There’s something uniquely comforting about gathering around a warm, bubbling casserole, especially one filled with familiar flavors. This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake brings the beloved garlicky, buttery notes of classic shrimp scampi into a hearty, family-friendly baked dish. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something special but need ease. Imagine tender pasta, succulent shrimp, and vibrant vegetables bathed in a creamy, savory sauce, all crowned with a golden, cheesy crust.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake
This delightful casserole quickly becomes a cherished family favorite. You’ll love preparing this Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake for many reasons:
- It offers the ultimate comfort food experience, warm and satisfying.
- Every bite bursts with incredible garlicky, buttery, and lemony flavor.
- It’s surprisingly quick to prepare, ideal for hectic weeknight dinners.
- A cheesy, golden-brown topping adds an irresistible crunch and richness.
- This hearty dish makes a perfect family-friendly meal that everyone enjoys.
- It’s a truly satisfying and flavorful alternative to traditional scampi.
Ingredients
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating this comforting Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake. Fresh, quality components truly make a difference in the final flavor of this cherished dish.
- Pasta: 12 ounces corkscrew (fusilli), penne, or similar short pasta.
- Shrimp: 1 ½ pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails on or off.
- Butter & Olive Oil: 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, 2 tablespoons olive oil.
- Garlic: 6–8 cloves fresh garlic, minced, for robust flavor.
- White Wine: ½ cup dry white wine (e.g., Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio).
- Lemon Juice: 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice.
- Chicken Broth: 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth.
- Heavy Cream: ½ cup heavy cream, for a luscious sauce.
- Broccoli Florets: 2 cups fresh or frozen broccoli florets.
- Cherry Tomatoes: 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved.
- Cheeses: 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella, ½ cup grated Parmesan, divided.
- Breadcrumbs: ½ cup Panko or regular breadcrumbs.
- Fresh Parsley: ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish.
- Salt & Black Pepper: To taste.
- Red Pepper Flakes: ½ teaspoon, optional, for a touch of heat.
Notes & Substitutions
You can easily adapt this recipe to your preferences or what you have on hand. For the shrimp, use large (21/25 count) for a substantial bite. You can also use medium shrimp, adjusting cooking time slightly. While corkscrew pasta works wonderfully, penne, orecchiette, or even linguine (broken) are great alternatives. If you prefer to avoid wine, simply substitute it with an equal amount of chicken broth or even a non-alcoholic white wine alternative. Feel free to swap broccoli for spinach, asparagus, or bell peppers. For the cheese, a blend of provolone, cheddar, or fontina can replace mozzarella for a different flavor profile. Use your favorite gluten-free pasta for a dietary-friendly option.
Equipment
You won’t need an elaborate kitchen setup to create this impressive dish. Just a few essential items will get the job done efficiently.
- A large oven-safe baking dish (9×13 inch)
- One large skillet or a Dutch oven
- A large pot for cooking pasta
- A sturdy cutting board and a sharp knife
- A grater for cheese if not using pre-shredded
How To Make Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake
Creating this comforting Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is a straightforward process, perfect for any home cook. Follow these steps carefully to achieve a truly delicious result.
- Preheat Oven & Prep: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. This prevents sticking and helps with easy cleanup.
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your chosen pasta and cook according to package directions, aiming for just al dente. It will finish cooking in the oven. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In your large skillet or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the olive oil. Once shimmering, stir in the minced garlic. Cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant, being careful not to let it brown, which can make it bitter.
- Cook Shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet with the garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Do not overcook them at this stage.
To avoid rubbery shrimp, it’s essential to cook them quickly until just pink and opaque, as detailed in this helpful guide on how to perfectly cook shrimp.
Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Deglaze: Pour the dry white wine into the hot skillet. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the wine simmer for 1-2 minutes until it reduces slightly. This step adds immense depth of flavor to your sauce.
Deglazing the pan with wine is a classic culinary technique that enhances the overall flavor profile by incorporating browned bits, as explained by Cuciniamo Italy.
- Build Sauce: Stir in the chicken broth, fresh lemon juice, and heavy cream into the skillet. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 3-5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. Season with salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes to taste.
- Add Vegetables: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Gently fold in the broccoli florets and halved cherry tomatoes. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, just until the broccoli starts to soften slightly.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce and shrimp. Sprinkle in half of the shredded mozzarella and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Toss everything gently to ensure the pasta is evenly coated in the rich, creamy sauce.
- Transfer to Dish: Carefully pour the entire pasta mixture into your prepared 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it into an even layer.
- Top and Bake: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the pasta. Then, scatter the breadcrumbs over the cheese layer.
- Bake Until Golden: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 18-25 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly around the edges and the cheesy breadcrumb topping is beautifully golden brown and crispy.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake from the oven. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Sprinkle generously with fresh chopped parsley for a vibrant finish and an extra layer of freshness. Enjoy this warm, hearty meal with your loved ones.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Achieve perfect results every time with these helpful hints. Avoid common pitfalls for a truly magnificent Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake.
- Don’t overcook the shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly. Remove them from the pan as soon as they turn pink to keep them tender.
- Cook pasta just al dente: The pasta will continue to cook in the oven, so slightly undercooking it initially prevents it from becoming mushy.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic, lemon juice, and quality cheeses significantly enhance the flavor profile.
- Adjust seasoning generously: Taste the sauce before adding pasta and adjust salt and pepper as needed. A well-seasoned sauce makes all the difference.
- Achieve crispy breadcrumb topping: For extra crispness, you can briefly broil the top for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Avoid a watery sauce: Ensure the wine reduces properly and the cream simmers long enough to thicken slightly. If it seems too thin, let it simmer a little longer before adding pasta.
- Prevent rubbery shrimp: Cook shrimp quickly over medium-high heat until just opaque, then remove them from the pan. They will finish cooking with the sauce in the oven.
Serving, Storage, & Variations
This versatile dish is perfect for family dinners and adapts beautifully to different preferences.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair this hearty casserole with a side of crusty garlic bread to soak up all the delicious sauce.
- Serve it alongside a light, fresh green salad with a vinaigrette dressing to balance the richness.
- Enjoy a glass of crisp, light white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, to complement the scampi flavors.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerate any leftover Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, freeze cooled portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheat individual servings in the microwave, or cover and bake larger portions in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through, adding a splash of broth if it seems dry.
Variations
- Protein: For a richer dish, add cooked, shredded chicken or seared bay scallops alongside the shrimp.
- Vegetables: Incorporate other vibrant vegetables like diced bell peppers, sliced zucchini, or sautéed mushrooms.
- Spice: Amp up the heat by increasing the red pepper flakes or swirling in a dash of sriracha into the sauce.
- Herbs: Experiment with fresh basil, oregano, or thyme for different aromatic notes.
- Cheese: Try a combination of smoked provolone, sharp white cheddar, or a touch of Asiago for unique cheesy layers.
Nutrition
This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake combines lean protein from shrimp with wholesome vegetables and carbohydrates from pasta. It offers a balanced meal rich in flavor and satisfying texture. While exact nutritional content varies based on specific ingredients and portion sizes, this dish generally provides a good source of protein, essential vitamins, and minerals. Enjoying this meal as part of a balanced diet contributes to overall well-being.
| Nutrient | Per Serving (Estimate) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 550-650 |
| Protein | 35-45g |
| Fat | 25-35g |
| Carbohydrates | 40-50g |
| Fiber | 4-6g |
| Sodium | 600-800mg |
Disclaimer: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific brands, preparation methods, and portion sizes. Consult a nutritionist for precise dietary guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are answers to some common questions about this delightful Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake.
Can I make Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake ahead of time?
You can assemble the bake a day in advance, cover it, and refrigerate. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it heats through completely.
What kind of pasta works best?
Short, sturdy pasta shapes like fusilli, penne, or rigatoni hold the creamy sauce and ingredients well. You can even use broken linguine if that’s what you have.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the frozen shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking to prevent excess water from diluting the sauce.
How do I prevent the shrimp from becoming rubbery?
Cook the shrimp briefly, just until they turn pink, then remove them from the pan. They will finish cooking gently in the oven, ensuring they remain tender.
Is this dish freezer-friendly?
Yes, it is! Once cooled, transfer portions to freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.
Final Thoughts
This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is more than just a meal; it’s an invitation to gather and create beautiful memories around the table. With its rich, garlicky sauce, tender shrimp, and golden, cheesy topping, it’s a dish that truly embodies comfort and connection.
Whether you’re cooking for your family or sharing with friends, this recipe promises smiles and satisfaction. Give this easy, flavorful bake a try tonight, and let us know how it brings joy to your home! We love hearing your stories.
Delicious Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe
Notes
Hi there, I’m chef living in New York City. Every morning, I wake up to the sounds of my little one’s laughter and the comforting routine of preparing breakfast for my family my husband, our child, and my beloved mother, who’s become both my rock and my inspiration since my father passed away. As the only daughter left in our family, I feel a deep responsibility to carry on his memory whenever I step into the kitchen.
- Dominique
- Dominique
- Dominique
- Dominique
