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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Transfer the decadent preparation into a well-greased baking vessel, ensuring an even distribution that promises consistent flavor in every serving.
- Optionally, craft a crisp golden topping by mixing panko breadcrumbs with melted butter, sprinkling this textural element across the surface for added crunch.
- Bake in a preheated oven until the edges bubble and the top transforms into a glistening, golden-brown landscape of culinary delight.
- 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