Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is a flavorful, cheesy, and satisfying dish that combines the rich, garlicky goodness of shrimp scampi with the comfort of baked pasta. This recipe is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion when you want to impress with minimal effort. Here’s a simple recipe to make this delicious pasta bake!
Ingredients:
For the Shrimp Scampi:
-
1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
-
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
-
3 tablespoons olive oil
-
4 cloves garlic, minced
-
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
-
1 teaspoon lemon zest (from about 1 lemon)
-
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
-
1/4 cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
-
Salt and pepper, to taste
-
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Pasta:
-
12 oz pasta (linguine, spaghetti, or penne work well)
-
1 cup ricotta cheese
-
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
-
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
-
1/4 cup heavy cream
-
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
-
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
-
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
-
Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, but undercook it by 1-2 minutes (it will cook more while baking). Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Shrimp Scampi:
-
In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat until the butter is melted.
-
Add the garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
-
Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, until they just begin to turn pink.
-
Pour in the white wine (or chicken broth) and lemon juice, and cook for another 2 minutes until the shrimp are fully cooked and the sauce slightly reduces. Season with salt, pepper, and lemon zest.
-
Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside. Do not discard the sauce in the pan—it will be used in the pasta bake.
3. Prepare the Pasta Bake Mixture:
-
In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, heavy cream, and Italian seasoning. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Add the reserved shrimp scampi sauce and toss everything together until well combined.
4. Assemble the Pasta Bake:
-
Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
-
Arrange the cooked shrimp evenly over the top of the pasta.
-
Sprinkle with extra mozzarella cheese and a little more Parmesan if desired.
5. Bake:
-
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
-
After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
6. Garnish and Serve:
-
Remove the dish from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving.
-
Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and a little extra lemon zest if desired.
-
Serve hot, and enjoy!
Tips & Variations:
-
Add Vegetables: To add more flavor and color, you can toss in some sautéed vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes to the pasta mix.
-
Make it Spicy: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the scampi for an extra kick.
-
Cheese Variations: You can swap the mozzarella for a cheese like fontina or Gruyère for a different flavor profile.
-
Crispy Topping: If you like a crispy top, sprinkle some panko breadcrumbs mixed with a bit of melted butter over the top before baking.
This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is the perfect combination of rich, garlicky shrimp, creamy pasta, and gooey melted cheese—all baked into a delicious, comforting casserole. It’s a crowd-pleaser and sure to be a hit at your dinner table!