I’m always looking for easy dinner recipes. One night, I thought, “Why not mix shrimp scampi with baked pasta?” I grabbed a few ingredients and started cooking. Soon, my kitchen was filled with the smell of garlic, butter, and shrimp.
My family and friends couldn’t wait to try it. They loved it so much. Now, it’s a favorite for both weeknights and special days.
What is Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake?
Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is a tasty Italian-American dish. It’s a casserole that makes everyone happy. It has shrimp, pasta, and a creamy sauce.
Garlic, olive oil, and lemon zest make it taste like shrimp scampi. But it’s baked, making it special.
The dish has a cheesy, golden top. It’s soft and yummy. It’s great for family dinners and parties.
To make it, you need about 45 minutes. You spend 15 minutes getting ready and 30 minutes baking. It serves five people, so it’s perfect for sharing.
This dish is full of flavor and comfort. It’s a classic recipe that’s sure to please. Try it next time you want a seafood dish that’s both tasty and cozy.
| Cooking Time | Prep Time | Servings | Calories per Serving |
|---|---|---|---|
| 45 minutes | 15 minutes | 5 people | 632 kcal |
Why You’ll Love This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake
This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is a tasty dish. It has juicy shrimp, garlicky butter sauce, and a hint of lemon. It’s a comfort food that feels like a warm hug.
This dish is great for everyone. It’s easy to make and you can change it to fit your taste. You can use different pasta or add red pepper flakes for spice. It’s perfect for family dinners.
This recipe makes 4-6 servings. It has a creamy texture and a crunchy topping. It’s a hit at parties and family dinners.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Shrimp | 1 lb (large, peeled, deveined) | Main protein component |
| Pasta | 12 oz (linguine or spaghetti) | Main carbohydrate source |
| Unsalted Butter | 4 tablespoons | Flavor and richness |
| Garlic | 4 cloves (minced) | Essential flavor |
| Lemon Juice | 2 tablespoons | Acidity balance |
| White Wine or Broth | ½ cup | Enhances flavor depth |
| Heavy Cream | 1 cup | Provides creamy texture |
| Parmesan Cheese | 1/2 cup (grated) | Flavor and texture |
| Shredded Mozzarella | 1 cup | Flavor and melting quality |
| Breadcrumbs | ¼ cup | Crunchy topping |
This dish is perfect for gatherings. It’s easy to prep ahead of time. You can also freeze it for up to two months. It’s great for busy lives.
Ingredients for Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake
Making a tasty shrimp pasta bake starts with picking the right ingredients. Each part adds its own special taste and feel. This makes a dish that everyone will enjoy.
Pasta Choices
For a homemade shrimp scampi, use linguine or spaghetti. They both fit the dish well, letting the creamy sauce cover each strand. Make sure your pasta cooks right, as the package says.
Choosing the Right Shrimp
Choosing the right shrimp is key for a great bake. Go for large shrimp, peeled and deveined for easy use. Both fresh and frozen shrimp work; just thaw the frozen before using. About 1.5 lbs of shrimp will make each bite full of flavor.
Essential Sauces and Seasonings
The heart of a great shrimp scampi is in the sauces and seasonings. You’ll need:
- 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
- 6 cloves of minced garlic
- 1 small shallot, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes for a touch of spice
- ½ cup (120 milliliters) of dry white wine for deglazing
- 1 small lemon, zested and juiced
- Fresh parsley leaves for garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
This mix makes a rich, tasty sauce. It will make your shrimp pasta bake even better. Don’t forget to add some grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese on top!
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Shrimp | 1.5 lbs (680 g) |
| Spaghetti or Linguine | 8 oz (227 g) |
| Unsalted Butter | 3 tbsp (42 g) |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 3 tbsp (42 g) |
| White Wine | 0.5 cups (120 ml) |
| Lemon | 1 small |
| Garlic | 6 cloves |
| Shallot | 1 large |
| Fresh Parsley | ¼ cup |
| Red Pepper Flakes | 1 tsp |
| Monterey Jack Cheese | 1 cup (113 g) |
How To Make This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake
Making a tasty shrimp scampi pasta bake is easy. You just need to prepare a few things and mix them together. This way, you get a dish that everyone will love.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- First, heat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Then, cook 12 oz. of spaghetti in salted water until it’s just right. Save 1/2 cup of the water for later.
- While the pasta cooks, melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a big skillet. Add 4 cloves of garlic and cook until it smells good.
- Next, add 1.5 lbs. of raw, peeled shrimp to the skillet. Cook until they turn pink, about 12 minutes.
- Then, add a little white wine or broth to the skillet. Mix in 1 teaspoon of lemon zest for extra flavor.
- Stir in 4 oz. of cream cheese until it’s smooth. If it’s too thick, add some pasta water.
- Now, mix the cooked spaghetti with the shrimp mixture. Make sure everything is coated well. Season with salt and black pepper.
- Put the mix in a 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of mozzarella cheese on top, in two parts.
- Lastly, bake for 20 minutes until it’s bubbly and golden.
Preparation Tips for Perfect Pasta
To make the best baked shrimp scampi pasta, follow these tips:
- Cook pasta until it’s al dente to avoid mushiness.
- Save salted pasta water to adjust the sauce’s thickness.
- Use fresh parsley for extra flavor and as a garnish.
By following these steps and tips, you’ll make a delicious shrimp scampi bake. It’s perfect for family dinners or a cozy night in.
Storage Options for Leftovers
After enjoying a delicious meal of shrimp scampi pasta bake, you might have leftovers. It’s important to store them right to keep them safe and tasty. Put them in an airtight container in the fridge for 4-5 days. Make sure to cool the dish to 40°F or cooler within 2 hours of cooking.
If you want to keep leftovers longer, freezing is a good choice. Wrap the dish tightly in aluminum foil or use freezer-safe containers. This way, they can last up to 2 months. Freeze it as soon as it cools down for the best results.
When you’re ready to eat them again, thaw in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat in the microwave or oven until warm.
Knowing how to store and reheat leftovers makes meal planning easy. Here’s a quick summary of storage options:
| Storage Method | Duration | Reheating Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | 4-5 days | Microwave on low power |
| Freezer | Up to 2 months | Thaw in fridge overnight, reheat in the oven or microwave |
By following these tips, your shrimp scampi pasta bake leftovers will be just as good as the first time. This way, you can turn leftovers into another tasty meal. It’s a smart move for easy dinner recipes.
Variations and Substitutions
Trying new things with shrimp scampi pasta bake can be fun. You can find protein swaps for different tastes. This way, everyone can enjoy a great meal.
Protein Swaps
Want something other than shrimp? Chicken or scallops are great choices. Tofu is also a tasty option for those who like plant-based foods.
Vegetarian Options
Don’t like seafood? Try using bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus instead. These veggies add crunch and nutrients to your dish.
Low-Carb and Gluten-Free Alternatives
Need a low-carb option? Use zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash. Gluten-free pasta is also available for those with dietary restrictions. These choices keep the dish tasty and inclusive.
| Variation | Description |
|---|---|
| Chicken Substitute | Use diced chicken instead of shrimp for a heartier flavor. |
| Scallops | Swapping shrimp with scallops adds a gourmet touch. |
| Tofu | A plant-based swap that soaks up the rich flavors. |
| Vegetable Medley | Mix sautéed veggies for a fresh and vibrant dish. |
| Zucchini Noodles | A low-carb alternative that delivers pasta-like satisfaction. |
| Gluten-Free Pasta | Choose gluten-free pasta options for inclusivity. |
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Pairing shrimp scampi pasta bake with a crisp green salad is great. The salad’s fresh ingredients like arugula and goat cheese are a nice contrast. For a tasty touch, add a slice of garlic bread. It’s perfect for soaking up the garlic and butter sauce.
For drinks, try a chilled white wine or sparkling water. They help clean your palate between bites. There are many seafood pasta bake pairings that make the meal better. Try lemon butter pasta or a light gazpacho for a special touch.
- Garlic Bread
- Crisp Green Salad
- Lemon Butter Pasta
- Roasted Vegetables
- Frisee with a Simple Dressing
- Sweet Potato Slices
- Grilled Artichokes
These suggestions add special flavors that go well with the shrimp scampi pasta bake. Plus, many sides can be made ahead of time. This makes preparing meals easy and quick.
Best Occasions for Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake
Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is great for many occasions. It’s perfect for cozy family dinners or fancy dinner parties. It’s quick to make, taking only 5-10 minutes.
This dish is perfect for special events like anniversaries or holiday parties. It’s also great for casual get-togethers. Serving it at Christmas Eve, like during the Feast of the Seven Fishes, makes memories.
It’s a hit at potlucks because it’s easy to take and everyone loves it. Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake suits all tastes. It’s a great choice for family dinners and parties.
Nutrition Information
Knowing the nutrition facts for shrimp scampi pasta bake is key. It has about 435 calories per serving. This makes it a tasty and nutritious choice.
Each serving has about 31 grams of protein. This comes mainly from the shrimp. It’s a good pick for those looking for healthy shrimp recipes.
Here is a detailed table showing the nutritional breakdown per serving:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Calories | 435 |
| Total Fat | 25 g |
| Carbohydrates | 19 g |
| Protein | 31 g |
| Cholesterol | 282 mg |
| Sodium | 1188 mg |
| Dietary Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugars | 1 g |
| Sugar Alcohol | 0 g |
These nutrition facts can be changed to fit your diet. For example, using less cheese or whole grain pasta boosts fiber and cuts fat. Trying new ingredients keeps it healthy and fun.
Final Thoughts on Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake
This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is a treat that’s easy to make. It mixes seafood with pasta’s warmth. It makes any meal special, whether it’s for one or many.
It’s quick to bake at 375 degrees for 25-30 minutes. Prep takes just 15 minutes. This makes it great for when you’re short on time but want a tasty meal.
This dish is more than food. It’s a way to make memories with loved ones. Once you try it, it will become a favorite in your home, just like it is in mine.
