Description
Succulent shrimp scampi pasta bake delivers Mediterranean coastal comfort with garlic-kissed noodles and plump seafood. Creamy parmesan and herbs create a luxurious dinner perfect for gathering loved ones around the table.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 1 pound (1 lb) shrimp, peeled and deveined
Starches:
- 12 ounces (12 oz) pasta (penne or ziti)
Dairy and Cheese:
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 tablespoons (4 tbsp) butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
Seasonings and Herbs:
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon (1 tbsp) chopped parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon (1/2 tsp) red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon (1 tbsp) lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Liquid:
- 1/2 cup white wine (or chicken broth)
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 375°F and prepare a baking dish with a light coating of oil or butter to prevent sticking.
- Boil pasta in salted water until it reaches a tender yet firm consistency, then carefully drain and set aside.
- Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat, introducing minced garlic and sautéing until its aromatic qualities release.
- Introduce raw shrimp to the skillet, seasoning generously with salt, cracked black pepper, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for subtle heat.
- Cook shrimp until they transform into a vibrant pink color and curl slightly, indicating they are perfectly cooked.
- Deglaze the pan by pouring white wine and fresh lemon juice, allowing the liquid to simmer and reduce for approximately two minutes.
- Incorporate heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, creating a luxurious sauce that coats the shrimp and skillet.
- Gently fold the cooked pasta into the creamy seafood mixture, ensuring every strand is thoroughly coated.
- Transfer the entire mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly and topping with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes until the cheese melts and begins to turn golden.
- Switch the oven to broil and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to achieve a crispy, bubbling cheese topping.
- Remove from oven, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve immediately while warm and inviting.
Notes
- Swap shrimp with chicken or tofu for a versatile protein alternative that keeps the dish exciting for different dietary preferences.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe completely celiac-friendly without compromising the rich, creamy texture.
- Reserve some pasta water before draining to help create a silkier sauce if the mixture seems too dry during mixing.
- For a lighter version, replace heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half to reduce calories while maintaining a luxurious consistency.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 680
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 36 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 58 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 31 g
- Cholesterol: 220 mg