Description
Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is a creamy, cheesy baked pasta dinner made with tender shrimp, garlic butter sauce, lemon, Parmesan, and mozzarella for an easy seafood pasta recipe that is cozy, fresh, and perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
12 ounces penne pasta
1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 tablespoons butter
5 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 cup chicken broth
3/4 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne until just under al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Pat the shrimp dry and season with salt and black pepper.
4. Heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
5. Add the shrimp and cook for about 1 minute per side, just until pink. Remove to a plate.
6. In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter and add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
7. Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Stir well and let the sauce simmer for 3 to 4 minutes.
8. Add the Parmesan cheese and stir until the sauce is smooth.
9. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
10. Gently fold in the shrimp and 1 tablespoon of chopped parsley.
11. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
12. Top with the mozzarella cheese and a little extra Parmesan if desired.
13. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until hot and bubbly.
14. Broil for 1 to 2 minutes at the end if you want a more golden top.
15. Let the pasta bake rest for 5 minutes, then finish with the remaining parsley and serve.
Notes
Use large shrimp so they stay juicy and do not disappear into the pasta after baking.
Cook the pasta just under al dente so it keeps the right texture once it finishes in the oven.
Add an extra squeeze of lemon at the end if you want the final dish to taste brighter and fresher.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked Pasta
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 545
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 225mg