Description
Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is a delightful twist on the classic shrimp scampi, combining succulent shrimp, creamy garlic sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, all baked together with a crispy, cheesy breadcrumb topping. This comforting dish is easy to prepare and perfect for a family dinner or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Shrimp
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or ziti work well)
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Sauce and Seasoning
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Topping
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the pasta dish later.
- Cook Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta thoroughly and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Cook Shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside to prevent overcooking.
- Make Sauce: Pour the dry white wine or chicken broth into the skillet, allowing it to cook down for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Cook this sauce for another 2 minutes until it thickens.
- Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the cooked pasta into the skillet with the sauce. Toss well to coat all the pasta evenly. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using, to taste.
- Add Shrimp and Parsley: Stir the cooked shrimp and half of the chopped fresh parsley into the pasta mixture, distributing them evenly.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Transfer the shrimp and pasta mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Make Topping: In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the pasta in the baking dish.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping turns golden brown and crispy.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the baked pasta from the oven and garnish with the remaining fresh parsley. Serve warm and enjoy the creamy, flavorful Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake.
Notes
- You can substitute dry white wine with chicken broth if you prefer a non-alcoholic version.
- For extra cheesiness, sprinkle additional shredded mozzarella on top before baking.
- If you like more heat, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper.
- Make sure not to overcook the shrimp in the skillet as they will cook further in the oven.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and texture in the sauce and topping.
- This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
