Description
A delicious and creamy Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake combining tender shrimp, garlic-infused butter sauce, lemon zest, and a blend of Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses baked to golden perfection over linguine or spaghetti. Perfect for a comforting family dinner with a zesty, cheesy twist.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz (340 g) linguine or spaghetti
Shrimp and Aromatics
- 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
Sauce
- 1/2 cup white wine or chicken broth
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
- 1 cup heavy cream
Cheeses and Garnish
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a large baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook Pasta: Boil the linguine or spaghetti until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
- Cook Shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet and cook until they turn pink and opaque, about 3-4 minutes. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
- Deglaze Pan: Pour white wine or chicken broth into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce and concentrate flavor.
- Prepare Sauce: Stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, and heavy cream into the skillet. Simmer the sauce until it thickens slightly, about 3-5 minutes.
- Combine Pasta & Sauce: Toss the cooked pasta in the creamy sauce in the skillet. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Assemble Bake: Transfer the pasta and sauce mixture to the prepared baking dish. Evenly spread the cooked shrimp on top. Sprinkle grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella cheeses over the dish.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese melts and becomes bubbly and lightly golden.
- Serve: Remove from the oven, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve hot for a comforting and flavorful meal.
Notes
- Use white wine for a richer flavor or chicken broth for a non-alcoholic alternative.
- For extra spiciness, increase the red pepper flakes.
- Ensure shrimp is cooked just until opaque to avoid toughness.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce.
- If you prefer, use gluten-free pasta to make the dish gluten-free.
