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Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake
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Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is a creamy, cheesy, and garlicky baked pasta dish that features tender shrimp in a buttery lemon-garlic sauce. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special yet simple meal for guests, this dish combines succulent shrimp, al dente pasta, and melted Parmesan cheese baked to bubbly perfection. Ready in under an hour, it’s an easy, comforting, and flavorful weeknight meal that’s sure to please everyone.

Ingredients

Scale

Shrimp

  • 1 lb fresh or thawed medium-sized shrimp, peeled and deveined

Pasta

  • 12 oz penne or rigatoni pasta

Sauce Base

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup white wine or broth
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp lemon zest
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for topping

Seasonings & Garnishes

  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until just al dente. Drain well, reserving about half a cup of pasta water for later use in the sauce.
  2. Prepare the Shrimp: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the shrimp and season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Cook until the shrimp turn pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove shrimp from heat and set aside.
  3. Make the Creamy Scampi Sauce: In the same skillet, pour in the white wine or broth, scraping the browned bits from the bottom to incorporate flavor. Let it reduce slightly, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in the fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and heavy cream. Add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce is creamy and smooth. If the sauce is too thick, loosen it with reserved pasta water.
  4. Combine Pasta, Shrimp, and Sauce: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet with the sauce. Add the drained pasta and toss everything together to coat evenly with the creamy sauce. Mix in chopped fresh parsley for color and freshness.
  5. Bake to Perfection: Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese evenly on top. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes until bubbly and golden on top, creating a delicious crust and melding the flavors.

Notes

  • Do not overcook shrimp; remove from heat as soon as they turn pink to keep them tender.
  • Use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder for authentic scampi flavor.
  • Reserve pasta water to help adjust sauce consistency and make it cling better to the pasta.
  • Add lemon juice gradually to balance bright acidity without overpowering the dish.
  • Go light on salt initially since Parmesan and shrimp add natural saltiness; adjust after tasting.

Nutrition

Keywords: shrimp scampi, pasta bake, baked pasta, creamy shrimp pasta, easy family dinner, garlic shrimp pasta

Find it online: https://marysplate.com/shrimp-scampi-pasta-bake/