If you are craving a meal that elegantly combines the irresistible flavors of garlic, butter, and fresh shrimp with a comforting, cheesy pasta twist, the Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe is an absolute must-try. This dish takes the classic shrimp scampi we all love and transforms it into a warm, bubbly casserole that’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions. Every forkful delivers a luscious, creamy sauce coating perfectly cooked pasta and tender shrimp, with a golden crust on top that makes it even more special. Dive into this recipe, and you’ll discover a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to prepare and packed with flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully to create layers of flavor, rich texture, and lovely color contrasts. Each element is essential, whether it’s the tender shrimp that provide the star protein or the creamy sauce that glues everything together.
- 12 oz rigatoni or penne pasta: These pasta shapes hold the sauce well, giving every bite a perfect saucy coating.
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined: Fresh or thawed shrimp bring sweet, tender seafood goodness to the dish.
- 4 tbsp butter: Provides richness and depth, infusing the sauce and shrimp with buttery flavor.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: This adds the signature savory garlic punch that shrimp scampi is famous for.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates the luscious, velvety sauce that makes the bake so indulgent.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Balances the richness of the cream and enhances the overall flavor.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty note while helping thicken the sauce.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning: Brings a fragrant blend of herbs that complements the shrimp perfectly.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for bringing out all the other flavors just right.
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional): Gives a subtle spicy kick that livens up the dish without overpowering.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into a gooey, golden topping that you’ll love.
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley: Offers a fresh, bright finish and beautiful color contrast.
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional): Adds a satisfying crunchy topping for extra texture.
How to Make Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling your rigatoni or penne pasta in salted water until it’s just al dente—this means it should be tender but still have a little bit of bite to it. Cooking to al dente ensures the pasta won’t get mushy in the oven as it bakes later. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the other components.
Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp
Next, season the peeled and deveined shrimp with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. In a hot skillet, melt the butter and sauté the shrimp with minced garlic until they turn pink and are just cooked through. This step is crucial for locking in their natural sweetness and creating those savory garlic notes.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
Using the same skillet, add more butter if needed and sauté additional garlic until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring gently while bringing the mixture to a simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Let the sauce thicken slightly, then adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. This luxurious sauce is the heart of your pasta bake.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Shrimp with Sauce
Now it’s time to bring everything together. Toss the cooked pasta and sautéed shrimp into the creamy garlic sauce, ensuring each piece of pasta is thoroughly coated. This melding of ingredients makes the Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe so satisfyingly cohesive.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Transfer the shrimp and pasta mixture into an oven-safe baking dish. Evenly sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top, followed by panko breadcrumbs if you’re using them. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until the top turns golden and bubbly. This step adds that irresistible crust everyone loves in a baked pasta dish.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a pop of color and fresh herbal brightness. Your Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe is now ready to be enjoyed!
How to Serve Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes make a big impact. Freshly chopped parsley not only adds beautiful vibrant green hues but also provides a mild, fresh flavor that complements the richness of the dish perfectly. For an extra zing, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving can brighten the creamy sauce beautifully.
Side Dishes
This baked pasta pairs wonderfully with light side dishes. A crisp green salad tossed with a lemon vinaigrette, garlic roasted vegetables, or steamed asparagus offers a refreshing contrast to the creamy, buttery pasta bake. For bread lovers, crusty garlic bread is a perfect companion to mop up every last bit of that savory sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more festive presentation, serve the Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe in individual ramekins or mini cast iron skillets, letting everyone enjoy their own personal casseroles with that golden crust intact. You can also top each serving with a parmesan crisp or a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts for added texture and elegance.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe keeps well in the refrigerator for up to three days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve moisture and prevent the shrimp from drying out. When reheating, adding a splash of cream or broth can restore the sauce’s creamy consistency.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish if you want to enjoy it later. Place the cooled pasta bake in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to two months. Keep in mind that while the flavor remains delicious, the texture of the shrimp may become slightly less tender after freezing.
Reheating
For best results, reheat the Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and the cheese melts anew. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the shrimp rubbery and the pasta unevenly heated.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to fully thaw and pat the shrimp dry before cooking to prevent excess water from diluting the sauce and to ensure they sauté properly.
Is there a substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half mixed with a bit of flour to mimic the thickness of heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative, but the sauce might be slightly less rich.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap the rigatoni or penne with your favorite gluten-free pasta and use gluten-free breadcrumbs or omit them entirely.
How spicy is this Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe?
The recipe calls for optional red pepper flakes, which you can adjust to your desired heat level or omit completely for a milder version.
What can I use instead of panko breadcrumbs?
If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs, crushed crackers, or even crushed tortilla chips can work as a crunchy topping.
Final Thoughts
This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe is truly a standout in comfort food with a gourmet touch. Its creamy sauce, tender shrimp, and melty cheese topping combine to deliver a dish that’s both impressive and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for family or hosting friends, this recipe promises smiles all around the table. Give it a try—you’ll wonder why you didn’t make it sooner!
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Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake combines succulent sautéed shrimp with a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce, tossed with rigatoni pasta and topped with mozzarella cheese and crispy breadcrumbs. Baked to golden perfection, this easy 40-minute dish is perfect for a comforting family dinner that merges classic shrimp scampi flavors with a hearty pasta bake.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz rigatoni or penne pasta
Shrimp and Sauce
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Topping and Garnish
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional)
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni or penne pasta and cook until al dente, usually about 10-12 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Prepare the Shrimp: Season the peeled and deveined shrimp with salt, pepper, and if desired, red pepper flakes. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tbsp of butter and sauté the shrimp until they turn pink and opaque, about 2 minutes per side. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tbsp of butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce thicken slightly, about 3-5 minutes.
- Combine: Add the cooked pasta and shrimp back into the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together to ensure the pasta and shrimp are evenly coated with the creamy garlic sauce.
- Assemble and Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the pasta mixture to an oven-safe baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top, followed by the panko breadcrumbs if using. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the breadcrumbs are golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the pasta bake from the oven and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a fresh, vibrant finish. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- To make the dish spicier, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
- If you prefer a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Panko breadcrumbs add a delicious crunch; omit them for a softer topping.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Ensure shrimp are not overcooked during sautéing to maintain their tender texture.
