Description: This Easy Cheesy Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake takes the classic flavors of shrimp scampi – garlic, lemon, and butter – and transforms it into a comforting and satisfying baked pasta dish. Tender shrimp and perfectly cooked pasta are coated in a luscious garlic butter sauce, then blanketed with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner but elegant enough for a special occasion.
Ingredients:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb pasta (cavatappi, cellentani, penne, or rotini)
- 1 ½ lbs large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- ½ cup dry pasta cooking water (reserved)
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley (plus extra for garnish)
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a small amount of butter. This will prevent the pasta bake from sticking and ensure easy removal when serving.
Step 2: Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until just al dente (about 1–2 minutes less than package directions). The pasta will continue to cook in the oven, so it’s important to slightly undercook it. This prevents it from becoming mushy. Use a large pot to ensure the pasta cooks evenly and doesn’t clump together. Don’t forget to salt the water generously; this flavors the pasta from the inside out.
Step 3: Drain the pasta, but reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water. This starchy water is liquid gold! It will help create a silky, emulsified sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta. Set the pasta aside.
Step 4: Sauté the shrimp: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil. Make sure the skillet is large enough to accommodate all the shrimp without overcrowding. Overcrowding will steam the shrimp instead of searing it, resulting in a less desirable texture.
Step 5: Add shrimp in a single layer, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 1–2 minutes per side until just pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as it will become rubbery. They should be slightly undercooked at this stage, as they will finish cooking in the oven. Transfer shrimp to a plate and set aside.
Step 6: Make the garlic butter sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Using the same skillet allows you to capture all the flavorful bits left behind from cooking the shrimp.
Step 7: Add garlic and red pepper flakes (if using), and cook for 1 minute until fragrant—don’t let the garlic brown. Burnt garlic will taste bitter and ruin the flavor of the sauce. Keep a close eye on it and stir constantly. The red pepper flakes add a subtle kick, but you can omit them if you prefer a milder flavor.
Step 8: Stir in lemon zest and juice, then pour in the reserved pasta water. The lemon zest adds a bright, aromatic element, while the lemon juice provides acidity to balance the richness of the butter and cheese. The pasta water will help create a cohesive sauce that coats the pasta evenly.
Step 9: Let simmer for 1–2 minutes to slightly reduce and thicken. Simmering allows the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 10: Combine everything: Toss the cooked pasta and shrimp in the skillet with the garlic butter sauce. Ensure that the pasta and shrimp are well coated in the sauce.
Step 11: Mix in half of the mozzarella and all of the Parmesan. Reserve half of the mozzarella for topping the bake. The Parmesan cheese adds a nutty, savory flavor that complements the garlic and lemon.
Step 12: Stir in parsley. Fresh parsley adds a burst of freshness and brightness to the dish.
Step 13: Bake: Transfer the mixture to the greased baking dish. Spread the pasta mixture evenly in the dish.
Step 14: Top with the remaining mozzarella. Make sure to distribute the mozzarella evenly over the top of the pasta bake.
Step 15: Bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep a close eye on it.
Step 16: For a golden top, broil for an additional 2–3 minutes at the end, watching closely. Broiling adds a lovely golden-brown color to the cheese and creates a slightly crispy top. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
Step 17: Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and an extra squeeze of lemon juice before serving for extra brightness. The fresh parsley adds a final touch of freshness, while the extra lemon juice provides a burst of acidity that cuts through the richness of the dish. Serve immediately and enjoy.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This Easy Cheesy Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is a winner for so many reasons! First, it’s incredibly flavorful, combining the classic, beloved flavors of shrimp scampi with the comforting satisfaction of a cheesy pasta bake. The garlic butter sauce is rich and decadent, perfectly balanced by the bright acidity of lemon. The shrimp is tender and succulent, and the pasta is cooked to al dente perfection.
Beyond the flavor, this recipe is also remarkably easy to make. It requires minimal prep work and comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy weeknights. It’s also a great way to use up leftover pasta or shrimp. The dish is easily customizable, allowing you to adjust the ingredients to your liking. You can add different vegetables, cheeses, or spices to create your own unique version.
Finally, this pasta bake is a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to impress. It’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or even casual entertaining. The cheesy, bubbly topping and the aromatic garlic butter sauce are simply irresistible. It’s a dish that everyone will love!
COOKING Rating:
- Ease of Preparation: Easy
- Taste: Excellent
- Presentation: Very good
- Overall: Highly Recommended
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a side salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette will provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta bake.
- Garlic bread: Crusty garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious garlic butter sauce.
- Roasted vegetables: Roasted asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts make a healthy and flavorful side dish.
- A glass of white wine: A crisp, dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, pairs well with the shrimp and lemon flavors.
- Lemon wedges: Serve with extra lemon wedges for those who like a little extra acidity.
Tips:
- Don’t overcook the shrimp: Overcooked shrimp will be rubbery and tough. Cook them just until they turn pink and opaque.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic, lemon, and parsley will provide the best flavor.
- Don’t overcook the pasta: The pasta will continue to cook in the oven, so it’s important to slightly undercook it.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your liking: If you don’t like spicy food, omit the red pepper flakes altogether.
- Use a good-quality mozzarella cheese: Good-quality mozzarella will melt better and provide a richer flavor.
- Broil for a golden top: Broiling the pasta bake for a few minutes at the end will create a lovely golden-brown color on the cheese.
- Let the pasta bake cool slightly before serving: This will allow the cheese to set and make it easier to slice.
Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 25 minutes Total Time: 45 minutes
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: Approximately 480 per serving (estimated)
- Protein: Approximately 35g per serving (estimated)
- Sodium: Approximately 600mg per serving (estimated, depends on added salt)
(Please note that these values are estimates and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used and portion sizes.)
Conclusion
The Easy Cheesy Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is more than just a recipe; it’s an experience. It’s the perfect blend of comfort food and sophisticated flavors, making it a delightful addition to any meal. With its simple preparation and customizable ingredients, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. The combination of tender shrimp, perfectly cooked pasta, and a creamy, garlicky sauce makes it a dish that’s both satisfying and memorable. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and prepare to be transported to a culinary paradise with this easy and delicious pasta bake! Enjoy!
Questions and Answers about this Recipe:
Q1: Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
A: Absolutely! Frozen shrimp is a convenient and perfectly acceptable substitute for fresh shrimp. Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely before cooking. The best way to thaw shrimp is to place it in a colander under cold running water for about 10-15 minutes, or until it’s no longer frozen. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels before cooking to ensure it browns properly in the skillet. Pre-cooked frozen shrimp can also be used, just reduce the sauté time to avoid overcooking it, it is important to add it at the end.
Q2: I don’t have cavatappi, cellentani, penne, or rotini pasta. Can I use other types of pasta?
A: Yes, you can definitely substitute other types of pasta. The best options are those that have ridges or grooves, which will help the sauce cling to the pasta better. Good alternatives include farfalle (bow tie pasta), rigatoni, fusilli, or even spaghetti. However, be mindful of the cooking time for different pasta shapes, as some may require more or less time than the recommended varieties.
Q3: I’m not a fan of red pepper flakes. Can I leave them out?
A: Of course! The red pepper flakes are entirely optional and are included to add a touch of heat. If you prefer a milder flavor, simply omit them from the recipe. You can also substitute a pinch of cayenne pepper for a similar, but more intense, heat. For those who like it spicy, a sprinkle of chili flakes is also a great addition after cooking the shrimp scampi pasta bake.
Q4: Can I prepare this pasta bake ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble the pasta bake ahead of time, but it’s best to do so only a few hours in advance. Prepare the pasta, shrimp, and sauce as directed, combine everything, and transfer it to the baking dish. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, remove the plastic wrap and bake as directed, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time to ensure the dish is heated through. Freezing is also possible, but it may affect the texture of the pasta and cheese. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
Q5: What if I don’t have any pasta cooking water to reserve?
A: While pasta cooking water is ideal for creating a smooth, emulsified sauce, you can substitute it with chicken or vegetable broth if necessary. The broth will still add moisture and flavor to the sauce, but it may not be as starchy as pasta water. Alternatively, you can use a small amount of regular tap water mixed with a teaspoon of cornstarch to help thicken the sauce.
