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:
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1 lb pasta (cavatappi, cellentani, penne, or rotini)
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1 1/2 lbs large shrimp, peeled and deveined
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4 tbsp unsalted butter
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1 tbsp olive oil
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6 cloves garlic, minced
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Zest and juice of 1 lemon
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1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
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Salt and black pepper to taste
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1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
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1 cup shredded fontina or provolone (optional)
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1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
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1/2 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
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3/4 cup heavy cream
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
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Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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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.
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Deglaze skillet with wine or broth, scraping up bits. Simmer for 2 minutes, then stir in cream. Let simmer for 2 more minutes.
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Combine: In a large bowl, mix pasta, shrimp, sauce, half the mozzarella, all the Parmesan, and parsley. Season with salt and pepper.
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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.
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Garnish with extra parsley and serve hot with lemon wedges if desired.
Notes
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Use pre-cooked shrimp to save time; reduce sauté time to just heating through.
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Add a handful of spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
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Can be assembled ahead and baked just before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American