Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake: A Comforting Twist on a Classic Favorite
If you love the rich, garlicky flavors of shrimp scampi and the comforting appeal of baked pasta, then Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is the perfect dish for you. This recipe combines tender shrimp, al dente pasta, and a buttery lemon-garlic sauce, all topped with melted cheese and baked to golden perfection. It’s an easy yet elegant meal that works just as well for a cozy night in as it does for impressing guests.
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
For the pasta and shrimp:
- 300g pasta (penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti broken in half)
- 400g raw shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the scampi sauce:
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 5 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or white grape juice (non-alcoholic option)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
For the topping:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional: breadcrumbs for extra crunch
🍳 Step-by-Step Method
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook until just al dente (slightly firm).
👉 Tip: Slightly undercook it since it will finish cooking in the oven.
Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Shrimp
Season the shrimp with salt and pepper. In a large pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
Cook the shrimp for about 1–2 minutes per side until they turn pink.
Remove from the pan and set aside.
👉 Don’t overcook them—they’ll bake later too.
3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same pan:
- Melt the butter with the remaining olive oil
- Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant
- Stir in red pepper flakes (if using)
Pour in the chicken broth (or juice) and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes. Then:
- Add lemon juice and zest
- Stir in the heavy cream
- Let the sauce simmer gently until slightly thickened
Finish by mixing in grated Parmesan and chopped parsley.
Please Head On keep on Reading (>)
No Responses Yet