The aroma of garlic, butter, and tender shrimp wafting through the kitchen can make anyone weak at the knees. Now imagine all that goodness nestled in creamy pasta, topped with crisp breadcrumbs and oozing cheese—welcome to your new favorite comfort food: Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake.
This dish has a special place in my heart; I vividly remember serving it at my sister’s birthday party. The sheer delight on her face when she took that first bite was priceless. It’s perfect for family gatherings or cozy date nights when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. Trust me; this dish promises a flavor explosion that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is incredibly easy to prepare and requires minimal cooking skills
- Its rich flavors and cheesy goodness make it an instant crowd-pleaser
- Plus, it looks fabulous served straight from the oven, so you can wow your guests!
- Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions alike
I once made this dish for a friend’s surprise dinner party; let’s just say there were no leftovers!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Large Shrimp: Use fresh or thawed shrimp; they should be pink and firm for the best texture.
- Pasta: Choose your favorite type; I recommend linguine or spaghetti for a classic touch.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic adds an aromatic punch; feel free to adjust based on your love for garlic.
- Butter: Use unsalted butter for better control over the saltiness of your dish.
- Heavy Cream: This gives the sauce its luxurious richness; don’t skimp here!
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated parmesan melts beautifully into the sauce.
- Breadcrumbs: Toasted breadcrumbs add a delightful crunch on top of the bake.
- Lemon Juice: A splash of lemon brightens up the flavors wonderfully.
- Parsley: Fresh parsley adds color and freshness; it’s worth the extra step!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Oven and Pasta: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook your pasta according to package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside.
Sauté Shrimp and Garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt some butter. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant but not browned. Toss in the shrimp until they turn pink.
Create Your Creamy Sauce: Pour in heavy cream along with lemon juice, stirring well to combine. Let it simmer until slightly thickened—don’t forget to season with salt and pepper!
Mix Everything Together: In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta with the creamy sauce and half of the parmesan cheese. Fold gently so every strand is coated.
Assemble Your Bake: Pour half of the cheesy pasta mixture into a greased baking dish. Layer with remaining pasta before sprinkling breadcrumbs and more parmesan on top.
Bake Until Golden Brown: Place your pasta bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown on top. Let cool slightly before serving!
Feel free to adjust ingredients as per your taste—it’s all about making this dish uniquely yours! Enjoy each bite of this delightful meal that combines comfort with culinary finesse!
You Must Know
- Mastering Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake transforms a simple dinner into a culinary delight
- The buttery aroma and creamy texture create an inviting dish that’s perfect for gatherings, while the versatility allows for creative ingredient swaps, making it a go-to recipe for any occasion
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by sautéing shrimp with garlic and butter, then cook pasta while preparing the sauce to maximize flavor and efficiency.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap shrimp for chicken or add veggies like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrition.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and reheat gently in the oven to keep that creamy goodness intact.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Avoid overcooking the shrimp to maintain their tender texture; they should only take a few minutes
- Using fresh herbs elevates flavor significantly, so don’t skip them!
- Lastly, adding parmesan cheese just before serving creates a deliciously cheesy crust that everyone will love
Making this Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake always brings smiles from my family. They rave about it every time, especially when I sprinkle fresh parsley for that pop of color!
FAQ
What kind of pasta works best for Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake?
Any short pasta like penne or fusilli holds sauce wonderfully and works perfectly.
Can I make Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance; just bake before serving for fresh flavors.
How do I know when shrimp are fully cooked?
Shrimp turn pink and opaque when cooked; they should be firm but not rubbery.
Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is a creamy, cheesy delight featuring tender shrimp and pasta, topped with golden breadcrumbs. This easy dish impresses everyone at gatherings!
Ingredients
- Large shrimp
- Linguine or spaghetti
- Fresh garlic
- Unsalted butter
- Heavy cream
- Parmesan cheese
- Breadcrumbs
- Lemon juice
- Fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook pasta until al dente; drain and set aside.
- In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Sauté garlic until fragrant, then add shrimp until they turn pink.
- Stir in heavy cream and lemon juice; simmer until slightly thickened. Season with salt and pepper.
- Combine pasta with the sauce and half of the parmesan in a large bowl.
- Layer half of the mixture in a greased baking dish, add remaining pasta, then top with breadcrumbs and rest of the parmesan.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown. Let cool slightly before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 195mg
Keywords: - Customize by swapping shrimp for chicken or adding spinach for extra nutrition. - Store leftovers covered in the fridge; reheat gently to maintain creaminess.