Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

Name: Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 oz penne pasta; 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 4 tbsp unsalted butter; 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped; Salt and pepper to taste

Published: April 24, 2025

by Lionel Ramon

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This shrimp scampi pasta bake is incredibly easy to prepare, making weeknight dinners stress-free.
The flavor profile is rich and buttery, with hints of lemon and garlic that dance on your palate.
Visually stunning with its golden cheese topping, it invites everyone to dig in.
Perfect for serving at family dinners or potlucks, it’s versatile enough to adapt to various tastes and preferences.

My friends still talk about the time I made this dish for a dinner party; their delighted faces told me I’d struck gold in the culinary world.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Pasta: Choose your favorite type; I recommend penne or fusilli for maximum sauce clinging potential.
Shrimp: Fresh or frozen works well; just ensure they are peeled and deveined for easy eating.
Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves are essential here; they provide that aromatic punch that defines scampi.
Butter: Use unsalted butter to control the saltiness; it creates a rich base for the sauce.
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens up the dish beautifully and balances the richness.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds depth; feel free to use more if you’re feeling cheesy.
Cream: Heavy cream gives this dish its luxurious texture; don’t skimp on this part!
Parsley: Fresh parsley adds color and freshness at the end—plus, it looks fancy!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Preheat Your Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish with cooking spray or butter so nothing sticks during baking.

Cook the Pasta: Boil water in a large pot and add salt. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside, but don’t forget to save some pasta water!

Sauté Shrimp and Garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter until bubbling. savory garlic butter tacos Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant before adding shrimp. Cook until pink and opaque. For more inspiration, check out this Garlic Butter Lobster Tail Recipe recipe.

Add Cream and Seasonings: Pour in heavy cream along with lemon juice, salt, pepper, and parsley into the skillet. Stir gently until everything is combined and bubbly.

Toss Pasta with Sauce: Combine cooked pasta with the shrimp mixture in the skillet. If it’s too thick, add reserved pasta water gradually until you achieve your desired consistency.

Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the creamy shrimp pasta into your greased baking dish evenly. creamy Tuscan ravioli soup Sprinkle grated Parmesan generously over the top, creating that glorious cheese crust we all crave.

Bake Until Golden: Place your baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top. Remove from oven and let it cool slightly before serving.

Now prepare yourself for compliments galore! Your friends will be begging for seconds—and maybe even thirds—after tasting this delectable shrimp scampi pasta bake!

You Must Know

This shrimp scampi pasta bake is a crowd-pleaser with its creamy sauce and flavorful shrimp.
The aroma wafting through your kitchen will make everyone gather around.
Plus, it’s an easy dish that can impress even the pickiest of eaters!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by sautéing shrimp with garlic in butter, then cook the pasta while preparing the creamy sauce. delicious shrimp avocado bowl This method ensures everything comes together smoothly and deliciously.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap shrimp for chicken or add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers. Mixing in different cheeses can also give your dish a unique twist!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through to keep that creamy texture.

Chef's Helpful Tips

To ensure your sauce is perfectly creamy, add cheese gradually and stir constantly.
Avoid overcooking the shrimp; they should be tender, not rubbery.
Give your pasta a quick toss with olive oil before baking to keep it from sticking together.

Sharing this dish at a family gathering brought smiles all around, especially when my cousin declared it his new favorite meal—who knew pasta could spark such joy?

FAQ

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, frozen shrimp works well; just thaw them before cooking.

What type of pasta is best for shrimp scampi pasta bake?

Short pasta like penne or fusilli holds the sauce beautifully.

How long does it take to bake the dish?

Bake for about 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top.

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📖 Recipe Card