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
Scale
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
