Description
Whipping up Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake brings pure comfort straight from your kitchen to the dinner table. Succulent shrimp nestled in garlic-kissed pasta creates a delightful meal that pulls everyone together for a satisfying feast.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 pound shrimp
Starches:
- 12 ounces (340 grams) pasta
Sauce and Flavor Enhancers:
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 3 cloves garlic
- ½ cup parmesan cheese
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add 1 tablespoon (15 ml) salt and 8 ounces (225 g) pasta. Cook for 7-8 minutes until al dente, then drain and coat lightly with 1 teaspoon olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Melt 2 tablespoons (30 g) butter with 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add 1 pound (450 g) peeled shrimp to the skillet. Cook 2 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Splash in 2 tablespoons (30 ml) fresh lemon juice and ¼ cup (60 ml) chicken broth, then transfer shrimp to a separate plate.
- Pour ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream into the same skillet. Whisk in ½ cup (50 g) grated parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes smooth and slightly thickened, about 2-3 minutes.
- Combine the cooked pasta, shrimp, and cream sauce in a 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) greased baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup (100 g) mozzarella and ¼ cup (25 g) additional parmesan across the top.
- Slide the baking dish into a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven. Bake for 15-18 minutes until the cheese melts and edges turn golden brown.
- Switch oven to broil. Position the dish 4-5 inches from the heat source and broil for 1-2 minutes to create a crispy, bubbling cheese topping.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 3-4 minutes. Garnish with 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley and grated lemon zest before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh, large shrimp for the best texture and flavor in your pasta bake.
- Cook shrimp just until pink to prevent rubbery, tough meat that can ruin the dish.
- Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version that still maintains creamy richness.
- Gluten-free friends can swap regular pasta for chickpea or zucchini noodles without losing the delicious coastal flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Baked
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg