The aroma of garlic and butter wafts through the kitchen, making your mouth water in anticipation. As you prepare to dig into this Easy and Delicious Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake, you can almost hear the angels singing. grilled peach and halloumi salad Tender shrimp mingled with perfectly cooked pasta, all coated in a creamy, dreamy sauce – it’s like a love letter to your taste buds. For more inspiration, check out this Irresistible Garlic Shrimp Recipe recipe.
Picture this: you’re hosting a dinner party, and everyone is raving about how amazing your dish looks. You smile slyly because you know the secret recipe behind this culinary delight is as easy as pie. Zucchini ricotta galette Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or an occasion that calls for something special, this dish is sure to impress. Get ready for an explosion of flavor that will have you going back for seconds (and maybe even thirds).
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Easy and Delicious Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is incredibly simple to whip up, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- The rich flavors of shrimp and garlic create a mouthwatering experience that’s hard to resist.
- Its stunning presentation makes it a showstopper at any dinner table.
- Versatile enough for family dinners or special occasions, everyone will want the recipe!
Ingredients for Easy and Delicious Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Pasta: I recommend using penne or rotini for their ability to hold the sauce beautifully.
- Shrimp: Opt for large, fresh shrimp for the best texture and flavor; frozen works too but thaw them properly.
- Garlic: Fresh cloves are key here! Mince them finely to ensure that delightful garlicky goodness permeates every bite.
- Butter: Use unsalted butter so you can control the saltiness of your dish better.
- Heavy Cream: This adds richness to our sauce; feel free to substitute with half-and-half if you’re watching calories.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan on top creates a crispy finish; don’t skimp on this!
- Parsley: Fresh parsley not only adds flavor but also brightens up the dish visually.
For the seasonings:
- Red Pepper Flakes: A pinch adds just enough heat without overpowering the dish.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed juice brings brightness that balances the richness perfectly.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Easy and Delicious Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that magic happens, grab your favorite baking dish and give it a light spray with nonstick cooking spray.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add your pasta of choice and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside while daydreaming about how good this will taste.
Step 3: Sauté Those Shrimp
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt your unsalted butter. Toss in minced garlic and red pepper flakes, stirring until fragrant about one minute should do it! Add shrimp next and sauté until they turn pink, which means they’re ready for their close-up!
Step 4: Create That Creamy Sauce
Pour in heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Mix in lemon juice and grated Parmesan cheese until melted and combined smoothly. Feel free to add salt and pepper according to your taste!
Step 5: Combine Everything
In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta with shrimp mixture. Toss gently to coat all those noodles evenly with that scrumptious sauce!
Step 6: Bake It Up
Transfer everything into your prepared baking dish. Top with additional Parmesan cheese (because more cheese equals more happiness) and pop it in the oven for about 20 minutes or until golden brown.
Serve piping hot straight from the oven! Transfer generous portions onto plates or bowls; don’t forget that drizzle of olive oil on top if you’re feeling fancy!
Now sit back while friends marvel at your culinary expertise (little do they know how easy it was). Enjoy every flavorful bite of this Easy and Delicious Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake!
You Must Know
- This easy and delicious shrimp scampi pasta bake elevates the classic dish to new heights.
- With minimal effort, you can prepare a comforting meal that impresses family and friends.
- It’s perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve perfection in your easy and delicious shrimp scampi pasta bake, start by cooking the pasta al dente. While the pasta boils, sauté garlic and shrimp until they’re just pink. Mix everything with the sauce before baking for the best flavor.
Add Your Touch
Get creative with your easy and delicious shrimp scampi pasta bake! Swap out shrimp for chicken or add veggies like spinach or cherry tomatoes. Greek chicken and rice skillet Experiment with different cheeses or herbs to personalize it to your taste.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers of your easy and delicious shrimp scampi pasta bake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply pop it in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, retaining its creamy goodness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- When making your easy and delicious shrimp scampi pasta bake, remember that fresh ingredients yield the best flavor.
- Don’t overcook the shrimp; they should be tender yet firm.
- A sprinkle of fresh parsley before serving adds a beautiful touch.
Sometimes I whip this up for impromptu gatherings, and my friends always rave about it. The secret? They think I’m a culinary genius when really, it’s just this simple recipe!
FAQs :
What ingredients are needed for Easy and Delicious Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake?
To make this Easy and Delicious Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake, you will need shrimp, pasta, garlic, butter, olive oil, lemon juice, parsley, and cheese. You can choose your favorite type of pasta such as penne or fusilli. Fresh shrimp works best, but you can use frozen shrimp if necessary. The combination of these ingredients creates a rich flavor profile that enhances the dish. Don’t forget to add salt and pepper for seasoning to elevate the taste even further. For more inspiration, check out this Creamy Lemon Shrimp Pasta recipe.
How long does it take to prepare Easy and Delicious Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake?
Preparing the Easy and Delicious Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake takes about 20 minutes of prep time and 25 minutes of baking time. In total, you should budget around 45 minutes from start to finish. This includes boiling the pasta, sautéing the shrimp with garlic, mixing the ingredients together, and finally baking until bubbly and golden brown. It’s a quick dish perfect for busy weeknights when you want something flavorful without spending hours in the kitchen.
Can I make Easy and Delicious Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the Easy and Delicious Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake ahead of time. Assemble all the ingredients in a baking dish but do not bake it yet. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to serve it, remove the cover and bake it directly from the fridge. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold.
What variations can I try with Easy and Delicious Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake?
You can try various delicious variations with Easy and Delicious Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake to suit your taste preferences. For instance, consider adding vegetables such as spinach or cherry tomatoes for added nutrients. If you’re looking for a spicy kick, sprinkle some red pepper flakes into the mix. You can also substitute shrimp with chicken or even a mix of seafood for different flavors while keeping the original essence intact.
Conclusion for Easy and Delicious Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake :
In summary, the Easy and Delicious Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is a quick yet satisfying meal that combines juicy shrimp with pasta in a flavorful sauce. With simple ingredients like garlic, butter, and lemon juice, this dish is both easy to prepare and delightful to enjoy. Cheesy chicken pasta recipe Perfect for busy nights or special occasions, this recipe is sure to please everyone at your table. Give it a try tonight for an effortless dinner that doesn’t compromise on taste!
Easy and Delicious Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake
Indulge in the rich flavors of Easy and Delicious Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake, where tender shrimp, al dente pasta, and a creamy garlic sauce come together for an unforgettable meal. This dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, sure to impress with its stunning presentation and mouthwatering taste. With minimal prep time and simple ingredients, you’ll be enjoying this flavorful bake in no time!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Cook the penne pasta in salted boiling water until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes; sauté for about one minute until fragrant.
- Add shrimp to the skillet and cook until pink (about 3–4 minutes).
- Reduce heat to low, then stir in heavy cream, lemon juice, and Parmesan cheese until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
- Combine cooked pasta with the shrimp mixture; toss gently to coat.
- Transfer to the prepared baking dish, top with additional Parmesan cheese, and bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (250g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
[…] pasta bake for a cozy gathering last fall, and I think my friends might still be talking about it! shrimp scampi pasta bake. For more inspiration, check out this creamy lemon shrimp pasta […]