Description
This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake combines tender shrimp and al dente pasta in a rich and creamy garlic sauce, topped with a golden, crispy Parmesan panko crust. Baked to perfection, this comforting dish is perfect for a family dinner or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or ziti work well)
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 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
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Topping
- 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 prepare for baking the pasta dish.
- Cook Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to be combined later.
- Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Cook Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside to prevent overcooking.
- Make Sauce: Pour the white wine or chicken broth into the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, cooking for another 2 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Toss Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss it in the creamy garlic sauce to combine. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired for a hint of heat.
- Add Shrimp and Parsley: Stir the cooked shrimp and half of the chopped parsley into the sauced pasta for flavor and freshness.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Move the pasta and shrimp mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading evenly.
- Prepare Topping: In a small bowl, mix together the panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle this topping uniformly over the pasta.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the topping is golden brown and crispy, and the dish is bubbly.
- Serve: Garnish with the remaining fresh parsley just before serving. Serve warm and enjoy this delicious, creamy shrimp scampi pasta bake!
Notes
- You can substitute white wine with low-sodium chicken broth for a milder flavor.
- For extra cheesiness, sprinkle mozzarella over the top before adding the breadcrumb topping.
- If you prefer less spice, omit the red pepper flakes.
- Make sure to not overcook the shrimp in the skillet to keep them tender.
- This dish can be prepared ahead; assemble and refrigerate, then bake just before serving.
