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Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 135 reviews

This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake combines tender shrimp with a creamy garlic butter sauce, baked to perfection with a cheesy crust. It’s a comforting, flavorful dish perfect for a family dinner or entertaining, featuring al dente pasta smothered in rich Parmesan and mozzarella cheese with a hint of red pepper flakes for gentle heat.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 8 oz pasta (penne or fusilli works best)

Shrimp and Sauce

  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cheese

  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Garnish

  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Grease Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking during baking.
  2. Cook Pasta: Prepare the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside to prevent overcooking during baking.
  3. Sauté Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter, add minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes, sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant without burning the garlic.
  4. Cook Shrimp: Add shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until pink and fully cooked; season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Add Cream and Cheese: Pour in the heavy cream and half of the Parmesan cheese, stirring to combine; simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  6. Combine Pasta and Shrimp Mixture: In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta with the shrimp and sauce mixture ensuring even coating, then transfer into the prepared baking dish.
  7. Top with Cheese and Bake: Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan and all shredded mozzarella evenly over the top, then bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top.
  8. Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the pasta bake, and serve hot for cheesy, garlicky enjoyment.

Notes

  • Ensure not to overcook the pasta before baking; al dente is ideal since it will cook further in the oven.
  • You can adjust the red pepper flakes according to your heat preference or omit them if you prefer a milder dish.
  • Fresh parsley adds a nice color and fresh flavor, but you can substitute with basil or oregano if desired.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor as pre-grated cheese may not melt as smoothly.
  • This dish can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking; add an extra 5-10 minutes to baking time if baking from cold.

Keywords: Shrimp Scampi, Pasta Bake, Cheesy Shrimp Pasta, Garlic Butter Shrimp, Baked Pasta, Comfort Food

Find it online: https://foodbylina.com/shrimp-scampi-pasta-bake-recipe/