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
Scale
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.
