Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

Published: April 20, 2025

by Sarah Connor

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There’s a magical dish that makes your taste buds dance and your heart sing—shrimp scampi pasta bake. Imagine the luscious, buttery shrimp mingling with perfectly cooked pasta, all enveloped in a creamy, garlic-infused sauce that wafts through your kitchen like a warm hug. flavorful garlic butter tacos The golden top, glistening with melted cheese, invites you to dig in as soon as it comes out of the oven.

Jump to:

Essential Ingredients
Let’s Make It Together
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Add Your Touch
Storing & Reheating
FAQ
What type of shrimp works best for shrimp scampi pasta bake?
Can I make shrimp scampi pasta bake ahead of time?
Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?
📖 Recipe Card

Now, picture this: it’s a rainy Sunday afternoon, and I’m trying to channel my inner Julia Child while keeping my cat from launching into the spaghetti. This shrimp scampi pasta bake has become my go-to comfort food for cozy family dinners and impromptu gatherings. The aroma fills the house, pulling everyone into the kitchen like moths to a flame. For more inspiration, check out this One Pot Spaghetti recipe recipe.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This shrimp scampi pasta bake combines ease of preparation with an explosion of flavors that will wow your guests
Its visually appealing golden crust and vibrant colors make it a showstopper on any table
Plus, it’s versatile enough for weeknight meals or special occasions

When I first served this dish at a family gathering, my cousin exclaimed it was so good he could marry it! Now that’s some serious feedback!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Medium Shrimp: Fresh or frozen shrimp work well; just ensure they are peeled and deveined for easy cooking.
Pasta: Use any short pasta shape like penne or rigatoni for maximum sauce coating.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is key here; its aromatic punch brings this dish to life. For more inspiration, check out this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders recipe.
Butter: A generous amount of butter provides richness and depth to the sauce.
Heavy Cream: This adds creaminess that balances the flavors beautifully.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated fresh parmesan not only enhances flavor but also forms a lovely golden crust when baked. satisfying loaded baked potato.
Parsley: Fresh parsley brightens up the dish and adds a pop of color.
Lemon Juice: A splash of lemon juice brightens the dish with refreshing acidity.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make It Together

Cook the Pasta: Start by boiling water in a large pot and adding salt generously. Once boiling, toss in your pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Sauté the Shrimp: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter until bubbly. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Toss in shrimp and cook until they turn pink and opaque.

Add Creamy Goodness: Pour in heavy cream along with lemon juice while stirring gently to combine everything beautifully. creamy chicken alfredo calzones Let it simmer for about two minutes so those flavors meld together like old friends.

Combine Everything!: Stir in cooked pasta into your creamy shrimp mixture along with half of the parmesan cheese. Mix well until every noodle is coated in that luscious sauce.

Bake It Up!: Transfer your pasta mixture into a greased baking dish. Top generously with remaining parmesan cheese and place under the broiler for about 5-7 minutes or until bubbly golden perfection occurs.

This shrimp scampi pasta bake will leave everyone asking for seconds—or thirds—so be prepared! Enjoy every cheesy bite of this comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion!

You Must Know

A shrimp scampi pasta bake is a crowd-pleaser, combining flavors that dance together
Don’t shy away from using fresh herbs; they elevate the dish
Remember to taste as you go for a perfectly balanced meal every time!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by cooking the pasta al dente. While it cooks, sauté the shrimp and garlic in butter, then mix it all with cream and cheese before baking to perfection.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap in zucchini noodles for a low-carb version, or add spinach for extra nutrients. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes can also give it a delightful kick!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, ensuring the texture remains creamy.

Chef's Helpful Tips

For optimal flavor, always use fresh shrimp and avoid overcooking them
Taste your sauce before baking to adjust seasoning as needed
A little lemon zest at the end adds brightness and freshness!

Cooking this dish reminds me of my cousin’s wedding when I made it for a potluck. Everyone raved about it; I felt like a culinary superstar that day!

FAQ

What type of shrimp works best for shrimp scampi pasta bake?

Fresh or frozen shrimp work well; just ensure they are peeled and deveined.

Can I make shrimp scampi pasta bake ahead of time?

Yes, prepare it a day ahead and refrigerate before baking for convenience.

Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?

Absolutely! Substitute shrimp with mushrooms or hearty vegetables like bell peppers and squash. hearty Tuscan ravioli soup.

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