Description
Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is a creamy, flavorful, and easy dinner recipe combining succulent shrimp with a rich garlic cream sauce, tender pasta, and a crispy cheesy breadcrumb topping. Perfect for a comforting family meal, this baked dish brings together the best of shrimp scampi and baked pasta in one satisfying casserole.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp and Pasta
- 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 12 ounces pasta (penne, rotini, or fusilli)
Sauce and Cooking
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Topping and Garnish
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the pasta according to the package instructions in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside to use later in the bake.
- Sauté Shrimp and Garlic: Heat the butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes, sautéing for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and are cooked through. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
- Make Creamy Sauce: In the same skillet, pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for about 5 minutes to thicken slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella until the sauce is creamy and smooth.
- Combine and Prepare for Baking: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta, sautéed shrimp, and creamy sauce until well combined. Transfer this mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading evenly.
- Prepare Breadcrumb Topping: In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, melted butter, and grated Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the pasta and shrimp casserole.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and crispy, and the sauce is bubbling.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let the bake cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side for a bright, fresh finish.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen shrimp that is peeled and deveined for convenience and best texture.
- Feel free to substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a slightly different flavor or to accommodate dietary preferences.
- For an extra kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper.
- If you prefer, you can swap out mozzarella cheese for provolone or fontina for a different cheesy flavor profile.
- Letting the dish rest after baking helps the sauce thicken up slightly and makes serving easier.
