Description
Creamy Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake brings Mediterranean flavors straight to your dinner table with minimal effort. Garlicky shrimp nestled in tender pasta and melted cheese create a comforting meal that feels like a warm culinary hug.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 8 oz (225g) linguine or spaghetti, cooked al dente
Cheese and Dairy:
- 1 cup (115g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup (60g) grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Supporting Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- ¼ cup reserved pasta water
- Non-stick spray or olive oil, for greasing the baking dish
Instructions
- Boil 8 oz (225g) linguine in salted water for 8-9 minutes until al dente. Drain pasta, reserving ¼ cup (60ml) cooking liquid.
- Melt 2 tablespoons butter and 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat at 350°F (175°C).
- Sauté 4 minced garlic cloves for 30 seconds until fragrant, releasing their aroma without browning.
- Add 1 lb (450g) peeled shrimp to the skillet. Sprinkle with ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, and optional ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes.
- Cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn completely pink and curl slightly.
- Remove skillet from heat and stir in lemon zest from 1 whole lemon and 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice.
- Mix in ¼ cup chopped parsley and reserved pasta water to create a light sauce.
- Toss cooked pasta with shrimp mixture until thoroughly combined and evenly coated.
- Transfer mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly coated with non-stick spray.
- Sprinkle 1 cup (115g) mozzarella and ½ cup (60g) parmesan cheese evenly across the top.
- Bake uncovered at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes until cheese melts and turns golden around edges.
- Garnish with extra parsley and serve immediately while hot and bubbling.
Notes
- Use fresh, large shrimp for the best flavor and texture in this easy pasta bake.
- Reserve some pasta water to help create a silky, smooth sauce that clings perfectly to the noodles.
- For a gluten-free version, swap regular pasta with zucchini noodles or your favorite gluten-free pasta alternative.
- If seafood isn’t your thing, substitute shrimp with cooked chicken or roasted vegetables for an equally delicious meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Baked
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 369 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 462 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 152 mg