Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake (Printable View)
Creamy shrimp and pasta baked until golden with parmesan crust
# What You'll Need:
→ Seafood
01 - 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
→ Pasta
02 - 12 oz penne or ziti
→ Vegetables & Aromatics
03 - 4 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 small shallot, finely chopped
05 - 1 lemon, zested and juiced
06 - 3 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
→ Sauce & Dairy
07 - 5 tbsp unsalted butter
08 - 1/4 cup olive oil
09 - 1/2 cup dry white wine
10 - 3/4 cup heavy cream
11 - 2/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
12 - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
→ Seasonings
13 - 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
14 - 1/2 tsp salt
15 - 1/4 tsp black pepper
# How-To Steps:
01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a large baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
02 - Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook pasta 2 minutes less than package directions for al dente texture. Drain thoroughly in a colander and set aside.
03 - In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter with olive oil. Add minced garlic and chopped shallot. Sauté 1-2 minutes until fragrant and translucent, being careful not to brown the garlic.
04 - Add shrimp to the skillet. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook 2-3 minutes until shrimp turn pink and opaque. Remove immediately to prevent overcooking.
05 - Pour white wine into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom with a wooden spoon. Let simmer 2 minutes until alcohol evaporates and wine reduces slightly.
06 - Add fresh lemon juice and zest to the skillet. Pour in heavy cream and stir to combine. Simmer 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. Remove from heat and stir in chopped parsley.
07 - Transfer drained pasta to the skillet with the shrimp cream sauce. Add 2/3 of the grated parmesan. Toss thoroughly until every piece of pasta is evenly coated.
08 - Pour the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread evenly. Top with shredded mozzarella and remaining parmesan cheese, creating a generous layer for the crust.
09 - Bake 15-18 minutes until cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top. Remove from oven and let rest 5 minutes to allow the sauce to set slightly.
10 - Garnish with additional fresh parsley and lemon wedges. Serve hot while the cheese is still melted and gooey.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The combination of garlicky lemon sauce with bubbly golden cheese creates the kind of comfort food that makes people pause and take notice
- It transforms classic shrimp scampi into a hands-off bake that feeds a crowd without last-minute stress
02 -
- Removing the skillet from heat before adding cream prevents the sauce from separating
- That pasta resting time after baking is not optional—it sets the sauce so portions hold together on the plate
03 -
- Grating your own parmesan melts more evenly and tastes significantly better than pre-grated
- Do not be tempted to skip the wine reduction step—that concentrated flavor is the backbone of the sauce