Description
This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is a deliciously creamy and cheesy twist on traditional shrimp scampi. Featuring tender shrimp cooked in a garlic white wine sauce combined with pasta, then baked with a crispy Parmesan panko topping, this dish offers comforting flavors perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Shrimp
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or ziti work well)
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Sauce
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Cheese and Topping
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (divided)
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for baking the pasta casserole.
- Cook Pasta: Boil the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to prevent overcooking during baking.
- Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and add minced garlic. Cook about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned to build the sauce base.
- Cook Shrimp: Add shrimp to the skillet and sauté for 2-3 minutes until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside to avoid overcooking.
- Prepare Sauce: Pour white wine or chicken broth into the skillet, simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, cook 2 more minutes to thicken and enrich the sauce.
- Toss Pasta: Add cooked pasta back to skillet, toss thoroughly to coat in the creamy garlic sauce. Season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
- Add Shrimp and Parsley: Stir in the cooked shrimp and half of the chopped fresh parsley to infuse freshness into the dish.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Transfer the pasta and shrimp mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading evenly.
- Prepare Topping: In a small bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the pasta for a crunchy topping.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until the topping is golden brown and crispy, and the dish is heated through.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and garnish with remaining fresh parsley. Serve warm and enjoy this comforting shrimp pasta bake.
Notes
- Substitute white wine with chicken broth if you prefer a non-alcoholic version.
- For added flavor, toss the cooked pasta with mozzarella cheese before adding shrimp and parsley.
- Ensure shrimp is not overcooked during the skillet step as it will continue cooking in the oven.
- Use fresh parsley for garnish to add a burst of color and fresh flavor.
- Pasta type can be varied—penne, rigatoni, or ziti work best to hold the sauce.
