Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake—a luscious combination of tender shrimp, garlic-infused cream sauce, and gooey melted cheese. Perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests, this dish brings restaurant-quality flavor to your table with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy – Ready in under 45 minutes!
- Rich & Decadent – Creamy, garlicky, and cheesy perfection.
- Versatile – Swap shrimp for chicken or add veggies like spinach.
- Crowd-Pleasing – A guaranteed hit for family dinners and gatherings.
Ingredients Breakdown:
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Linguine or Spaghetti (12 oz) – A sturdy pasta that holds the creamy sauce well.
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Large Shrimp (1 lb, peeled and deveined) – The star protein, tender and full of flavor.
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Butter (4 tbsp) – Adds richness and helps carry the garlic flavor.
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Garlic (4 cloves, minced) – Essential for that bold, scampi-style base.
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Red Pepper Flakes (1/4 tsp) – A subtle kick of heat to balance the creamy sauce.
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White Wine or Chicken Broth (1/2 cup) – Deglazes the pan and builds depth in the sauce.
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Lemon (juice and zest of 1) – Adds brightness and enhances the seafood flavors.
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Heavy Cream (1 cup) – Creates the luxurious creamy base for the bake.
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Parmesan Cheese (1/2 cup, grated) – Adds savory, nutty depth and helps thicken the sauce.
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Mozzarella Cheese (1 cup, shredded) – Melts beautifully for that gooey, cheesy topping.
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Salt and Pepper (to taste) – Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors.
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Fresh Parsley (2 tbsp, chopped) – A fresh, herby garnish to finish the dish.
Tips and Tricks
- Don’t Overcook Shrimp – They’ll finish baking in the oven.
- Al Dente Pasta – Slightly undercook pasta to avoid mushiness after baking.
- Fresh Lemon Zest – Brightens the dish more than bottled juice.
Variations and Customizations
- Protein Swap – Use chicken, scallops, or even lobster.
- Vegetable Add-Ins – Spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes.
- Gluten-Free – Substitute gluten-free pasta.
- Spicier Kick – Increase red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
Pairing Suggestions
- Garlic Bread – Perfect for soaking up extra sauce.
- Crisp White Wine – Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the flavors.
- Simple Salad – A light arugula salad balances the richness.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate – Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat – Warm in the oven at 350°F or microwave with a splash of cream.
- Freeze – Not recommended (cream sauces may separate).
Popular Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.
What if I don’t have white wine?
Chicken broth works, but wine adds depth.
Can I prep this ahead?
Assemble (unbaked) and refrigerate up to 1 day before baking