Transfer the pasta to a large baking dish, spreading it evenly Recipe
If you’re longing for a show-stopping dinner that feels both fancy and comforting, Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake delivers in every way. Imagine silky pasta bathed in a garlicky, lemon-kissed cream sauce, sweet shrimp nestled on top, and a golden blanket of cheese bubbling over every bite. The magic truly happens when you transfer the pasta to a large baking dish, spreading it evenly, ensuring every forkful is bursting with flavor and melty goodness. This is the kind of dish that will have everyone at the table swooning for seconds!
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about this Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is how simple the ingredient list is. Each element earns its spot, bringing distinct flavor, creamy texture, or that signature pop of color that lights up the dish.
- Pasta (Linguine or Spaghetti): Choose a noodle that soaks up the sauce and stands up to baking beautifully.
- Large Shrimp: Peeled and deveined, shrimp add sweetness and a tender, meaty bite.
- Butter: Gives richness to the shrimp and forms the base of the scampi sauce.
- Garlic: The heart and soul of classic scampi, infusing every bite with fragrance and savory depth.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Just enough heat to perk up the flavor without overpowering it.
- White Wine or Chicken Broth: Use whichever you prefer; both help deglaze and build layers of flavor in the sauce.
- Lemon (Zested and Juiced): Brings brightness and lightness, balancing the creamy, cheesy richness.
- Heavy Cream: Gives the sauce that luscious, velvety texture everyone will crave.
- Parmesan Cheese (Grated): Adds salty, nutty complexity and helps form that irresistible cheesy crust.
- Mozzarella Cheese (Shredded): Melts beautifully for gooey pools on top of the bake.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning every component to perfection.
- Fresh Parsley (Chopped): A final shower of color and a fresh herbal note to finish the dish.
How to Make Transfer the pasta to a large baking dish, spreading it evenly
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
The journey begins with a hot oven. Set it to 375°F (190°C) so it’s fully preheated by the time your assembled pasta bake is ready to go in. This temperature is perfect for bubbling cheese and a toasty topping without drying out the shrimp or pasta.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Boil your linguine or spaghetti according to the package directions, but stop just shy of fully tender – aim for al dente. The pasta will finish cooking in the oven, soaking up all that luscious sauce. Drain it, but don’t rinse; you want those starchy noodles to grab onto the creaminess later on.
Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat and toss in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for just a minute, swirling and stirring constantly – this stage blooms the aromatics and lays the foundation for that iconic scampi flavor.
Step 4: Cook the Shrimp
Add your shrimp to the skillet and cook, stirring gently, until pink and opaque (about 3 to 4 minutes). Don’t overdo it – you want juicy shrimp, not rubbery ones! Scoop them out onto a plate to rest. You’ll add them back in soon.
Step 5: Deglaze with Wine or Broth
Pour the white wine or chicken broth into the hot skillet and use your spoon to scrape up any flavorful browned bits stuck to the bottom. Let this mixture bubble for a couple minutes, infusing the sauce with every drop of goodness.
Step 6: Build the Creamy Sauce
Stir in the lemon juice, zest, and heavy cream. Let the whole mixture come to a gentle simmer until slightly thickened – you’re building that incredible, satiny scampi sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 7: Toss the Pasta
Add your drained pasta straight into the skillet, tossing it well to coat every strand in sauce. Don’t rush! The richness and brightness should cling luxuriously to every noodle, setting the stage for the bake.
Step 8: Transfer the Pasta to a Large Baking Dish, Spreading it Evenly
This is the moment! Transfer the pasta to a large baking dish, spreading it evenly so every spot is covered in sauce. Carefully arrange the cooked shrimp on top, tucking some down among the noodles for surprise bursts of flavor.
Step 9: Add the Cheese
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan and mozzarella cheese genorously over the top. This is what transforms your scampi from a quick stovetop dinner to a bubbling, golden crowd-pleaser. Make sure the cheese reaches every corner – a good sprinkle ensures full coverage!
Step 10: Bake Until Bubbling
Slip the baking dish onto the middle rack and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese is gorgeously melted and starting to brown in spots. The pasta will finish cooking, and the sauce will thicken just right.
Step 11: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, sprinkle with chopped parsley for a fresh pop of color and fragrance. All that’s left is to gather your eager eaters and dig in while it’s irresistibly hot and gooey!
How to Serve Transfer the pasta to a large baking dish, spreading it evenly
Garnishes
Sometimes the smallest finishing touches make the biggest impression. Try a shower of chopped fresh parsley, a little extra lemon zest, or even a dusting of grated Parmesan just before serving. When you transfer the pasta to a large baking dish, spreading it evenly, these pops of green and gold shine against the creamy cheese and shrimp.
Side Dishes
Brighten up your meal with a crisp, lemony green salad, garlic bread for scooping up the saucy bits, or some simply roasted asparagus or broccoli. All pair perfectly, rounding out your feast and highlighting the flavors within your pasta bake.
Creative Ways to Present
This dish holds center stage beautifully on the dinner table, but you can get creative with serving! After you transfer the pasta to a large baking dish, spreading it evenly, try portioning it into individual ramekins for an elegant dinner party, or serve it family-style straight from the dish for ultimate comfort. Either way, you’ll wow your guests with both taste and presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If (and that’s a big if!) you have leftovers, cool the pasta bake to room temperature, cover the dish tightly with foil or move servings to airtight containers, and refrigerate. The flavors continue to mingle, making day-two servings extra delicious. Enjoy within 3 days for best quality.
Freezing
You can totally freeze your Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake for future cravings. Once you transfer the pasta to a large baking dish, spreading it evenly and letting it cool, wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the baking dish (still covered in foil) into a 350°F oven until warmed through—about 20-25 minutes. For smaller portions, a microwave works fine, but add a spoonful of broth or cream to keep it luscious. Uncover for the last few minutes to re-crisp the cheese on top if you like!
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just thaw the shrimp thoroughly and pat them dry before proceeding with the recipe. This ensures they cook evenly and deliver that fresh, sweet flavor you want.
What’s the best pasta shape for a bake like this?
While linguine or spaghetti works beautifully, feel free to swap in penne, rigatoni, or any pasta that you love and have on hand. The key is making sure the sauce can cling to your noodles!
Is it possible to make this bake ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble everything up to the step where you transfer the pasta to a large baking dish, spreading it evenly. Cover and chill in the fridge for up to 24 hours, then bake just before serving. It’s perfect for stress-free entertaining.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Sure thing! Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and double-check that all other ingredients (like broth and cheese) are gluten-free. The results are every bit as dreamy and satisfying.
How spicy is this dish?
The red pepper flakes add only a subtle warmth, not overwhelming heat. You can easily dial them up or down to suit your family’s taste—feel free to leave them out if you’re sensitive to spice.
Final Thoughts
Nothing feels more rewarding than pulling a bubbling, golden, cheesy pasta bake from the oven and knowing you’re about to delight everyone at the table. Next time you’re craving something deliciously different, give this recipe a try—and don’t forget the key move: transfer the pasta to a large baking dish, spreading it evenly for that perfect bake every single time. I can’t wait for you to experience just how irresistible this Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake truly is!
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Transfer the pasta to a large baking dish, spreading it evenly Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Indulge in a delicious Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake that combines tender shrimp, al dente pasta, and a creamy, cheesy sauce baked to perfection.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 12 oz linguine or spaghetti
Shrimp:
- 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup white wine or chicken broth
- 1 lemon (juiced and zested)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook Pasta: Prepare the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Cook Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp and set them aside.
- Prepare Sauce: Pour the white wine (or chicken broth) into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for 2 minutes.
- Combine Flavors: Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Toss Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble Dish: Transfer the pasta to a large baking dish, spreading it evenly. Arrange the cooked shrimp on top.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella over the pasta and shrimp.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve immediately.
Notes
- This dish pairs well with a crisp green salad and a glass of white wine.
- For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 590 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 19g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 255mg
Keywords: Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake, Shrimp Pasta Bake, Seafood Pasta Bake
