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Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe

Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe
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★★★★★

4.8 from 13 reviews

This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful oven-baked dish combining tender shrimp, garlic butter sauce, succulent lemon juice, and melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, it offers a comforting yet elegant meal featuring al dente pasta coated in a luscious garlic cream sauce with a hint of heat from red pepper flakes and freshness from parsley.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 12 oz (340g) pasta (penne, ziti, or fettuccine work best)
  • 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • ½ cup (125ml) dry white wine (or chicken broth)
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 2 cups (200g) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Creamy Bake

  • 1 cup (250ml) heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter option)
  • ½ cup (125ml) chicken broth
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta 1–2 minutes less than the package instructions as it will finish cooking in the oven. Drain and set aside.
  2. Cook the Shrimp: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Add shrimp, season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Cook 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
  3. Make the Scampi Sauce: In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in white wine (or chicken broth) and lemon juice, scraping the pan to deglaze. Let simmer for 2 minutes.
  4. Make It Creamy: Stir in heavy cream, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and optional nutmeg. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until sauce slightly thickens.
  5. Assemble & Bake: Return cooked pasta and shrimp to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. Transfer mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
  6. Serve & Enjoy: Remove from the oven, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve hot for a comforting and delicious meal.

Notes

  • Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for a healthier or gluten-free option.
  • Substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or light cream to reduce calories.
  • Replace shrimp with chicken, salmon, scallops, or vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini for variety.
  • Add Gruyère or fontina cheese for extra creaminess or pepper jack for spice.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 3 days.
  • Reheat in oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes covered or in microwave with intervals.
  • Freeze leftovers up to 2 months; thaw overnight before reheating.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes to control spice level.
  • Use chicken broth instead of wine for a non-alcoholic version.
  • Add extra veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for more nutrition.

Nutrition

Keywords: Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake, Baked Pasta, Garlic Butter Shrimp, Creamy Shrimp Pasta, Easy Weeknight Dinner, Cheesy Shrimp Bake

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