Description
Succulent shrimp scampi pasta bake delivers Mediterranean coastal flavors with creamy garlic sauce and tender seafood. Crispy breadcrumb topping and fresh herbs elevate this comforting dinner you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled & deveined
Pasta and Cheese:
- 12 ounces penne or spaghetti, cooked & drained
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings and Other Ingredients:
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking dish with a light coating of cooking spray.
- Heat butter in a large skillet over medium temperature, releasing its rich, nutty aroma.
- Introduce minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing briefly to awaken their intense flavors.
- Add shrimp to the skillet, cooking rapidly until they transform into a vibrant pink hue, approximately 3 minutes.
- Enhance the seafood with a splash of zesty lemon juice, aromatic Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Gently transfer the perfectly cooked shrimp to a separate plate, reserving for later.
- Pour heavy cream into the same skillet, allowing it to simmer and create a luxurious base.
- Integrate Parmesan cheese, whisking until the sauce achieves a silky, uniform consistency.
- Combine the prepared pasta with the velvety cream sauce, ensuring each strand is elegantly coated.
- Reintroduce the shrimp, gently folding them into the creamy mixture.
- Transfer the entire composition to the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly.
- Lavishly sprinkle mozzarella cheese across the top, creating a golden, tempting surface.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, watching for a bubbling, golden-brown cheese crust.
- Finish with a generous scattering of freshly chopped parsley, adding a burst of color and freshness.
- Serve immediately, allowing guests to indulge in this decadent seafood pasta creation.
Notes
- Opt for large, fresh shrimp for the best texture and flavor in this indulgent pasta bake.
- Avoid overcooking shrimp to prevent rubbery, tough pieces that can ruin the dish’s delicate balance.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a more authentic and richer sauce compared to pre-packaged options.
- Customize the heat level by adjusting red pepper flakes to suit your spice tolerance or dietary preferences.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 435 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 490 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 33 g
- Cholesterol: 160 mg