Oh my gosh, let me tell you about my absolute favorite dish: shrimp scampi pasta bake! Seriously, if you love creamy garlic flavors that wrap around perfectly cooked pasta and succulent shrimp, then you’re in for a treat. This dish has been a staple at my family gatherings, and every time I pull it out of the oven, the aroma fills the kitchen and everyone gathers around, ready to dig in. It’s super comforting yet elegant enough to impress guests! The combination of buttery shrimp and rich cream sauce topped with melty Parmesan cheese? Wow! Trust me, this shrimp scampi pasta bake will quickly become a go-to recipe in your home, just like it is in mine. Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients List
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup packed grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)
How to Prepare Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake
Step 1: Preheat and Cook Pasta
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it’s nice and hot when it’s time to bake! While that’s heating up, grab your penne pasta and cook it according to the package instructions. Usually, that means boiling it in salted water for about 8-10 minutes until al dente. Once it’s done, drain the pasta and set it aside. Trust me, this step is super important for getting that perfect texture in your bake!
Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Shrimp
Now, let’s move to the good stuff! In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat—your kitchen will start smelling heavenly at this point! Once that butter is melted, toss in the minced garlic and sauté it for about a minute until it’s fragrant. Then, add your shrimp to the skillet and cook them until they turn a lovely pink color—this usually takes about 3-4 minutes. Don’t forget to season them generously with salt, pepper, and those red pepper flakes if you want a little kick! It’s all about flavor, folks!
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Once your shrimp is cooked, it’s time for the magic! Stir in the heavy cream and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix everything well, letting those flavors mingle together beautifully. Then, add in your cooked pasta and the chopped parsley, gently stirring to combine all the ingredients. You want every piece of pasta coated in that creamy goodness! After that, transfer the whole mixture into a baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Don’t forget to sprinkle the remaining Parmesan on top—it’ll become golden and bubbly in the oven!
Step 4: Bake
Pop your baking dish into the preheated oven and let it bake for about 20-25 minutes. You’ll want to keep an eye on it; it’s done when the top is golden and bubbly. That’s your cue to pull it out and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. The anticipation will be killer, but trust me, the wait is worth it. When you dig in, you’ll be rewarded with a comforting, creamy shrimp scampi pasta bake that’s sure to impress!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Deliciously rich and creamy flavor that everyone will rave about.
- Comforting dish that combines shrimp, pasta, and a garlic sauce in one bite.
- Great for gatherings—it’s a crowd-pleaser that can feed a group!
- Leftovers (if there are any!) reheat beautifully for next-day enjoyment.
Tips for Success
Want to make sure your shrimp scampi pasta bake is absolutely perfect? Here are my top tips! First, use large shrimp for that delightful texture; they really hold up well in the bake. Don’t be shy with the seasoning—taste as you go and adjust the salt and red pepper flakes to suit your spice preference. For even baking, make sure to spread the pasta mixture evenly in the dish and check it a few minutes before the timer goes off, as oven temperatures can vary. And if you want a little extra richness, feel free to add a splash more cream! Happy cooking!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are plenty of ways to jazz up this shrimp scampi pasta bake! First, try swapping out the penne for your favorite pasta shape—fusilli or rotini work great too! For a veggie boost, toss in some spinach or cherry tomatoes for a pop of color and flavor. You can even experiment with different proteins, like scallops or chicken, if shrimp isn’t your thing. And for a twist, add a splash of white wine to the sauce for that extra depth of flavor. The possibilities are endless, so get creative and make it your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? Lucky you! To store your shrimp scampi pasta bake, let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for about 3-4 days—just make sure it’s sealed well to maintain that creamy goodness! When you’re ready to enjoy it again, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and reheat the pasta bake covered with foil for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. If you want to crisp up the top, remove the foil for the last 5 minutes. It’ll taste just as delicious as the first time!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional information for this delicious shrimp scampi pasta bake. Each serving is about 550 calories, with 30g of fat and 25g of protein to keep you feeling satisfied. It also contains around 800mg of sodium and 45g of carbohydrates. Keep in mind that these values are approximate and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. So, feel free to adjust as needed while enjoying this creamy delight!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe? Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking. This helps to avoid excess moisture in your dish.
What can I substitute for heavy cream? If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or even a non-dairy milk like coconut cream, but the texture will be slightly different.
Can I make this shrimp scampi pasta bake ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance! Just assemble everything in the baking dish, cover it, and refrigerate. Bake it straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What should I serve with this dish? A simple side salad or garlic bread pairs beautifully with this creamy shrimp pasta bake, balancing out the richness.
Is this recipe gluten-free? Yes! Just swap the penne pasta for your favorite gluten-free pasta, and you’re all set for a delicious gluten-free meal!
What is the history of shrimp scampi? To learn more about the origins of shrimp scampi, you can check out this Serious Eats article.
How can I make shrimp scampi healthier? For healthier alternatives, consider using whole wheat pasta or reducing the amount of butter and cream. You can find more tips on healthy cooking here.
Print
Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake: 4 Steps to Comforting Bliss
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A delicious shrimp scampi pasta bake with a creamy garlic sauce.
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add the shrimp and cook until pink. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Stir in the heavy cream and half of the Parmesan cheese. Mix well.
- Add the cooked pasta and parsley to the skillet. Stir to combine.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and top with remaining Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
Notes
- Use large shrimp for better texture.
- Adjust spice level to your preference.
- Can substitute pasta with gluten-free pasta.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 200mg
Keywords: shrimp scampi pasta bake, shrimp pasta, baked pasta
