If you’re a fan of shrimp, pasta, and all things cheesy and buttery, then Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is about to become your new favorite dish. This rich, flavorful dish combines the deliciousness of shrimp scampi with the heartiness of a pasta bake, making it the perfect comfort food for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it for dinner, a holiday gathering, or a family get-together, it’s sure to satisfy everyone at the table.
What is Shrimp Scampi?
Before diving into the pasta bake, let’s take a quick look at the star of the show: Shrimp Scampi. This Italian-American dish originated from the combination of shrimp and a garlicky butter sauce, often finished with lemon juice and white wine. Over the years, it’s evolved into various forms, but the classic shrimp scampi remains a go-to seafood dish.
In the traditional version, shrimp are sautéed in a rich sauce made from butter, garlic, and a splash of white wine, giving it a bold yet balanced flavor profile. It’s usually served over pasta, making for a light, flavorful meal that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare.
Why Bake Shrimp Scampi Pasta?
The appeal of baking this dish comes from the combination of textures it brings to the table. While traditional shrimp scampi is typically served as a stovetop creation, baking the pasta adds an extra layer of depth to the flavors. The dish comes out bubbly, golden on top, and perfectly creamy underneath, with all the delightful shrimp and pasta coated in a flavorful sauce.
Baking also allows the flavors to meld together, creating a harmonious blend of garlic, butter, shrimp, and cheese that’s tough to resist. Plus, once you’ve assembled the dish, you can pop it in the oven and focus on other parts of the meal or just enjoy the anticipation.
Key Ingredients for Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake
Creating this dish is relatively simple, but you’ll need to gather a few key ingredients to make it truly special:
Shrimp: The main protein of the dish, shrimp provide a subtle sweetness and texture that pairs perfectly with the garlic-butter sauce. Opt for large or jumbo shrimp for the best results.
Pasta: Any sturdy pasta will work, but long pasta like linguine, spaghetti, or fettuccine works best to absorb the sauce. If you want something more hearty, penne or rigatoni also make a great choice.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is essential for that signature scampi flavor. It’s the base of the sauce, providing an aromatic depth.
Butter and Olive Oil: The classic base for scampi, butter offers richness while olive oil provides a lighter touch and helps with sautéing.
Lemon: A generous squeeze of lemon brightens up the dish and cuts through the richness of the butter.
Cheese: Mozzarella and Parmesan are the best cheeses to use for a Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake. Mozzarella adds creaminess, while Parmesan brings in a nutty, sharp flavor.
Breadcrumbs: A topping of crispy breadcrumbs adds the perfect crunch and golden finish to your bake.
Choosing the Right Pasta for the Bake
Not all pasta is created equal, especially when it comes to pasta bakes. You want to choose a pasta shape that will hold up well in the baking dish. Long pastas like linguine, spaghetti, and fettuccine are traditional in scampi dishes and work wonderfully in a bake. However, shorter pasta shapes like penne or rotini can also be a great option for this dish.
When choosing pasta, keep in mind that thicker pastas will absorb the sauce more, while thinner pastas may get too soft and mushy if overcooked. A good rule of thumb is to cook the pasta al dente, as it will continue to soften while baking.
The Step-by-Step Recipe for Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake
Let’s dive into the heart of the recipe. Follow these simple steps to create a Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake that will wow your taste buds.
1. Preparing the Shrimp
Start by peeling and deveining the shrimp. If you have access to fresh shrimp, they’re always the best choice, but frozen shrimp works too—just make sure to thaw them thoroughly before cooking. Once your shrimp are ready, season them with salt, pepper, and a little bit of garlic powder for extra flavor.
2. Cooking the Pasta
While you’re preparing the shrimp, cook your pasta. Make sure to follow the package instructions, but slightly undercook the pasta so it retains some bite and doesn’t get mushy when baking. Drain and set aside.
3. Making the Scampi Sauce
In a large skillet, melt butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add a splash of white wine or chicken broth, then squeeze in fresh lemon juice. Let the sauce simmer and reduce slightly before adding the shrimp to cook. Once the shrimp are cooked through (about 3-4 minutes), remove from heat.
4. Assembling and Baking the Dish
In a large baking dish, mix the cooked pasta, shrimp, and sauce together. Add in mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, then top with a generous sprinkle of breadcrumbs. Bake the dish at 375°F for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
Tips and Tricks for Perfecting Your Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake
Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cooks quickly, and you don’t want them to become tough or rubbery. They’ll cook further in the oven, so it’s okay if they’re a little undercooked when you add them to the sauce.
Adjust the Garlic: Love garlic? Add more! If you’re not as big on it, you can always scale it back.
Make it Creamy: Add some heavy cream to the sauce for a richer, creamier texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad. A crisp glass of white wine, like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio, pairs beautifully with the dish. You could also go for a light iced tea or sparkling water to complement the meal.
Storage and Leftovers
This dish stores well in the fridge for 2-3 days. To reheat, place it back in the oven for 10-15 minutes at 350°F, or microwave individual portions. You can also freeze leftovers for up to 2 months—just make sure to cover it tightly with foil before storing.
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Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake
Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is a comforting and delicious twist on the classic shrimp scampi. The dish features succulent shrimp, garlic, butter, lemon, and pasta, all baked together with a cheesy, golden breadcrumb topping. It’s a perfect dish for a family dinner, a special occasion, or just when you’re craving a rich and flavorful meal. This recipe combines all the savory goodness of shrimp scampi and the heartiness of a pasta bake.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
12 oz (340g) pasta (linguine, spaghetti, or penne)
4 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
6 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta according to the package instructions, but slightly undercook it (al dente). Drain and set aside.
Prepare the shrimp: In a large skillet, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Add the shrimp and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the shrimp turns pink and is cooked through. Remove the shrimp and set aside.
Make the scampi sauce: In the same skillet, add the white wine (or chicken broth) and lemon juice. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly. Stir in the cooked shrimp and season to taste with more salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon.
Assemble the bake: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta and shrimp mixture. Add in the grated Parmesan and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese. Mix everything together until evenly combined. Transfer this mixture to a greased baking dish (9×13-inch recommended).
Top and bake: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the top of the pasta. In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with a tablespoon of melted butter. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the cheese. Bake the dish in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for added color and flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6th of the baking dish
Conclusion
Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is a delightful, crowd-pleasing dish that brings together the best of both worlds: seafood and cheesy, garlicky pasta. It’s easy to make, full of flavor, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a special celebration, this dish is sure to impress.
FAQs
How long does Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake last in the fridge?
It can last up to 3 days in the fridge when stored in an airtight container.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp thoroughly before cooking.
Can I make Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare everything up to the baking point and refrigerate it for a day before baking.
What type of cheese should I use for the bake?
Mozzarella and Parmesan are the best cheeses for this dish. Mozzarella adds creaminess, while Parmesan offers sharp flavor.
How can I make the dish spicier?
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick. You can also include a dash of hot sauce.