Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite comfort food: shrimp scampi pasta bake! This dish is like a warm hug on a plate, combining succulent shrimp with a buttery garlic sauce that makes your taste buds dance. It’s creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying! I remember the first time I made it for a cozy dinner with friends; the aroma filled the kitchen and everyone just couldn’t wait to dig in. Trust me, the blend of flavors in this shrimp scampi pasta bake is nothing short of magical. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen. So, gather your ingredients, and let’s get ready to whip up something delicious!
Ingredients List
- 8 ounces of pasta, cooked al dente (I love using penne or fusilli for added texture!)
- 1 pound of shrimp, peeled and deveined (look for the freshest shrimp you can find; it makes all the difference!)
- 4 tablespoons of butter (unsalted is best so you can control the saltiness)
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced (the more garlic, the better, am I right?)
- 1 cup of heavy cream (for that dreamy, rich sauce)
- 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated gives a lovely flavor)
- 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (adjust to your spice preference!)
- Salt and pepper to taste (don’t be shy with the seasoning!)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (for that pop of color and freshness)
How to Prepare Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This way, it’s nice and hot when your pasta bake is ready to go in!
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Drain it and set it aside while we get that delicious shrimp going.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. As it starts to bubble, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until it’s fragrant—oh, the smell is heavenly!
- Now, add the shrimp to the skillet. Cook them until they turn pink, which should take about 3-4 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally so they cook evenly.
- Once the shrimp are cooked, stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until it’s a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Combine the cooked pasta with the shrimp mixture in the skillet. Toss it all together so every piece of pasta is coated in that rich sauce.
- Transfer the pasta and shrimp mixture into a baking dish. If you’re feeling extra cheesy, sprinkle some additional Parmesan on top!
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until it’s bubbly and golden. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges start to brown slightly.
- Finally, take it out and garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy every cheesy, garlicky bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick prep time—ready in just 45 minutes!
- Easy to make, even for beginner cooks.
- Rich and flavorful, with that classic shrimp scampi taste.
- Comforting and satisfying, perfect for cozy nights in.
- Great for gatherings—everyone loves a cheesy pasta dish!
- Leftovers taste even better the next day!
Tips for Success
To make your shrimp scampi pasta bake truly shine, here are some of my top tips! First, don’t overcook the shrimp; they should be just pink and tender when you add them to the sauce. If you prefer a lighter dish, feel free to swap half of the heavy cream for chicken broth—it still tastes amazing! Also, adding a splash of lemon juice right before serving brightens up the flavors beautifully. And if you want to mix things up, try adding some sautéed spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for an extra burst of color and taste. Trust me, you’ll want to make this again and again!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are plenty of ways to switch up this shrimp scampi pasta bake! For a different protein, try using chicken instead of shrimp—just make sure to cook it thoroughly before adding it to the sauce. You can also toss in some fresh vegetables like spinach, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers for added flavor and nutrition. And don’t forget about cheese! Swap the Parmesan for mozzarella or even a blend of Italian cheeses for a gooey twist. Get creative and make it your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Leftover shrimp scampi pasta bake can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure it’s completely cooled before sealing it up! When you’re ready to enjoy it again, the best method to reheat is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), then place the pasta bake in a baking dish, cover with foil to retain moisture, and heat for about 15-20 minutes. If you want that cheesy top to be extra bubbly, remove the foil for the last 5 minutes. You’ll swear it just came out of the oven!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick glance at the estimated nutritional information for your delightful shrimp scampi pasta bake. Each serving contains about 550 calories, with 30 grams of fat (including 15 grams of saturated fat), and a hearty 25 grams of protein. You’ll also find around 45 grams of carbohydrates and 2 grams of fiber. Plus, there’s only 2 grams of sugar! Keep in mind these values can vary based on ingredient choices and portion sizes. It’s a deliciously satisfying meal that packs a flavorful punch without breaking the calorie bank!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking. Frozen shrimp can still give you that great flavor!
What type of pasta works best for shrimp scampi pasta bake?
I love using penne or fusilli because they hold onto the sauce beautifully, but feel free to use any pasta you have on hand!
Can I make shrimp scampi pasta bake ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble it the night before and store it in the fridge. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake!
How do I know when the pasta bake is done?
Look for a bubbly, golden top and slightly browned edges. It should smell heavenly too!
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Of course! Just swap out regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free variety, and you’re good to go!
Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake: 8 Steps to Comforting Perfection
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A delicious baked pasta dish featuring shrimp and a buttery garlic sauce.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces of pasta
- 1 pound of shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoons of butter
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add shrimp and cook until pink, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Combine the cooked pasta with the shrimp mixture.
- Transfer to a baking dish and top with additional Parmesan if desired.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute shrimp with chicken if preferred.
- Add vegetables like spinach or tomatoes for extra flavor.
- This dish can be made ahead and stored in the fridge.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 200mg
Keywords: shrimp scampi pasta bake, baked shrimp pasta, shrimp pasta dish
