Description

Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake combines the garlicky, buttery flavors of classic shrimp scampi with the comforting, cheesy goodness of a baked pasta casserole. Juicy shrimp, tender pasta, and a zesty lemon-garlic cream sauce come together in this easy, crowd-pleasing dish—perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings.

Ingredients

Pasta and Shrimp

12 oz pasta (penne or rotini)
1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined)

Sauce and Seasonings

2 tablespoons olive oil
4 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)
4 cloves garlic (minced)
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
½ cup dry white wine or chicken broth
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
½ cup heavy cream
¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons chopped parsley
Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

Preheat and Prep: Preheat the oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking during baking.
Cook Pasta: Boil pasta in salted water until just al dente. Drain the pasta well and set aside to avoid overcooking during baking.
Sauté Garlic and Shrimp: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until shrimp turns pink and is just cooked through. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
Make Sauce: Using the same skillet, add white wine (or chicken broth), lemon juice, and lemon zest. Allow to simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to reduce slightly. Lower the heat and stir in remaining 2 tablespoons butter and the heavy cream. Add ½ cup Parmesan cheese and stir continuously until melted and the sauce is smooth.
Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl or in the skillet if space permits, combine the cooked pasta, sautéed shrimp, and the prepared lemon-garlic cream sauce until evenly mixed.
Assemble Bake: Transfer the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish. Evenly sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese and the remaining Parmesan cheese over the top.
Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes until the cheese on top is golden brown and bubbling.
Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve hot to enjoy the dish at its best.

Notes

For extra crunch, top with buttered breadcrumbs before baking.
If using pre-cooked shrimp, add them at the end to avoid overcooking during the sauté step.
Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter but still creamy sauce.