Description
This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is an indulgent, flavorful dish that combines tender linguine with succulent shrimp cooked in a garlicky, creamy lemon sauce. Topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, then baked to golden perfection, this comforting casserole is perfect for a family dinner or special occasion, delivering rich seafood flavors with a cheesy finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz (340 g) linguine or spaghetti
Shrimp and 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
Cheese and Garnish
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 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: Boil the linguine or spaghetti in salted water until al dente, then drain and set aside to keep warm.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes, taking care not to burn the garlic.
- Cook Shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet and cook until they turn pink and opaque, typically 3-4 minutes. Remove the shrimp and set aside.
- Deglaze Pan: Pour in the white wine or chicken broth to the skillet, scraping the browned bits from the bottom with a spatula. Let it simmer for a few minutes to reduce slightly.
- Prepare Sauce: Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and heavy cream. Continue simmering until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3-5 minutes.
- Combine Pasta & Sauce: Toss the cooked pasta in the creamy sauce to fully coat it. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Assemble Bake: Transfer the sauced pasta to the prepared baking dish. Evenly top with the cooked shrimp, grated Parmesan, and shredded mozzarella cheese.
- 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 on top.
- Serve: Remove from the oven, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve hot for a comforting and delicious meal.
Notes
- You can substitute white wine with chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version without compromising flavor.
- For a spicier kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes according to your preference.
- Make sure not to overcook the shrimp to keep them tender and juicy.
- This dish can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking; just increase the bake time slightly if baking from cold.
- Use freshly grated cheese for best melting and flavor results.
