Description
This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender shrimp with a creamy garlic sauce, pasta, and a crispy breadcrumb topping. Perfect for a family dinner, this baked pasta recipe features a luscious blend of butter, garlic, white wine, and cheeses that come together beautifully in the oven for a golden, bubbly finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Shrimp
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or ziti work well)
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Sauce
- 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
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (divided)
Topping
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the pasta dish later.
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the pasta according to the package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside to be combined with the sauce and shrimp.
- Prepare Garlic Butter Sauce: In a large skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat, then add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Cook the Shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp and set aside.
- Create Sauce Base: Pour the white wine or chicken broth into the skillet and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly, concentrating the flavors.
- Finish the Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, allowing the sauce to thicken over about 2 minutes while stirring constantly.
- Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the cooked pasta back to the skillet and mix well to coat it in the creamy garlic sauce. Season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes for some heat.
- Add Shrimp and Parsley: Stir in the cooked shrimp and half of the chopped fresh parsley for a burst of freshness.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Transfer the pasta and shrimp mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Prepare Breadcrumb Topping: In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the pasta for a crunchy crust.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is bubbling.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, sprinkle with the remaining parsley, serve warm, and enjoy your flavorful shrimp scampi pasta bake!
Notes
- Use dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay for best flavor; chicken broth can be substituted for a non-alcoholic version.
- If shrimp is not available, you can use scallops or cooked chicken as an alternative.
- Make sure not to overcook the pasta; al dente texture helps prevent the bake from becoming mushy.
- For a lower-fat version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a lighter cream alternative.
- If you want extra cheese, sprinkle some more mozzarella on top before baking.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat in the oven for best texture.
