Zesty Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe: Oven-Kissed Comfort

Curious cooks find shrimp scampi pasta bake incredibly tempting on chilly evenings.

Mediterranean flavors dance through this comforting dish, blending tender seafood with delicate noodles.

Garlic and white wine create a magical foundation for each delectable bite.

Weeknight dinners suddenly become extraordinary with minimal kitchen effort.

Professional chefs and home cooking enthusiasts appreciate how quickly this meal comes together.

Rich, buttery notes complement the succulent shrimp, promising a restaurant-quality experience at home.

I promise you’ll want seconds of this irresistible pasta creation.

Tips for Juicy Shrimp and Crispy Cheese

• Pasta Perfection: Choose high-quality pasta like linguine or fettuccine to enhance the overall texture and flavor of the dish.
• Shrimp Selection: Use fresh, medium-sized shrimp for the best taste and ensure they're fully deveined and cleaned before cooking.
• Cream Alternative: Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt for a lighter, lower-calorie version that still maintains creamy richness.
• Gluten-Free Hack: Replace regular pasta with gluten-free options and use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make the recipe celiac-friendly.
• Spice It Up: Adjust red pepper flakes to control heat level, adding more for a spicier kick or reducing for a milder flavor profile.

Storage Advice for Keeping Leftovers Tasty

• Preserve your delicious shrimp scampi pasta bake like a pro with these smart storage strategies.
• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container within two hours of cooking to maintain freshness and food safety.
• Store the pasta bake for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator, ensuring maximum flavor and quality.
• Wrap the dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to a sealed container to prevent moisture loss and absorption of other refrigerator odors.
• When reheating, add a splash of cream or chicken broth to restore moisture and prevent dryness.
• Gently warm in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent burning.
• Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months, perfect for quick future meals.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve the best texture and taste.

What Goes Best With This Rich Dish

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio perfectly complement the buttery, lemony shrimp scampi, cutting through the richness and enhancing the dish's delicate seafood flavors.
• Match with Garlic Bread Sidekick: Toasted garlic bread becomes the ultimate companion, soaking up the delicious sauce and providing a crunchy contrast to the creamy pasta bake.
• Create a Fresh Salad Harmony: A light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the dish's richness, adding a peppery and zesty element that refreshes the palate between bites.
• Serve with Chilled Citrus Spritzer: A homemade lemon-herb spritzer cleanses the palate and echoes the bright citrus notes in the shrimp scampi, making each bite feel bright and vibrant.

Ways to Mix Up the Classic Recipe

• Spicy Mediterranean Shrimp Pasta: Replace white wine with ouzo and add chopped kalamata olives. Incorporate feta cheese instead of mozzarella and sprinkle with fresh oregano for a Greek-inspired version.
• Creamy Cajun Seafood Bake: Swap shrimp with a mixed seafood blend including crawfish and crab. Add Cajun seasoning, andouille sausage, and use pepper jack cheese for a southern heat kick.
• Lemon Herb Zucchini Pasta: Substitute half the pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles. Include fresh dill and chives, reduce cream quantity, and top with toasted pine nuts for added texture and nutrition.
• Light Mediterranean Protein Bake: Use whole wheat pasta, add grilled chicken alongside shrimp, incorporate spinach, and replace heavy cream with Greek yogurt for a healthier protein-packed version.

FAQs About Scampi Bakes, Answered

• Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking. Make sure to remove the tails to keep the dish easy to eat.

• What if I don't have white wine?

No worries! You can substitute with chicken broth or seafood stock. The wine adds depth, but the dish will still be delicious without it.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The red pepper flakes give a mild kick, but you can adjust the amount or skip them entirely if you prefer a milder flavor. Control the heat to suit your taste.

• How can I make this dish healthier?

Try using whole wheat pasta, reducing the cheese quantity, or adding more vegetables like spinach or zucchini to boost nutrition without compromising taste.

Why Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Steals the Show

• Breeze Through Cooking: This recipe offers a straightforward process that even beginner cooks can tackle with confidence, making delicious shrimp scampi pasta accessible to everyone.
• Quick Weeknight Wonder: From start to finish, you'll have a mouthwatering meal on the table in under an hour, perfect for busy families craving a restaurant-quality dinner at home.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Combining creamy cheese, succulent shrimp, and perfectly cooked pasta creates a universally loved dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.
• Versatile Meal Magic: Suitable for casual family dinners, date nights, or impressive gatherings, this pasta bake adapts beautifully to any dining occasion with minimal effort.

Ingredients That Turn Shrimp Into Comfort Food

• Pasta: Holds the dish together and provides a hearty foundation. Best with penne or linguine.

• Shrimp: Adds delicate seafood flavor and protein. Fresh or frozen work well, deveined preferred.

• Garlic, Red Pepper Flakes: Provides bold, spicy undertones. Fresh garlic recommended for best taste.
• Lemon Juice, White Wine: Adds bright, acidic notes. Dry white wine works best.

• Butter, Olive Oil: Creates rich base and prevents sticking. Use unsalted butter for better control.
• Heavy Cream, Mozzarella, Parmesan: Brings creamy texture and cheesy depth. Freshly grated cheese melts better.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Enhances overall flavor profile. Kosher salt recommended.
• Italian Seasoning: Adds herbal complexity. Can substitute with mixed dried herbs.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: Provides crispy texture on top. Optional but recommended for crunch.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds color and fresh herbal finish. Chopped just before serving.

How to Bake This Seafood Pasta to Perfection

Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfectly

Cook pasta in a large pot of salted water until it reaches that perfect al dente texture. Water should be rapidly bubbling and generously seasoned. Drain the pasta and set it aside, ready for the next delicious phase of our culinary adventure.

Step 2: Create Magical Shrimp Scampi Base

• Butter
• Olive oil

• Garlic
• Red pepper flakes
• Salt
• Black pepper

• Fresh lemon juice
• White wine

Let everything simmer and mingle their flavors for a couple of minutes. Remove from heat and let the magic rest.

Step 3: Build Incredible Pasta Bake

• Cooked pasta
• Prepared shrimp scampi
• Heavy cream
• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Italian seasoning

Mix everything until each ingredient is lovingly coated. Transfer this creamy mixture into a greased baking dish. Optional: Sprinkle panko breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter on top for an extra crispy surprise.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden Perfection

Warm up the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Slide the baking dish into the oven and let it bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes. Watch for the cheese to become bubbly and develop a gorgeous golden color. Once done, pull it out and shower with fresh chopped parsley.

Serve immediately and watch everyone’s eyes light up with joy!

Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe

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4.6 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Seafood pasta dreams come alive with this irresistible Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake, blending Mediterranean flavors and comforting textures. Garlic-kissed shrimp nestled in creamy sauce promise a delightful journey that will leave you craving more with each twirled forkful.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (450 grams) large shrimp, peeled & deveined

Pasta and Cheese:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) penne or rigatoni pasta
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings and Other Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• Juice of 1 lemon
• ¼ cup white wine (or chicken broth)
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half & half)
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs (for crispy topping, optional)

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Instructions

1. Transform al dente pasta into a foundational layer for this luxurious Mediterranean-inspired casserole, ensuring each strand is perfectly cooked and slightly firm to the bite.
2. Create a fragrant aromatic base by gently sautéing minced garlic and red pepper flakes in a harmonious blend of butter and olive oil, releasing their intense flavors without burning.
3. Introduce plump, fresh shrimp to the sizzling pan, allowing them to turn opaque and develop a delicate golden exterior while absorbing the rich, herbal essences of the cooking environment.
4. Deglaze the pan with a splash of crisp white wine and bright lemon juice, creating a complex liquid that will infuse the entire dish with zesty undertones.
5. Combine the cooked pasta, succulent shrimp, and luxurious scampi sauce in a spacious mixing vessel, carefully folding in velvety heavy cream and a medley of melting cheeses to create a cohesive, creamy mixture.
6. Transfer the decadent preparation into a well-greased baking vessel, ensuring an even distribution that promises consistent flavor in every serving.
7. Optionally, craft a crisp golden topping by mixing panko breadcrumbs with melted butter, sprinkling this textural element across the surface for added crunch.
8. Bake in a preheated oven until the edges bubble and the top transforms into a glistening, golden-brown landscape of culinary delight.
9. Finish by scattering freshly chopped parsley over the dish, adding a vibrant burst of color and a subtle herbaceous note before serving piping hot.

Notes

• Enhance the pasta’s texture by cooking it just shy of al dente, as it will continue cooking in the oven, preventing potential mushiness.
• Opt for large or jumbo shrimp to ensure they remain succulent and don’t overcook during the baking process.
• Customize the heat level by adjusting red pepper flakes – use less for mild palates or more for a spicy kick.
• Make it gluten-free by substituting regular pasta with zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta alternatives, and using gluten-free breadcrumbs.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg