Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake – glassika recipes

Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake: A Rich and Flavorful Seafood Delight

Seafood lovers, get ready for a decadent and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a special dinner or a cozy weeknight meal! This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake combines the buttery, garlicky goodness of classic shrimp scampi with the comfort of a cheesy, oven-baked pasta dish. With tender shrimp, perfectly cooked linguine, and a rich sauce, this recipe brings restaurant-quality flavor right to your kitchen.

Baked pasta dishes are always a hit because they bring out deep, comforting flavors with every bite. Whether you’re making this for a family dinner, holiday meal, or a romantic date night, this dish is sure to impress. Let’s dive into this creamy, garlicky, and utterly delicious Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake!

Introduction

If you love garlic butter shrimp and a hearty plate of baked pasta, this Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is your dream dish! Shrimp scampi is traditionally made with garlic, butter, olive oil, white wine, and lemon juice, creating a bright and flavorful sauce that perfectly coats the pasta.

In this version, we elevate it by baking it with cheese for an irresistible golden crust that adds depth and texture. The combination of juicy shrimp, savory garlic butter, and creamy cheese makes this dish unforgettable.

The best part? It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for meal prep. You can also customize it by adding extra vegetables, spicy chili flakes, or even swapping the pasta type. Ready to make this ultimate baked pasta dish? Let’s get started!

Ingredients

Essential Ingredients

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 pound linguine pasta
1/2 cup butter
1/4 cup olive oil
6 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup dry white wine (optional, or substitute with chicken broth)
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Juice of 1 lemon
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Optional Add-Ins

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup cooked spinach
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika for extra depth

How to Make Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

1. Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the linguine pasta until al dente, following the package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water for later use.

2. Prepare the Garlic Butter Shrimp

In a large skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque. Pour in the white wine and allow it to simmer for 2 minutes, letting the alcohol cook off.

Season with red pepper flakes, salt, black pepper, and lemon juice. Stir well, then remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.

3. Make the Creamy Scampi Sauce

To the same skillet, add heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and a bit of reserved pasta water. Stir until the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.

Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add more pasta water as needed.

4. Assemble the Pasta Bake

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the creamy shrimp pasta to a lightly greased baking dish.

Top with the cooked shrimp, ensuring they’re evenly distributed. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese over the top for a gooey, golden crust.

5. Bake to Perfection

Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.

For an extra crispy, bubbly top, broil for the last 2 minutes of baking.

6. Serve & Enjoy!

Garnish with fresh parsley and an extra squeeze of lemon juice before serving. Enjoy this delicious Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake with crusty garlic bread, a fresh side salad, or a glass of white wine!

Helpful Tips

Use Fresh Shrimp – Fresh or frozen shrimp works, but make sure to pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture.
Don’t Overcook the Pasta – Since it will continue cooking in the oven, cook the pasta just until al dente.
Cheese Choices – For a rich, creamy flavor, use a mix of mozzarella, Parmesan, and provolone cheese.
Spice it Up – Love heat? Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper.
Make it Gluten-Free – Use gluten-free pasta and check that all ingredients are GF-friendly.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake with:

Garlic bread for soaking up the delicious sauce
Caesar salad for a refreshing side
Roasted asparagus or broccoli for extra greens
A glass of Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc for a perfect flavor match

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 550
Carbohydrates: 60g
Protein: 38g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 780mg

Storage & Leftovers

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes, or microwave in 30-second intervals.
Freezing: Not recommended due to the creamy sauce, but you can freeze the shrimp separately.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different pasta?
Yes! Try penne, fettuccine, or rotini.

2. What can I use instead of white wine?
Chicken broth or vegetable broth works great.

3. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the dish, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.

4. Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
Yes, but add them at the end of baking to prevent overcooking.

5. What cheeses work best?
Mozzarella, Parmesan, and provolone create a perfect balance.

6. Can I make this dairy-free?
Use coconut milk or dairy-free cream, and swap the cheese for a plant-based alternative.

7. Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely! Spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers add great flavor and texture.

What Chefs Say About This Recipe

Professional chefs love this dish for its classic flavors, creamy texture, and easy preparation. Chef Gordon Ramsay appreciates the balance of garlic, butter, and lemon. Chef Ina Garten loves the way it combines seafood with cheesy pasta. Chef Bobby Flay suggests adding a touch of smoked paprika for depth. Other chefs, including Alain Ducasse, Wolfgang Puck, and Giada De Laurentiis, praise its restaurant-quality appeal and family-friendly nature.

Related Recipes You’ll Love

Conclusion

This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is the perfect blend of garlic butter shrimp, creamy sauce, and cheesy pasta. Try it today for a flavor-packed, indulgent meal! 🍤🍝