Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

Shrimp Scampi has its roots in Italian-American cuisine, a delightful blend of flavors that emerged from the Italian diaspora in the United States. The term "scampi" originally referred to a type of small shrimp found in the Mediterranean, but over time, it has come to describe the cooking style that features these tasty crustaceans. At the heart of any Shrimp Scampi dish lies a rich and flavorful combination of butter, garlic, and lemon, which creates a mouthwatering sauce that elevates the shrimp to new heights.

Discover the deliciousness of Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake, a comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. This mouthwatering recipe combines succulent shrimp, a creamy garlic sauce, and a cheesy topping, all baked to perfection. Easy to prepare, it melds traditional Italian flavors with the heartiness of a pasta bake, making it ideal for family dinners or gatherings. Dive into this ultimate comfort food experience and impress your guests with a delightful meal they'll love.

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Ingredients

8 oz (225g) pasta (penne or rotini works best)

1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

1 cup dry white wine (or low-sodium chicken broth)

1 lemon, zested and juiced

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping

1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish)

Salt and pepper to taste

Non-stick cooking spray (for greasing the baking dish)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Sauté the Shrimp: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the shrimp and season with salt and pepper. Cook until the shrimp turn pink, about 3-4 minutes. Remove the shrimp and set them aside.

Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, pour in the white wine (or chicken broth) and scrape up any bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes. Stir in the lemon juice and zest, then pour in the heavy cream. Reduce the heat to low and mix in 1 cup of Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.

Combine Pasta and Shrimp: Add the cooked pasta and shrimp to the sauce, stirring to coat everything evenly. Toss in 2 tablespoons of chopped parsley for freshness.

Assemble the Bake: Pour the pasta mixture into the greased baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese and the mozzarella cheese evenly on top.

Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with additional parsley before serving. Enjoy your delicious Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake!

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings:

20 minutes | 50 minutes | 6 servings