Nothing says comfort food quite like a bubbling, cheesy shrimp scampi pasta bake. Picture this: tender pasta enveloped in a rich, garlicky sauce, topped with golden-brown cheese sizzling under the broiler. As you lift that first serving, the aroma wafts through your kitchen, promising a flavor explosion that instantly makes you feel like a culinary superstar.
This dish is not just a meal; it’s an experience! I remember the first time I made shrimp scampi pasta bake for my family. They were blown away by the decadent flavors and generous portions. It’s perfect for cozy nights in or impressing guests during your next dinner party. Get ready to indulge in a deliciously creamy delight that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The shrimp scampi pasta bake is incredibly easy to prepare and packed with flavor
- It looks stunning on any dinner table, boasting vibrant colors and textures
- Perfect for busy weeknights or festive gatherings, this dish is versatile enough to adapt to your taste preferences
- Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters will love!
I still chuckle when I think of my cousin’s face after her first bite; she was utterly speechless and just kept nodding in approval.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Pasta: Use your favorite type—penne or fusilli work great for holding onto the sauce.
Shrimp: Fresh or frozen works; just make sure they’re peeled and deveined for ease.
Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves are essential for that aromatic base; don’t skimp on this one!
Butter: Use unsalted butter for better control over the dish’s saltiness.
Heavy Cream: This adds that luxurious creaminess everyone loves in a good bake.
Parmesan Cheese: Grate fresh parmesan for richer flavor; it’s worth the extra effort!
Parsley: Fresh parsley adds color and brightness at the end; plus, it’s pretty!
Seasonings: Salt, pepper, red pepper flakes – these bring all those flavors together beautifully.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab a large pot of salted water and bring it to a rolling boil. Cook your pasta according to package instructions until al dente; we want it firm enough to hold up during baking.
While waiting for the pasta to cook, melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant—about 1 minute—but don’t let it brown! Your kitchen should smell heavenly right about now.
Toss in the shrimp next, cooking just until they turn pink and opaque—around 3-5 minutes will do. If you’re feeling spicy, sprinkle some red pepper flakes during this step for an added kick.
Pour in the heavy cream slowly while stirring. Let it simmer gently until slightly thickened—this will create that luscious sauce we all crave.
Combine cooked pasta with the shrimp mixture in the skillet. Stir in grated parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste—don’t be shy; seasoning is key!
Transfer everything into a greased baking dish. Top with more parmesan cheese and maybe even some mozzarella if you’re feeling indulgent (who isn’t?). Bake uncovered for about 20 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top.
Remove from the oven and sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over everything as a finishing touch. Let it cool slightly before serving because trust me—you’ll want everyone to enjoy this delightful creation without burning their tongues!
Dive into this shrimp scampi pasta bake knowing you’ve created something truly special! Enjoy every cheesy bite as laughter fills your dining room again!
You Must Know
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by sautéing garlic and shrimp in butter, then cook pasta while preparing the sauce. Mixing everything together before baking ensures an even distribution of flavors.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap shrimp for chicken or add veggies like spinach and bell peppers. A sprinkle of parmesan on top adds a delightful crust.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven to maintain texture, or microwave for quick meals.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always use fresh shrimp for the best flavor; frozen shrimp can work but may lack freshness
- Make sure to season your pasta water generously—it really enhances the dish
- Lastly, don’t skip broiling at the end for a crispy top!
Sharing this recipe brings back memories of my family gathering around the table, eagerly waiting for that first bite of cheesy goodness.
FAQ
Can I prepare shrimp scampi pasta bake ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble it beforehand and refrigerate until ready to bake.
What type of pasta works best for this recipe?
Fusilli or penne work great, holding onto the creamy sauce well.
How do I know when the shrimp are fully cooked?
Shrimp should turn pink and opaque, indicating they are cooked through.
Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake
Shrimp scampi pasta bake is the ultimate comfort food that combines tender pasta, succulent shrimp, and a creamy garlic sauce, all baked to perfection under a golden layer of cheese. This dish is not just a meal; it’s an indulgent experience perfect for cozy family dinners or impressive gatherings with friends. With its rich flavors and vibrant presentation, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the penne in salted boiling water until al dente, according to package instructions.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute).
- Add shrimp, cooking until pink and opaque (3-5 minutes). Mix in red pepper flakes if desired.
- Gradually pour in heavy cream while stirring. Simmer until slightly thickened.
- Combine cooked pasta with shrimp mixture. Stir in half of the Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper.
- Transfer to a greased baking dish, topping with remaining Parmesan cheese. Bake uncovered for about 20 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 220mg
