Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

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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:

• Linguine or Spaghetti (12 oz) – A sturdy pasta that holds the creamy sauce well.

• Large Shrimp (1 lb, peeled and deveined) – The star protein, tender and full of flavor.

• Butter (4 tbsp) – Adds richness and helps carry the garlic flavor.

• Garlic (4 cloves, minced) – Essential for that bold, scampi-style base.

• Red Pepper Flakes (1/4 tsp) – A subtle kick of heat to balance the creamy sauce.

• White Wine or Chicken Broth (1/2 cup) – Deglazes the pan and builds depth in the sauce.

• Lemon (juice and zest of 1) – Adds brightness and enhances the seafood flavors.

• Heavy Cream (1 cup) – Creates the luxurious creamy base for the bake.

• Parmesan Cheese (1/2 cup, grated) – Adds savory, nutty depth and helps thicken the sauce.

• Mozzarella Cheese (1 cup, shredded) – Melts beautifully for that gooey, cheesy topping.

• Salt and Pepper (to taste) – Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors.

• 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

Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

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• Author: easysweetmeal
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake brings all the zesty, garlicky flavors of classic shrimp scampi into a rich, creamy, and cheesy baked pasta dish. Perfectly cooked shrimp sit atop a bed of lemon-infused linguine tossed in a velvety sauce, all finished with a golden layer of melted cheese—comfort food meets coastal flair!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 12 oz linguine or spaghetti
• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled & deveined
• 4 tbsp butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
• ½ cup white wine or chicken broth
• 1 lemon (juiced & zested)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Salt & pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven – Set to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook Pasta – Boil linguine until al dente, then drain and set aside.
3. Sauté Garlic & Shrimp – In a skillet, melt butter, then cook garlic and red pepper flakes until fragrant. Add shrimp and cook until pink (3-4 min). Remove shrimp.
4. Deglaze & Simmer Sauce – Pour in wine (or broth), scraping up browned bits. Stir in lemon juice, zest, and heavy cream. Simmer 2-3 min.
5. Combine Pasta & Sauce – Toss cooked pasta in the sauce, seasoning with salt and pepper.
6. Assemble Bake – Transfer pasta to baking dish, top with shrimp, then sprinkle Parmesan and mozzarella.
7. Bake Until Bubbly – Bake 15-20 min until cheese is melted and golden.
8. Garnish & Serve – Sprinkle with fresh parsley and enjoy!

Notes

For the best texture, serve immediately while the cheese is gooey. Leftovers taste great reheated with a drizzle of olive oil.

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• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

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