A Cheesy Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is the perfect blend of creamy, garlicky shrimp scampi with the comforting appeal of a cheesy baked pasta dish. It’s a delicious, crowd-pleasing meal that’s great for dinner or as a special occasion dish. Here’s a simple and flavorful recipe for you to try:
Ingredients:
- For the Shrimp Scampi:
- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- For the Pasta:
- 12 oz (340g) pasta (penne, rigatoni, or rotini work well)
- Salt for pasta water
- For the Cheesy Sauce:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
- 1 tsp dried basil or Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Topping:
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Make the Shrimp Scampi:
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque.
- Pour in the white wine (or chicken broth) and lemon juice, scraping up any bits from the bottom of the pan. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, letting the sauce simmer and reduce slightly.
- Stir in the red pepper flakes (if using) and season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove the skillet from heat and set aside.
3. Make the Cheesy Sauce:
- In a separate saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it begins to simmer. Be sure not to let it boil.
- Lower the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, shredded mozzarella, and ricotta cheese (if using). Stir until the cheeses melt and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Season with salt, pepper, and dried basil (or Italian seasoning) to taste. Remove from heat.
4. Combine and Assemble:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shrimp scampi (including the sauce), and the cheesy sauce. Stir everything together until evenly coated.
- Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
5. Bake:
- Sprinkle the top of the pasta with the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
6. Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Tips:
- Add Veggies: You can add spinach, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms to the pasta mix for added flavor and nutrients.
- Breadcrumb Topping: For a bit of crunch, top with a handful of breadcrumbs before baking, or broil for the last 2-3 minutes.
- Adjust the Creaminess: If you want a richer dish, you can add more cream or even a bit of cream cheese for extra thickness and tang.
This Cheesy Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is creamy, cheesy, and packed with shrimp flavor—perfect for any occasion! The warm, golden top and rich, comforting inside make it a dish everyone will love. Enjoy!