Description
This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is a delicious fusion of classic shrimp scampi flavors with a comforting baked pasta twist. Featuring linguine tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce with white wine, lemon, and creamy Parmesan, then topped with tender shrimp and melted mozzarella, this dish offers a perfect blend of zest and creaminess. Ideal for a family dinner or special occasion, it’s easy to prepare and sure to impress.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz (340 g) linguine or spaghetti
Shrimp & Aromatics
- 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
Sauce
- 1/2 cup white wine or chicken broth
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Garnish
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a large baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the linguine or spaghetti. Cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking until fragrant but not browned, about 1-2 minutes.
- Cook Shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Cook until they turn pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Deglaze Pan: Pour the white wine or chicken broth into the skillet, scraping the bottom to lift any browned bits. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Prepare Sauce: Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and heavy cream. Allow the sauce to simmer gently until it thickens slightly, about 4-5 minutes.
- Combine Pasta & Sauce: Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce in the skillet, mixing well to coat. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Assemble Bake: Transfer the sauced pasta into the prepared baking dish. Arrange the cooked shrimp evenly on top, then sprinkle the grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella cheeses over everything.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Serve: Remove from the oven, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve hot for a delightful meal.
Notes
- You can substitute white wine with chicken broth if you prefer a non-alcoholic version.
- For a spicier dish, increase the red pepper flakes to 1/2 teaspoon.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and melting quality.
- Make sure not to overcook the shrimp before baking to avoid rubbery texture.
- This dish can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving.
