Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe
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If you’re craving a dinner that’s bursting with buttery, garlicky goodness and the sweet, tender pop of shrimp, you’ve got to try this Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe. It takes the classic shrimp scampi flavors you love and wraps them in a cozy, cheesy pasta bake that’s perfect for family meals or impressing guests. Imagine tender shrimp nestled in perfectly cooked pasta, all bathed in a rich lemon-butter sauce, topped with golden parmesan and fresh parsley—the ultimate comfort food that’s surprisingly simple to make.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient here is carefully chosen to create a beautiful balance of bright, savory, and creamy notes in your shrimp scampi pasta bake. These essentials come together to build layers of flavor, texture, and color that’ll make every bite unforgettable.
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined: The star of the dish, tender and juicy, delivering that satisfying seafood sweetness.
- 12 oz short pasta (penne, rotini, or ziti): Holds onto the sauce perfectly and offers a great bite for baking.
- 4 tbsp butter: Adds richness and carries the garlic and lemon flavors beautifully throughout the dish.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic is essential for that signature scampi flavor, sautéed to golden perfection.
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice: Brightens everything up with a tangy kick that balances the buttery richness.
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese: Melts into a golden crust, adding salty, nutty notes and a luscious texture.
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped: Sprinkle on top for a fresh, herbal finish and a pop of green color.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Simple seasonings that elevate and tie all the flavors together.
How to Make Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pasta
Start by preheating the oven to 375°F (190°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish to keep everything from sticking while ensuring a crispy edge on your bake. Meanwhile, cook your chosen short pasta according to the package directions. Drain it well and set it aside so it’s ready to absorb the sauce without getting mushy.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic and Shrimp
Grab a large skillet and melt the butter over medium heat until it’s bubbly. Add in the minced garlic and sauté gently until it turns golden and fills your kitchen with that irresistible aroma—just about 1 to 2 minutes. Then, toss in the shrimp and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until they turn beautifully pink and firm. This quick cooking locks in their juicy texture.
Step 3: Add Lemon and Seasonings
Once the shrimp are perfectly cooked, stir in fresh lemon juice to brighten all those buttery, garlicky flavors. Season generously with salt and pepper to balance the dish and make every bite sing. This step is where your pasta bake starts to really come alive with vibrant flavor.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Shrimp Mixture
Now, add the drained pasta right into the skillet with the shrimp and sauce. Toss everything together so the pasta is thoroughly coated in the luscious lemon-butter sauce. This ensures that every forkful is packed with deliciousness and that no bite feels dry or one-dimensional.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Transfer this dreamy shrimp and pasta combo into your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the grated parmesan generously over the top. Pop it into the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbling, and starting to turn a gorgeous golden brown. This final bake melts everything together and adds a wonderful crust, making the dish irresistible.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Remove your Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe from the oven and immediately sprinkle with fresh, chopped parsley. The green herb adds a bright contrast in both color and flavor, making each portion visually inviting and tastefully fresh.
How to Serve Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe
Garnishes
Don’t underestimate the power of finishing touches. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or even a little extra grated parmesan adds a burst of freshness and a touch of saltiness on top, elevating the dish beautifully. Some zest of lemon or cracked black pepper on top can also bring out the best in every mouthful.
Side Dishes
This pasta bake pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads—think arugula with a lemon vinaigrette or a simple Caesar salad. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette are also perfect companions, letting you soak up every last bit of the buttery sauce. For veggies, roasted asparagus or steamed broccoli add vibrant satisfaction and balance.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to wow a crowd? Serve the Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe in individual ramekins for a pretty presentation, or place it in a nice casserole dish right at the table to create a warm, family-style atmosphere. For a festive touch, add edible flowers or serve with a lemon wedge on the side to brighten up the plate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of this Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe are a dream for next-day meals. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen after resting, making your second helping just as delicious.
Freezing
You can freeze portions of this pasta bake for up to 2 months. Just cool it completely, then cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
For best results, reheat leftovers gently in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and bubbly again. You can also microwave portions, but stirring occasionally helps maintain that creamy texture without drying out the shrimp or pasta.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp in this Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking to prevent excess moisture and ensure the shrimp cook evenly and stay flavorful.
What type of pasta works best for this bake?
Short pastas like penne, rotini, or ziti are ideal because they hold the buttery, garlicky sauce so well and bake into a lovely texture that isn’t mushy or watery.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute the regular pasta with your favorite gluten-free variety. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this recipe very adaptable.
Is it possible to add other seafood or vegetables?
Definitely. Scallops or chunks of white fish can be a delicious alternative or addition to shrimp. Vegetables like spinach, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers can also be stirred in before baking for extra nutrition and flavor.
How do I prevent the shrimp from overcooking?
Cook the shrimp just until they turn opaque and pink, usually 3 to 4 minutes. Since they’ll go into the oven to bake with the pasta, slightly undercooking them in the skillet helps keep them tender and juicy after baking.
Final Thoughts
This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe is such a joy to make and even more of a joy to eat. It’s quick, packed with flavor, and perfect for any night when you want something comforting yet special. I highly encourage you to try it out—you might just find your new favorite weeknight dinner that feels fancy but comes together in a flash!
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Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake combines succulent shrimp sautéed in a garlicky butter sauce with tender pasta, baked to perfection with a crispy parmesan topping. A quick and comforting 35-minute meal perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 12 oz short pasta (such as penne, rotini, or ziti)
- 4 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and prepare for baking.
- Cook Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to be combined later.
- Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until golden and fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
- Cook Shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn pink and are fully cooked through.
- Add Lemon and Season: Stir in fresh lemon juice, then season the shrimp mixture with salt and pepper to taste, balancing the flavors.
- Toss Pasta with Shrimp: Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet and toss to thoroughly coat the pasta with the buttery garlic shrimp sauce.
- Assemble Bake: Transfer the shrimp and pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish evenly. Sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until the top is golden brown and the dish is hot and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top before serving to add freshness and color.
Notes
- Use any short pasta shape like penne, rotini, or ziti for the best texture and sauce adherence.
- Do not overcook the shrimp during sautéing to keep them tender and juicy.
- For a spicier version, add crushed red pepper flakes with the garlic in step 3.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Grated parmesan cheese can be substituted with Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
