![- 12 oz uncooked pasta (fusilli or penne) - 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste) - 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 lemon, zested and juiced - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - Salt and pepper to taste Gather these ingredients before you start. Each item plays a key role in making this dish rich and flavorful. It’s important to use fresh shrimp to get the best taste. The garlic adds aroma, while the red pepper flakes give it a nice kick. The heavy cream and cheeses make the sauce creamy and indulgent. Don’t forget the lemon zest and juice; they brighten up the flavors. Fresh parsley adds a lovely touch at the end. If you want to check out the full recipe, just follow the link. This dish is simple yet satisfying, perfect for any night! - Cook pasta until al dente. - Drain and set aside. To prepare the pasta, start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once the water is bubbling, add 12 oz of uncooked pasta, like fusilli or penne. Follow the package instructions for cooking time, usually around 8-10 minutes. The key is to stop cooking just before it gets too soft. Drain the pasta in a colander and let it sit while you move on to the next steps. - Sauté garlic and red pepper flakes. - Add shrimp and season. In a large skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Stir this mix for about one minute until the garlic smells amazing. Next, add 1 lb of peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Cook the shrimp for about 3-4 minutes until they turn pink and opaque. Season with salt and pepper to taste. - Combine broth and cream. - Incorporate cheeses and lemon. Pour in 1 cup of chicken or vegetable broth and 1 cup of heavy cream. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer. While it simmers, stir in half of the 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and half of the 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Add the zest and juice of 1 lemon to brighten the flavor. Mix until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy. - Mix pasta with shrimp and sauce. - Transfer to baking dish and top with cheese. Combine the cooked pasta with the shrimp mixture in the skillet. Stir until the pasta is well coated with the creamy sauce. Then, transfer the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Top it with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses to create a delicious crust when baked. - Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). - Bake until bubbly and golden brown. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once preheated, place your baking dish in the oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and turns golden brown. This will create a beautiful, cheesy crust that you will love. Enjoy this dish fresh from the oven! For the full recipe, check [Full Recipe]. To avoid overcooking shrimp, cook them quickly. Shrimp only need about 3-4 minutes in the pan. They turn pink and opaque when done. If you cook them too long, they become rubbery. Always keep an eye on them. For even cooking, make sure they are all about the same size. If using frozen shrimp, let them thaw first. This helps them cook evenly. Achieving the right sauce texture is key for a great bake. Start with butter and garlic, then add broth and cream. Bring the mix to a gentle simmer. Stir in the cheeses slowly. This helps them melt evenly. If your sauce is too thick, add a splash of broth. If it’s too thin, let it cook a little longer. You want a smooth, creamy sauce that coats the pasta. To boost flavor, try adding herbs and spices. Fresh parsley works well, bringing brightness to the dish. You can also add a pinch of thyme or basil for depth. For a kick, consider more red pepper flakes. A splash of white wine can add a nice touch, too. Each of these adds layers of flavor that make your dish stand out. {{image_2}} You can boost the nutrition of your Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake by adding vegetables. Some great options include: - Spinach - Cherry tomatoes - Bell peppers - Zucchini These vegetables add color and flavor. You can sauté them with the garlic before adding the shrimp. This extra step enhances both taste and texture. If you want a change from shrimp, you can use chicken or scallops. Cook the chicken until it is fully done, about 5-7 minutes. For scallops, sear them for 2-3 minutes on each side. Both options work well with the same creamy sauce. This gives you more ways to enjoy this dish. For a gluten-free Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake, swap out the pasta and dairy. Use gluten-free pasta made from rice or quinoa. For the cream, choose coconut cream or a dairy-free option. This makes the dish safe for those with gluten allergies or intolerances. You can still enjoy the same great flavors and textures without any gluten. Try these variations to keep your Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake exciting and satisfying. For the Full Recipe, refer to the earlier section in this article. To keep your Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake fresh, store it in an airtight container. Let it cool to room temperature first. This prevents condensation, which can make your dish soggy. Place it in the fridge and enjoy it within three days. Label the container with the date for easy tracking. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. First, let the dish cool completely. Then, cut it into portions and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped portions in a freezer-safe bag. This helps avoid freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it overnight in the fridge. To reheat, avoid drying out your pasta bake. Use an oven for best results. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the dish with foil to keep moisture in. Heat for about 20-25 minutes. If you prefer using a microwave, place a portion in a microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of broth or cream to keep it moist. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between. This will help ensure your meal remains creamy and delicious. I recommend using fusilli or penne pasta. These shapes hold the sauce well. Their twists and tubes trap bits of shrimp and garlic, giving each bite great flavor. You can also use rotini or ziti if you like. The key is to pick a pasta that cooks well and pairs nicely with the creamy sauce. Yes, you can prepare this dish in advance. Cook the pasta and shrimp, then mix everything together. Place it in your baking dish. Cover it and store it in the fridge for up to two days. When you're ready to bake, just preheat the oven and cook it as normal. This makes it a great option for busy days. To make the dish less spicy, reduce the red pepper flakes. You can start with a pinch or skip them altogether. You can also add some extra cream or cheese to tone down the heat. This way, you keep the flavor without the kick. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them before cooking. Place them in cold water for about 15 minutes. Pat them dry, then cook as you would fresh shrimp. This is a great way to save time while still enjoying tasty shrimp. Pair the bake with a crisp salad or garlic bread. A simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette works well. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli also complement the dish nicely. These sides balance the creaminess of the pasta and add freshness. For the complete Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake recipe, check the [Full Recipe]. This blog post covered the tasty Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake. We explored key ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and how to enhance flavor. I shared tips for perfect shrimp and creamy sauce. You can also customize this dish with veggies or alternative proteins. Remember, storing and reheating properly keeps it delicious. Enjoy making this dish with your favorite twists! It’s simple and fun to share with friends and family. Your kitchen will be the place everyone wants to be.](https://cheftaling.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/d946cc92-29b0-4923-906f-bed1e431a7ea-250x250.webp)
- Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake
Looking for an easy and satisfying dinner? Try my Savory Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake! This delicious dish combines shrimp, creamy sauce, and baked pasta for a crowd-pleasing meal. With simple steps, you can impress your family any night of the week. Plus, feel free to customize it with veggies or different proteins. Click through for the full recipe and discover how to bring comfort food to your table effortlessly!