Description
Irresistible shrimp scampi pasta bake brings Mediterranean coastal flavors straight to dinner tables with zesty garlic and tender seafood. Creamy parmesan sauce and golden breadcrumb topping make this dish an instant classic you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 pound (454 grams) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Pasta:
- 12 ounces (340 grams) linguine or spaghetti
Dairy and Cheese:
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Seasonings and Flavor Enhancers:
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
- 1/2 cup white wine or chicken broth
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Warm the oven to a toasty 375F (190C), creating the perfect environment for a delectable pasta transformation.
- Boil pasta in generously salted water until it reaches a perfect al dente texture, then drain and reserve.
- In a spacious skillet, melt butter over medium heat, introducing minced garlic and red pepper flakes, allowing their aromatic essence to bloom for roughly one minute.
- Introduce shrimp to the skillet, cooking them until they turn a vibrant pink and become translucent, approximately 3-4 minutes. Carefully transfer the shrimp to a holding plate.
- Deglaze the skillet with white wine (or chicken broth), skillfully lifting the caramelized flavor bits from the pan’s surface. Allow the liquid to simmer and reduce for two minutes.
- Incorporate lemon juice, zest, and heavy cream, creating a luxurious sauce that gently simmers and melds together.
- Fold the cooked pasta into the creamy mixture, ensuring each strand is lavishly coated. Season with salt and pepper to elevate the flavors.
- Smoothly transfer the sauced pasta into a spacious baking dish, spreading it evenly to create a uniform base.
- Artfully arrange the cooked shrimp atop the pasta, then generously shower the dish with Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses.
- Slide the dish into the preheated oven, allowing it to bake for 15-20 minutes until the cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling blanket.
- Extract from the oven, crown with fresh parsley, and serve immediately while piping hot and gloriously aromatic.
Notes
- Swap white wine with chicken broth or vegetable stock to create a non-alcoholic version that maintains the rich, complex flavor profile.
- Use gluten-free pasta and ensure other ingredients are gluten-free to make this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
- Consider reducing heavy cream with Greek yogurt or coconut milk for a lighter, healthier alternative that still provides creamy texture.
- Choose smaller shrimp for more even cooking and easier eating, ensuring each bite delivers consistent flavor and texture throughout the dish.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 545 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 39 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 190 mg