle the remaining fresh parsley over the top before serving.
• Serve warm, and enjoy the creamy, garlicky, cheesy goodness with your favorite side salad or crusty bread.

Tips for the Perfect Cheesy Shrimp Scampi Bake

• Shrimp Selection: Use fresh or high-quality frozen shrimp for the best flavor. Avoid overcooking, as they can become rubbery.
• Cheese Choices: Mix mozzarella with fontina or Gruyère for extra depth of flavor.
• Add Veggies: Spinach, cherry tomatoes, or peas can be folded in for added color and nutrition.
• Make Ahead: Prepare the shrimp and pasta mixture a day in advance and bake fresh when ready to serve.

Final Thoughts

The Cheesy Shrimp Scampi Bake combines indulgent, garlicky shrimp with creamy pasta and melted cheese for a dish that satisfies both the heart and the appetite. It’s elegant enough for dinner parties but comforting enough for weeknight meals. With its golden, bubbly top and rich, flavorful filling, this bake is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

If you want, I can also create a 30-minute quick version of this recipe that keeps all the flavor but speeds up the process for busy nights. Do you want me to do that?