Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake
A comforting seafood dinner that combines garlicky shrimp with cheesy baked pasta, perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined Use large wild-caught shrimp for best flavor.
- 12 ounces pasta (such as linguine or fettuccine) Cook al dente as it will finish cooking in the oven.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced Cook quickly to avoid bitterness.
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes Adjust to taste.
- 1 cup heavy cream Use full-fat for best texture.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese Freshly grated is preferred for better melt.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped For garnish.
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, drain, and set aside.
Sautéing
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing until fragrant.
- Add shrimp, cooking until pink and opaque, then remove from heat.
Making the Sauce and Combining
- Pour heavy cream and lemon zest into the skillet and simmer gently.
- Combine cooked pasta, shrimp, cream mixture, and half of the Parmesan in a mixing bowl.
Baking
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Top with remaining Parmesan and mozzarella, then bake for 20–25 minutes until golden.
Finishing Touches
- Let cool slightly before garnishing with parsley and serving.
Notes
For best results, do not overcook shrimp and allow cooling to set the sauce.