Irresistible Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe for Dinner

Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is a delightful dish that combines succulent shrimp, rich buttery flavors, and cheesy pasta into one comforting casserole. Just imagine the aroma wafting through your kitchen as the shrimp sizzles and the cheese melts, creating a symphony of deliciousness that makes your mouth water.

This recipe brings back memories of family gatherings where laughter filled the air, and everyone eagerly awaited their serving. It’s perfect for cozy dinners or special occasions when you want to impress your guests without losing your sanity in the kitchen. Get ready for a flavor explosion that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

I remember the first time I made this dish; my friends went wild over it, and I felt like a culinary rockstar.

Essential Ingredients

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

• Pasta: I prefer using penne for its ridges that hold onto the sauce beautifully.

• Shrimp: Fresh or frozen shrimp works well; just make sure they’re peeled and deveined.

• Garlic: Use fresh cloves for maximum aroma and flavor; they make everything better.

• Butter: Don’t skimp on this! Use unsalted butter for the best control over saltiness.

• Parmesan Cheese: Grate it fresh if possible; it adds a wonderful nutty flavor to the bake.

• Italian Seasoning: A mix of herbs like oregano and basil elevates the dish’s flavors.

• Heavy Cream: This adds richness; use it sparingly if you’re watching calories.

• Parsley: Fresh parsley not only adds color but also a burst of freshness at the end.

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

Let’s Make it Together

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures even cooking and helps achieve that golden cheesy crust everyone loves.

Cook Pasta: Boil water in a large pot with a pinch of salt. Add pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Sauté Shrimp: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add shrimp and cook until pink, roughly 3 to 4 minutes.

Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix cooked pasta with shrimp mixture, heavy cream, Italian seasoning, half of the Parmesan cheese, and parsley. Stir until well combined.

Bake: Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Top with remaining Parmesan cheese and bake for 20 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top.

Garnish: Once baked, remove from oven and let cool slightly before sprinkling fresh parsley on top for color and flavor.

And there you have it! Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is ready to be devoured by hungry mouths seeking comfort food bliss. Enjoy every cheesy bite!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by sautéing garlic and shrimp together, then cook the pasta while preparing the creamy sauce. Layer everything in a baking dish and top with cheese before baking to golden perfection.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap shrimp for chicken or add veggies like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for added flavor and nutrition. Experiment with different cheeses for unique tastes.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until heated through for best texture.

Cooking this dish reminds me of that one dinner party where everyone couldn’t stop raving about it, asking for seconds and thirds!

FAQ

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

Any short pasta like penne or fusilli holds up well in this dish.

Can I make shrimp scampi pasta bake ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble it ahead and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes! The cheesy goodness makes it appealing to kids and adults alike.

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Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

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Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is a rich and comforting casserole that brings together tender shrimp, buttery garlic flavors, and gooey cheese over perfectly cooked pasta. This dish fills your kitchen with delightful aromas, making it an ideal choice for family dinners or special gatherings.

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 oz penne pasta
• 1 lb shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (divided)
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning
• ¼ cup fresh parsley (chopped)

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the penne pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain.
3. In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat, add minced garlic, and sauté for about 1 minute. Add shrimp and cook until pink, approximately 3-4 minutes.
4. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta with shrimp mixture, heavy cream, half of the Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and parsley; mix well.
5. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Top with remaining Parmesan cheese and bake for 20 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
6. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

• Author: Olivia Carter
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 430
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 650mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 220mg