Easy and Delicious Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

The aroma of garlic and butter wafting through the kitchen can make anyone feel like a gourmet chef. When you blend that with tender shrimp and cheesy pasta, you have a dish that’s not just a meal; it’s an experience. Enter the world of Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake—where flavor meets comfort.

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Picture this: You’re hosting a dinner party or maybe just treating yourself on a cozy weeknight. You want something impressive yet simple enough to whip up without needing a culinary degree. This dish is your answer! With each bite, you’ll savor the richness of the sauce and the perfectly baked pasta, reminding you why food is often associated with love and laughter.

I still remember the first time I made this dish for my family; their faces lit up like kids in a candy store at the first bite!

Essential Ingredients

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

• Shrimp: Use fresh or frozen shrimp; just ensure they’re peeled and deveined for convenience.
• Pasta: Any short pasta works well; I prefer penne for its ability to trap sauce.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves are a must for that aromatic kick; chop them finely for maximum flavor.
• Butter: Opt for unsalted butter to control salt levels while achieving that rich taste.
• Heavy Cream: This adds creaminess; half-and-half can work if you’re looking for something lighter.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated cheese will melt beautifully and enhance the overall flavor.
• Parsley: Fresh parsley brings brightness; chop it finely to sprinkle over the top before serving.
• Lemon Juice: A splash of lemon juice adds freshness; don’t skip it!
• Salt & Pepper: Essential seasoning to elevate all flavors in your dish.

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

Let’s Make it together

Preheat and Prepare:  Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray a large baking dish with nonstick spray or butter it generously so nothing sticks.

Cook the Pasta:  Boil salted water in a large pot and cook the pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain it well but reserve about 1 cup of pasta water for later use.

Sauté Garlic and Shrimp: In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter until bubbly. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant—about 30 seconds—then toss in those beautiful shrimp. Cook until pink and opaque—around 3-4 minutes.

Make the Sauce: For in heavy cream once the shrimp are perfectly cooked. Stir well while adding lemon juice, salt, pepper, and half of your Parmesan cheese. If it seems too thick, add reserved pasta water gradually until you reach desired consistency.

Combine Everything: In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta with shrimpy goodness from your skillet. Mix gently so each piece is coated in that luscious sauce.

Bake Away:  Transfer everything into your prepared baking dish. Top with remaining Parmesan cheese and sprinkle chopped parsley on top for added flair. Cover with foil (to avoid burning) and bake for 20 minutes.

Finishing Touches: Remove foil from baking dish after 20 minutes and bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes until golden brown on top and bubbling around edges.

Once out of the oven, let it sit for five minutes (if you can resist!) before diving into this scrumptious creation!

Now you hold all the keys to mastering Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake! Enjoy every cheesy bite filled with succulent shrimp layered over perfectly baked pasta—it’s comfort food at its finest!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Begin by sautéing garlic in olive oil, then add shrimp until pink. While shrimp cooks, boil pasta until al dente. Combine everything with sauce and cheese, then bake to golden perfection.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap in whole wheat pasta or add veggies like spinach or cherry tomatoes for extra nutrition. A splash of lemon juice can brighten the flavors even more!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in a microwave or oven until warmed through, adding a little water if it seems dry.

Sharing this dish with friends at a dinner party brought smiles all around, especially when someone asked for seconds! The laughter and compliments made cooking worth every minute spent in the kitchen.

FAQ

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, just thaw them completely before cooking for even results.

What type of pasta works best?

Any short pasta like penne or fusilli holds sauces beautifully!

How can I make this recipe healthier?

Use whole grain pasta and reduce cheese for lower calories while keeping flavor.

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

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• Author: Emma Taylor
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6

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Description

Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is a creamy, cheesy delight filled with tender shrimp and aromatic garlic. Perfect for dinner parties or cozy nights in, this dish is sure to impress everyone at the table.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 8 oz penne pasta
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish.
2. Cook pasta in salted water until al dente; drain, reserving 1 cup of pasta water.
3. In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Sauté garlic until fragrant, then add shrimp and cook until pink.
4. Stir in heavy cream, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Adjust consistency with reserved pasta water if needed.
5. Combine cooked pasta with the shrimp mixture and transfer to the baking dish. Top with remaining Parmesan and parsley.
6. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until golden brown.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Seafood

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe (approx. 220g)
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 650mg
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 16g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 150mg