Short Description
Easy Cheesy Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is a delightful fusion of tender shrimp, zesty garlic butter, and lemon, all combined with pasta and baked to golden perfection under a layer of gooey cheese. This comforting dish brings together the elegance of shrimp scampi with the heartiness of a pasta bake, making it suitable for both casual weeknight dinners and special occasions.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick and Convenient: Ready in just 40 minutes, it’s perfect for busy evenings.
Flavorful: Combines the classic flavors of shrimp scampi with the richness of a cheesy pasta bake.
Versatile: Easily adaptable with different pasta shapes or additional ingredients.
Family-Friendly: A dish that appeals to both adults and children alike.
Make-Ahead Option: Can be prepared in advance and baked when ready to serve.
Recipes by Clare
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
12 oz pasta (cavatappi, cellentani, penne, or rotini)
1½ lbs large shrimp, peeled and deveined
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 lemon, juiced and zested
1/2 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Grandma’s Recipes
+3
An Organized Chaos
+3
Facebook
+3
cookefast.com
+5
InesKohl Kitchen
+5
An Organized Chaos
+5
Grandma’s Recipes
+7
optimal recipes
+7
Facebook
+7
Facebook
Grandma’s Recipes
+4
cookefast.com
+4
InesKohl Kitchen
+4
Grandma Recipes Flash
Directions
Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Sauté Shrimp: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the shrimp and cook until they turn pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
Prepare Sauce:
In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter.
Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using), sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Pour in the white wine (or chicken broth) and lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let it simmer for 2 minutes.
Stir in the heavy cream and lemon zest, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Easy DIY Recipes
+5
cookefast.com
+5
InesKohl Kitchen
+5
Easy DIY Recipes
+3
Grandma Recipes Flash
+3
Grandma’s Recipes
+3
Combine Ingredients:
Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly.
Stir in the cooked shrimp, half of the mozzarella, and half of the Parmesan cheese.
Cook the Story
Assemble and Bake:
Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish.
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 6–8
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Variations
Protein Alternatives: Substitute shrimp with cooked chicken or scallops for a different twist.
Vegetable Additions: Incorporate spinach, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms for added flavor and nutrition.
Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the heat.
Cheese Options: Experiment with different cheeses like provolone or gouda for a unique flavor profile.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary restrictions.
Grandma Recipes Flash
Storage/Reheating
Storage: Allow the pasta bake to cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or warm the entire dish in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp can be used. Thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking to prevent excess moisture.
What type of pasta works best for this bake?
Short pasta shapes like cavatappi, penne, or rotini are ideal as they hold the sauce well.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble the dish up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready to serve.
Is it possible to freeze this pasta bake?
Yes, the assembled but unbaked dish can be frozen. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
Can I substitute the heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or a mixture of milk and a tablespoon of flour as a lighter alternative, though the sauce may be less rich.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for extra heat.
What can I serve alongside this pasta bake?
A fresh green salad and crusty bread pair well with this dish, balancing the richness of the pasta.
Easy Cheesy Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings
Description
This Easy Cheesy Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake combines juicy shrimp, garlic butter, lemon, and perfectly cooked pasta with melty cheese, making it a luxurious yet simple dish. Ideal for family dinners or entertaining guests, it’s a zesty and comforting crowd-pleaser.
Keywords: shrimp scampi pasta bake, cheesy shrimp pasta, easy shrimp casserole, lemon garlic shrimp pasta, baked shrimp pasta
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
-
1 lb pasta (cavatappi, cellentani, penne, or rotini)
-
1 1/2 lbs large shrimp, peeled and deveined
-
4 tbsp unsalted butter
-
1 tbsp olive oil
-
6 cloves garlic, minced
-
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
-
1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
-
Salt and black pepper to taste
-
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
-
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
-
1 cup shredded fontina or provolone (optional)
-
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
-
1/2 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
-
3/4 cup heavy cream
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
-
Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
-
Sauté shrimp: In a large skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant (about 1 minute). Add shrimp, lemon juice, zest, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 2–3 minutes until shrimp turn pink. Remove shrimp and set aside.
-
Deglaze skillet with wine or broth, scraping up bits. Simmer for 2 minutes, then stir in cream. Let simmer for 2 more minutes.
-
Combine: In a large bowl, mix pasta, shrimp, sauce, half the mozzarella, all the Parmesan, and parsley. Season with salt and pepper.
-
Assemble and bake: Pour mixture into baking dish. Top with remaining mozzarella and fontina/provolone. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
-
Garnish with extra parsley and serve hot with lemon wedges if desired.
Notes
-
Use pre-cooked shrimp to save time; reduce sauté time to just heating through.
-
Add a handful of spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
-
Can be assembled ahead and baked just before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
