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- 8 oz. linguine or penne pasta - 1 lb. large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste) - 1 lemon, zested and juiced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped - Salt and pepper to taste The main ingredients create a rich and tasty dish. Linguine or penne pasta provides a perfect base. Large shrimp adds a sweet and tender touch. Unsalted butter gives a rich flavor, while garlic brings a warm aroma. Red pepper flakes add a mild kick. Lemon brightens the dish with freshness. Heavy cream makes it creamy and smooth. Mozzarella and Parmesan cheese create a gooey and flavorful topping. Cherry tomatoes add a pop of color and sweetness. Fresh parsley gives a nice green touch. Salt and pepper enhance all the flavors. - Baking dish - Skillet - Pot for boiling pasta - Cooking utensils Using the right tools makes cooking easy. A baking dish holds all the tasty goodness. A skillet is perfect for cooking shrimp and garlic. A pot is needed for boiling the pasta. Basic cooking utensils help mix and serve. Having these tools ready speeds up the cooking process. You’ll enjoy making this dish more with the right equipment. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This helps the dish cook evenly. 2. Cook 8 oz. of linguine or penne pasta according to the package. Aim for al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside. 1. In a large skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. 2. Add 4 cloves of minced garlic and 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. 3. Add 1 lb. of large shrimp, peeled and deveined. Cook the shrimp until they turn pink and opaque, about 3-4 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. 1. Stir in the juice and zest of 1 lemon, along with 1 cup of heavy cream. Mix well and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes. 2. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shrimp mixture, and 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes. Add half of the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese. Gently mix until all ingredients are well combined. 3. Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. 1. Add the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top of the pasta. 2. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly. Cooking the pasta to al dente is key. Al dente means the pasta is firm but cooked. Boil your linguine or penne for about 8 minutes. This helps the pasta hold its shape during baking. To adjust flavor with spices, think about your taste. I like a hint of heat, so I use red pepper flakes. Start with one teaspoon and add more if you want it spicy. Don’t forget salt and pepper to enhance all those flavors. Pairing with garlic bread adds a nice touch. The crispy bread soaks up the creamy sauce. You can make simple garlic bread by spreading butter and minced garlic on slices, then toasting them. For wine, a crisp white pairs well with this dish. Look for a Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. These wines will balance the rich flavors of the shrimp scampi. Garnishing with parsley makes the dish pop. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top before serving. It adds color and a fresh taste. Serving in festive dishes makes it special. Use a nice baking dish or individual ramekins. This gives your meal a personal touch and is fun for guests. Pro Tips Use Fresh Shrimp: Fresh shrimp will elevate the flavor of your dish significantly. If using frozen shrimp, ensure they are fully thawed and drained before cooking. Al Dente Pasta: Cook the pasta to al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven. This prevents it from becoming mushy. Customize the Spice: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes according to your heat preference. You can also add a pinch of cayenne for extra kick! Garnishing: Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a burst of freshness. You can also consider adding a sprinkle of lemon zest on top before serving for added brightness. {{image_2}} If you need gluten-free options, choose gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer tasty alternatives. You can find rice or chickpea-based pasta that works well. For vegans, consider using plant-based shrimp made from soy or mushrooms. These substitutes capture the texture and taste of shrimp nicely. You can switch up the cheeses to suit your taste. Try using cheddar or gouda instead of mozzarella. They add a different flavor profile. Adding fresh vegetables like spinach or bell peppers boosts nutrition and adds color. Sauté them briefly before mixing in for best results. For a richer taste, add a splash of white wine while cooking the shrimp. It enhances the flavor beautifully. You can also mix in fresh herbs like basil or thyme. These herbs bring a fragrant aroma and fresh taste to the dish. Experiment with your favorite herbs to find your perfect combination. To keep leftovers fresh, store them in airtight containers. This prevents moisture loss and keeps the dish tasty. I recommend using glass or plastic containers with tight lids. Make sure to let the dish cool before sealing. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, I suggest using the oven for the best results. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the dish in an oven-safe container and cover it with foil. This helps keep the shrimp moist. Heat for about 15-20 minutes. If you use a microwave, heat in short bursts. Stir between each burst to ensure even heating. To freeze Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake, let it cool completely. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space at the top for expansion. You can freeze it for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it in the oven as described earlier to keep the texture and flavor intact. You can store Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake for about three to four days in the fridge. Make sure to place it in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh and safe to eat. Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. Cook the pasta and shrimp mixture, then combine them. Cover the dish and place it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready, just bake it as the recipe says. The best pasta options for this recipe are linguine or penne. Both types hold the sauce well and give a nice bite. You can also use other short pasta like fusilli or rotini if you prefer. In this blog post, I covered how to make a delicious Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake. We discussed important ingredients, essential tools, and step-by-step cooking techniques. I also shared tips for perfecting your dish and creative variations. Remember, this recipe is adaptable for different diets and flavor profiles. Embrace the cooking process and enjoy each bite. Whether you're serving it for a special occasion or a simple weeknight meal, this dish is sure to impress. Happy cooking!

Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

A delicious baked pasta dish featuring shrimp in a creamy garlic sauce, topped with melted cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz linguine or penne pasta
  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 lemon zested and juiced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • to taste salt and pepper

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  • Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook until they turn pink and opaque, about 3-4 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, and heavy cream, mixing well. Allow the mixture to simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes.
  • In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shrimp mixture, cherry tomatoes, and half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Mix gently until everything is well incorporated.
  • Transfer the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
  • Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before garnishing with fresh parsley.

Notes

Adjust red pepper flakes to taste for desired spiciness.
Keyword bake, cheese, garlic, pasta, shrimp