Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is like a warm hug on a chilly evening, bringing together the rich flavors of succulent shrimp, creamy sauce, and perfectly baked pasta. Imagine yourself digging into a bubbling dish that oozes garlic, butter, and just enough zest to make your taste buds dance. Street Corn Pasta Salad It’s not just dinner; it’s an experience that transports you to a cozy Italian bistro where the aroma of fresh herbs wafts through the air, making your mouth water in anticipation.
Now, picture this: you’re at home after a long day, and the last thing you want to do is wrestle with complicated recipes or spend hours in the kitchen. Enter Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake! This dish is as easy to whip up as it is delightful to eat. Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip Whether you’re hosting friends for game night or simply treating yourself midweek, this recipe delivers a comforting meal that feels special without requiring a culinary degree.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake offers an effortless way to impress your guests while keeping meal prep simple.
- The combination of shrimp and pasta creates an irresistible flavor profile that everyone will love.
- Visually appealing with its golden crust and vibrant colors, it’s perfect for any occasion.
- Plus, you can customize the ingredients based on your preferences or what’s in your pantry!
Ingredients for Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Uncooked Pasta: Use your favorite pasta shape; penne or fusilli works great for holding onto the sauce.
- Shrimp: Fresh or frozen shrimp are both excellent; just ensure they are peeled and deveined.
- Fresh Garlic: Nothing beats the bold flavor of freshly minced garlic in this recipe.
- Butter: Use unsalted butter for better control over seasoning; it adds creaminess.
- White Wine: A splash of dry white wine elevates the flavor; choose one you’d enjoy drinking.
- Heavy Cream: This gives the bake its luxurious texture; feel free to substitute with half-and-half if desired.
- Lemon Juice and Zest: Fresh lemon brightens up the dish beautifully; don’t skip this step!
- Parmesan Cheese: Grated cheese adds depth; sprinkle generously on top before baking for a golden crust.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, grab a large pot of salted water and bring it to a boil for cooking the pasta.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Add your uncooked pasta to the boiling water and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain the pasta and set it aside while you work on that scrumptious sauce.
Step 3: Sauté Shrimp
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant but not browned about one minute. Toss in the shrimp and cook until they turn pink and opaque around three minutes.
Step 4: Create the Sauce
Pour in white wine along with heavy cream. Stir well while letting it simmer for about five minutes until slightly thickened. Add lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, pepper, and half of your Parmesan cheese into the mix.
Step 5: Combine Everything
In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta with shrimp mixture. Mix thoroughly so that every noodle is coated in that luscious sauce.
Step 6: Bake It Up
Transfer everything into a greased baking dish. Top with remaining Parmesan cheese before placing it into your preheated oven for about twenty minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
Transfer to plates and drizzle with extra lemon juice for the perfect finishing touch. Enjoy every cheesy bite!
You Must Know
- This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is not just a dish; it’s a party on a plate.
- The flavors dance together, making it perfect for cozy nights or impressing guests.
- It’s easy to prepare, and the aroma will have everyone flocking to the kitchen!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by searing the shrimp until they turn pink, then cook your pasta while preparing the garlic butter sauce. Combine everything in a baking dish, top with cheese, and bake until bubbly for perfect results every time.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out shrimp for chicken or veggies if you want a different flavor profile. Add a dash of red pepper flakes for heat or experiment with fresh herbs like basil or parsley for freshness.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F until heated through or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use high-quality shrimp for better flavor; fresh or frozen works well.
- Don’t overcook your pasta; it should be al dente since it’ll bake further.
- Let the dish sit for a few minutes before serving; this enhances flavor melding.
Sharing this recipe brings back memories of hosting my first dinner party. Friends were raving about how it tasted like something from a fancy restaurant, and I felt like a culinary rockstar!
FAQs:
What ingredients do I need for Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake?
To make a delicious Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake, you will need shrimp, pasta (like penne or rotini), garlic, butter, olive oil, white wine, lemon juice, and fresh parsley. Additionally, use breadcrumbs and cheese for the topping to create a crispy layer. Make sure to choose high-quality shrimp for the best flavor. This dish is perfect when you want a comforting meal that’s easy to prepare and full of flavor. For more inspiration, check out this Garlic Shrimp Recipe recipe.
How long does it take to prepare Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake?
Preparing Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake takes about 15 minutes of prep time and around 25-30 minutes of cooking time. This means you can have this tasty dish ready in under an hour! It’s ideal for busy weeknights or special occasions. Just ensure that your shrimp are thawed if frozen, and everything is prepped before starting the cooking process to make it even quicker.
Can I substitute any ingredients in Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake?
Yes, you can easily substitute ingredients in Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake based on your preferences. For instance, if you’re not a fan of shrimp, try using chicken or vegetables instead. You can also swap white wine with vegetable broth for a non-alcoholic version. Additionally, gluten-free pasta works well if you’re avoiding gluten. Experimenting with different ingredients allows you to create a personalized dish.
Is Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is an excellent choice for meal prep. You can make it ahead of time and store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days. Simply reheat portions in the microwave or oven before serving. This makes it a convenient option for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week without sacrificing taste or quality.
Conclusion for Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake:
In conclusion, Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake combines rich flavors with convenience, making it a favorite among home cooks. With simple ingredients like shrimp, pasta, garlic, and cheese, this dish comes together quickly and easily. It is versatile enough to accommodate various dietary needs through ingredient substitutions. Spinach Garlic Meatballs Enjoy this comforting meal as part of your weekly menu or save it for special occasions—either way, it’s sure to impress everyone at the table!
Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is a delightful fusion of succulent shrimp, creamy sauce, and perfectly baked pasta that creates a comforting dish perfect for any occasion. This easy-to-make recipe combines the rich flavors of garlic, butter, and zesty lemon to transport you straight to an Italian bistro right from your kitchen. Whether you’re hosting friends or enjoying a cozy night in, this dish promises to impress with its delectable taste and appealing presentation.
Ingredients
- 8 oz uncooked penne pasta
- 1 lb shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 4 cloves fresh garlic (minced)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- ½ cup dry white wine
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (divided)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Boil salted water in a large pot for pasta.
- Cook penne until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Sauté garlic until fragrant (about 1 minute), then add shrimp and cook until pink (about 3 minutes).
- Pour in white wine and cream; let simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in lemon juice, zest, half the Parmesan, salt, and pepper.
- Combine cooked pasta with the shrimp mixture until well coated.
- Transfer to a greased baking dish, top with remaining Parmesan, and bake for 20 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 485
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 185mg
Keywords: Swap shrimp for chicken or vegetables for different flavors. Add red pepper flakes for heat or fresh herbs like basil for freshness. Let the dish sit for a few minutes before serving to enhance flavor melding.
