Irresistible Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe – 30 Minutes

Shrimp scampi pasta bake is the kind of dish that makes your taste buds do a happy dance. Imagine plump, juicy shrimp nestled in creamy pasta, all topped with a crispy, golden-brown cheese layer. With its delightful flavors and comforting textures, this dish can transform any ordinary evening into a gourmet experience.

This recipe holds a special place in my heart, as it reminds me of family gatherings where laughter filled the air and delicious aromas wafted through the kitchen. It’s perfect for cozy dinners or impressing guests at your next soirée. Get ready for an unforgettable flavor adventure that will have everyone asking for seconds!

It was during one of those family gatherings that I first made this dish. My uncle declared it “life-changing,” which still gives me warm fuzzies.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Large Shrimp: Opt for fresh or frozen shrimp; both work well but ensure they’re peeled and deveined for easy cooking.

• Pasta: Use medium shells or penne; they hold sauces beautifully and provide great texture.

• Garlic: Fresh garlic is a must for that aromatic punch; minced cloves release the best flavors.

• Butter: Choose unsalted butter to control the salt levels and enhance the sauce’s richness.

• Heavy Cream: Adds creaminess to the sauce; substitute with half-and-half if you’re looking to lighten things up.

• Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds depth and nuttiness; freshly grated is always better than pre-packaged.

• Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley brightens the dish; don’t skip it for added freshness and color.

• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice balances the richness; it’s like sunshine on your plate!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Prepare Your Oven and Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a large baking dish with cooking spray to ensure nothing sticks when you dig in.

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, boil salted water and cook your pasta until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside, allowing some steam to escape.

Sauté the Shrimp and Garlic: In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute), then toss in shrimp until they turn pink—this should take about 3-5 minutes.

Create the Creamy Sauce: Pour in heavy cream along with lemon juice and stir everything together. As it simmers gently on low heat, sprinkle in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and bubbly.

Combine Everything Together: In your greased baking dish, combine cooked pasta, shrimp mixture, and chopped parsley. Mix well so each pasta shell gets coated with that luscious sauce.

Add Toppings and Bake: Sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese on top for that perfect golden crust. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and lightly browned around the edges.

With every step of this process, you’ll notice how your kitchen begins to fill with mouthwatering scents that are simply irresistible!

Now you’ve got yourself a hearty shrimp scampi pasta bake that’s not just delicious but also packed with love! Enjoy serving this dish at your next gathering or as a comforting solo dinner—the choice is yours!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by cooking the pasta al dente, then sauté the shrimp with garlic while preparing the creamy sauce. Combine everything in a baking dish, top with cheese, and bake until bubbly for perfect results.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap regular pasta for whole wheat or gluten-free options. You can also add vegetables like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor 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 heated through for best results.

Sharing this recipe always reminds me of my cousin’s wedding where this dish stole the show; everyone was asking for seconds! It’s hard not to get attached when every bite brings back those joyful memories.

FAQ

Can I use frozen shrimp in Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake?

Yes, but thaw them completely and pat dry for best results.

What type of pasta works best?

Any pasta shape you prefer will work well, but long pasta holds sauce beautifully.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble it and refrigerate before baking; just add extra time when baking.

Print

Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

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• Author: Ethan Brooks
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6

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Description

Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is a delightful dish that brings together succulent shrimp, creamy pasta, and a golden cheese crust for an unforgettable meal. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners, this recipe combines rich flavors with comforting textures that will make everyone come back for seconds. Easy to prepare and visually appealing, it’s sure to impress guests at any occasion.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 8 oz medium shells or penne pasta
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for topping)
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped)
• Juice of 1 lemon

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a large baking dish.
2. Cook pasta in salted water until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
3. In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat, add garlic and sauté until fragrant. Add shrimp and cook until pink, about 3-5 minutes.
4. Stir in heavy cream and lemon juice, then add Parmesan cheese until melted.
5. Combine cooked pasta with the shrimp mixture and parsley in the baking dish.
6. Top with additional Parmesan cheese and bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 440
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 650mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 23g
• Cholesterol: 150mg

Keywords: For added nutrition, consider mixing in vegetables like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes. You can substitute regular pasta for whole wheat or gluten-free options. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days; reheat at 350°F until warmed through.