Description
Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is a flavorful and comforting dish that combines succulent shrimp cooked in a garlic, white wine, and lemon sauce with tender pasta and melted Parmesan cheese, all baked to bubbly perfection. This recipe offers a delightful twist on traditional shrimp scampi by finishing it in the oven for a rich, cheesy, and aromatic pasta casserole.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp and Sauce
- 2 pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 cup white wine
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Pasta and Garnishes
- 1 pound pasta (such as linguine or fettuccine)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the pasta dish later.
- Cook Pasta: Boil the pasta according to package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside, ensuring it is ready to combine with the sauce and shrimp.
- Melt Butter: In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat to create the base for the garlic sauce.
- Sauté Garlic and Pepper Flakes: Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the melted butter, cooking for 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
- Add Liquids: Pour in the white wine and lemon juice, bringing the mixture to a simmer to enhance the flavors and reduce slightly.
- Cook Shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet, cooking for 2-3 minutes until they turn pink and are just cooked through.
- Incorporate Cheese and Parsley: Stir in half of the grated Parmesan cheese and the chopped fresh parsley, then season with salt and pepper to your preference.
- Toss Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together to coat the noodles evenly in the flavorful sauce with shrimp.
- Prepare for Baking: Transfer the shrimp and pasta mixture into a baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Add Topping: Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese over the top to create a cheesy crust when baked.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, garnish with additional chopped parsley for freshness, and serve hot for a comforting meal.
- Enjoy: Dive into your delicious Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake, a perfect blend of rich garlic sauce, tender shrimp, and cheesy pasta baked to perfection.
Notes
- Use fresh shrimp for best flavor; frozen shrimp can work if thoroughly thawed and patted dry.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to control the spiciness of the dish.
- White wine can be substituted with chicken broth if preferred or for a non-alcoholic version.
- Be careful not to overcook the shrimp; they should be just pink and firm.
- Parmesan cheese can be swapped with Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor.
- For a richer sauce, a splash of heavy cream can be added before tossing the pasta.
- Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated gently.
