Get ready to transform your dinner routine with this incredible Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake. This recipe takes the classic, beloved flavors of shrimp scampi and transforms them into a comforting, all-in-one baked pasta dish that’s both incredibly easy to make and unbelievably delicious. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual entertaining, this bake is a game-changer for anyone looking for a satisfying meal that comes together with minimal fuss.
Key Ingredients for Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake:
- 12 ounces linguine or spaghetti
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup dry white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio), optional but recommended
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped, plus more for garnish
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a hint of heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
How to Make Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake:
This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is a culinary hug in a dish, offering an explosion of garlic, lemon, and succulent shrimp all bound together in a creamy, carby embrace. It’s unbelievably easy, preps in under 20 minutes, and bakes to golden perfection in less than 30 minutes, making it your new go-to for a fuss-free yet impressive meal. The alchemy of simple ingredients creates a rich, satisfying texture that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat your oven and cook the pasta: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook according to package directions until al dente (about 1-2 minutes less than the package suggests, as it will continue to cook in the oven). Drain the pasta, reserving about 1 cup of the pasta water.
- Sauté the aromatics: While the pasta is cooking, melt the butter in a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, if using, and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Deglaze and build the sauce: If using white wine, pour it into the skillet and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes until slightly reduced. Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Add the shrimp and flavorings: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet with the sauce. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and fresh lemon juice. Cook for just 2-3 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque. Do not overcook the shrimp at this stage; they will finish cooking in the oven.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the shrimp and sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated. If the sauce seems too thick, add a tablespoon or two of the reserved pasta water to loosen it. Stir in most of the chopped fresh parsley, reserving some for garnish.
- Bake the pasta bake: If your skillet is not oven-safe, transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Bake until bubbly and golden: Place the skillet or baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling and the top is lightly golden brown.
- Rest and serve: Let the Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with the remaining fresh parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Why You’ll Love This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake:
This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is an absolute dream! Its star attraction is the succulent, perfectly cooked shrimp swimming in a luscious, garlicky, lemony sauce, all enveloping tender pasta. Imagine all the delightful flavors of your favorite shrimp scampi, but in a comforting, layered baked dish that’s incredibly satisfying. Plus, making this at home is a fantastic way to save money compared to restaurant versions, offering restaurant-quality taste for a fraction of the price. The creamy sauce, the bright zing of lemon, and the fresh burst of parsley create a symphony of flavors that’s simply irresistible.
You’ll adore how this dish brings a touch of elegance and comfort to your table without demanding hours in the kitchen. It’s a fantastic alternative to a traditional lasagna or baked ziti, offering a lighter yet equally decadent experience. Forget the takeout menus and embrace the joy of creating this delicious Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake yourself – you won’t regret it!
Storing and Reheating Tips:
Leftover Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For optimal freshness, ensure the dish has cooled completely before sealing the container.
To reheat, you have a few excellent options:
- Oven Method: This is often the best way to retain the texture of the pasta and sauce. Transfer a portion of the bake to an oven-safe dish. Cover loosely with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Remove the foil for the last few minutes to crisp up any cheesy topping.
- Microwave Method: For a quicker reheat, place a serving in a microwave-safe dish. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until heated through. This method might result in a slightly softer texture.
- Stovetop Method: You can also reheat smaller portions in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of water or broth to help loosen the sauce and stir gently until warmed through.
Freezing for Future Meals:
To freeze the Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake, allow it to cool completely. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat as per the instructions above.
Final Thoughts:
This delightful Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is a testament to how simple ingredients can create extraordinary meals. It’s the perfect blend of comfort and elegance, making it ideal for any occasion. Give this recipe a try – we’re sure it will become a cherished favorite in your home!
Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook according to package directions until al dente (about 1-2 minutes less than the package suggests, as it will continue to cook in the oven). Drain the pasta, reserving about 1 cup of the pasta water.12 ounces linguine or spaghetti
- While the pasta is cooking, melt the butter in a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, if using, and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.4 tablespoons unsalted butter, 4 cloves garlic, 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- If using white wine, pour it into the skillet and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes until slightly reduced. Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.1/4 cup dry white wine, 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet with the sauce. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and fresh lemon juice. Cook for just 2-3 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque. Do not overcook the shrimp at this stage; they will finish cooking in the oven.1 pound large shrimp, to taste salt, to taste freshly ground black pepper, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the shrimp and sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated. If the sauce seems too thick, add a tablespoon or two of the reserved pasta water to loosen it. Stir in most of the chopped fresh parsley, reserving some for garnish.12 ounces linguine or spaghetti, 1/4 cup fresh parsley
- If your skillet is not oven-safe, transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese over the top.1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Place the skillet or baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling and the top is lightly golden brown.
- Let the Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with the remaining fresh parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, if desired.1/4 cup fresh parsley, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese