Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

$Let’s dive into the essential ingredients for this delicious Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake. Each one plays a key role in making this dish flavorful and fun to eat. Here’s what you need: - 8 oz penne pasta - 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes - 1 lemon, juiced and zested - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (divided) - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (divided) - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - Salt and pepper to taste Each ingredient adds its own magic. The penne pasta serves as a sturdy base. The shrimp brings a sweet, ocean flavor. Garlic and red pepper flakes add a nice kick. Lemon juice brightens the dish, making it lively and fresh. The creamy sauce binds everything together, with cheeses giving a rich, cheesy finish. I recommend using large shrimp for a satisfying bite. Fresh parsley gives a pop of color and flavor too. For a complete experience, check out the Full Recipe for precise measurements and cooking tips! 1. Preheating the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This makes sure it’s hot and ready for baking. 2. Cooking the pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water. Add the penne pasta and cook until it is al dente. Drain the pasta and set it in a large mixing bowl. 3. Preparing the shrimp and sauce: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until the garlic smells good. 4. Combining the ingredients for baking: After cooking the shrimp, combine it with the pasta, sauce, and tomatoes in your bowl. Mix everything well to coat the pasta. 1. Sautéing garlic and shrimp: Once the garlic is fragrant, add the shrimp to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the shrimp turns pink and opaque. Season with salt and pepper. 2. Combining pasta with sauce mixture: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in lemon juice, zest, and heavy cream. Add half the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until creamy. Pour this mixture over the pasta and gently toss everything together. 1. Transferring to baking dish: Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Pour the pasta mixture into it and spread evenly. Top with the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. 2. Baking time and temperature: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Look for melted cheese and a golden brown edge. 3. Garnishing before serving: After baking, let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley. A lemon wedge on the side adds a nice touch. To boost the taste of your Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake, add some fresh herbs. Fresh basil or thyme can make a big difference. You can also sprinkle in some capers for a salty kick. If you like it hot, increase the red pepper flakes. Always taste as you go. Adjusting spice levels will help you find the perfect heat for your dish. Cooking shrimp perfectly is key. Make sure your pan is hot. This helps the shrimp cook quickly and evenly. Cook shrimp until they turn pink. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes. Do not overcook them! They can become tough. For pasta, cook it al dente. This means the pasta should still have a slight bite. Follow the package instructions but check it a minute early. Drain the pasta well to avoid sogginess in your bake. For serving, dish the pasta bake straight from the oven. This keeps it warm and inviting. To make it look fancy, add a sprig of fresh parsley on each plate. A lemon wedge can add a nice touch and fresh flavor. Pair your pasta bake with a light salad or garlic bread. A simple mixed green salad works well. It balances the richness of the dish. Enjoy your meal! {{image_4}} You can switch up the pasta for a gluten-free option. Look for gluten-free penne or rotini. These options work well and taste great! You can also try different cheeses. Instead of Parmesan, use Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste. Feta cheese can add a nice tang too. To make this dish dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream. This keeps the dish rich while being kind to your tummy. For a low-carb version, swap the pasta for zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash. This cuts carbs while keeping it delicious. Adding vegetables boosts the nutrition and flavor. Spinach, bell peppers, or asparagus work well. You can also use different seafood, like scallops or crab. If you want a different protein, try chicken or tofu. These tweaks keep the recipe fresh and exciting. For more tips and ideas, check the Full Recipe! To store your Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake, let it cool first. Place leftovers in an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. When it’s time to reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the dish with foil to keep it moist. Bake for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. You can also use a microwave. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between to avoid hot spots. You can freeze your pasta bake before or after baking. If you freeze it before, prepare it as normal but skip the baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. You can freeze it for up to three months. To freeze after baking, let it cool completely, then wrap it well. For thawing, place the frozen dish in the fridge overnight. This keeps it safe and helps maintain texture. Reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 30-40 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent drying out. Enjoy your delicious meal even after a freeze! For the Full Recipe, check earlier in the article. How do I know when the shrimp is fully cooked? The shrimp turns pink and opaque when cooked. It usually takes 3-4 minutes in the pan. If the shrimp curls tightly, it may be overcooked. For perfect shrimp, watch them closely. Can I prepare the Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake ahead of time? Yes, you can prep it a day ahead. Just store the uncooked dish in the fridge. When ready, bake it directly from the fridge. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time. How many servings does this recipe make? This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake serves about six people. It's ideal for a family meal or small gathering. If you have a larger group, consider making two dishes. How to scale the recipe for larger gatherings? To scale up, simply double the ingredients. Use a larger baking dish to fit everything. Adjust the baking time slightly if needed. What kind of shrimp works best for this recipe? Large shrimp is best because they hold their shape. Look for shrimp that is peeled and deveined for ease. Fresh shrimp makes a big difference in flavor. Can I use different types of pasta? Absolutely! While penne is great, you can use fusilli or rigatoni. Just make sure to cook the pasta until al dente. This keeps it from getting too soft in the bake. For easy reference, check out the Full Recipe (Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake 🧄). This recipe offers a simple way to make Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake. You learned about the ingredients needed, how to prepare and cook, and tips to enhance flavor. I shared storage tips to keep your dish fresh. Remember, you can tweak it to match your taste. Whether you add veggies or try different cheeses, there are many options. Enjoy a tasty meal with friends and family. Cooking should be fun and delicious!$

Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

Indulge in the deliciousness of this Savory Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake, a perfect blend of succulent shrimp, creamy sauce, and melting cheese. In just a few simple steps, you can create a comforting meal that will impress your family and friends. With vibrant flavors and easy preparation, this delightful dish is a must-try for any occasion. Click through to explore the full recipe and get cooking today!

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Ingredients

8 oz penne pasta

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes

1 lemon, juiced and zested

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (divided)

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking.

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (firm to the bite). Drain the pasta and set it aside in a large mixing bowl.

Prepare the Shrimp: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for about 1-2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant. Be cautious not to let it brown.

Cook the Shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque. Season with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor.

Create the Sauce: Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and heavy cream, mixing until everything is well combined. Sprinkle in half of the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and creamy.

Combine Ingredients: In your bowl with the cooked pasta, add the shrimp and sauce mixture, along with the halved cherry tomatoes and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated and combined.

Transfer to Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Pour the pasta mixture into it, spreading the contents evenly. Top the dish with the remaining shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese for a golden, cheesy finish.

Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the edges are turning golden brown.

Garnish and Serve: Once baked, carefully remove the dish from the oven. Allow it to cool for a few minutes. Before serving, garnish with fresh chopped parsley for added color and flavor.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 6

- Presentation Tips: Serve the pasta bake directly from the baking dish. For an elegant touch, place a sprig of fresh parsley on each individual serving. A wedge of lemon on the side can add a burst of freshness.