Creamy Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

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Author: Olivia
Published:
Creamy shrimp scampi pasta bake served with fresh herbs

A simple, creamy pasta bake that is quick and tasty.

introduction

This recipe makes a rich and easy dinner. It uses shrimp, cream, and cheese for a warm, comforting meal. If you like creamy pasta dishes, try my creamy beef and bowtie pasta recipe for another great idea.

why make this recipe

You get a full meal with protein and pasta in one dish. It cooks fast and feeds a small family. The sauce stays creamy after baking. It is good for weeknights and simple gatherings.

how to make Creamy Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

  1. Preheat the oven and cook the pasta.
  2. Sauté garlic and cook shrimp until pink.
  3. Add cream, salt, and pepper to make the sauce.
  4. Mix pasta with the shrimp and some Parmesan.
  5. Put the mix into a baking dish and top with cheeses.
  6. Bake until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
  7. Garnish with parsley and serve.

Ingredients :

  • 8 oz pasta (e.g., penne or fusilli)
  • 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Chopped parsley for garnish

Directions :

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain.
  3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant.
  4. Add the shrimp, cooking until they turn pink, about 2-3 minutes.
  5. Stir in the heavy cream, salt, and pepper.
  6. Combine the cooked pasta with the shrimp mixture and half of the Parmesan cheese.
  7. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and top with shredded mozzarella and the remaining Parmesan cheese.
  8. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
  9. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

how to serve Creamy Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

Serve hot from the oven. Cut into portions and place on plates. Add a side salad or steamed vegetables. Offer lemon wedges for bright flavor.

how to store Creamy Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

Cool to room temperature first. Cover the dish with foil or put portions in airtight containers. Refrigerate up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot or microwave in short bursts.

tips to make Creamy Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

  • Do not overcook shrimp; they cook quickly.
  • Use pasta that holds sauce like penne or fusilli.
  • Taste the sauce before baking and adjust salt and pepper.
  • Let the bake rest 5 minutes after coming out of the oven so it firms up.
  • Use fresh garlic for the best flavor.

variation (if any)

  • Add a cup of spinach or cherry tomatoes for color and nutrition.
  • Swap shrimp for cooked chicken or cooked sausage.
  • Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce (the sauce will be less thick).
  • Mix in cooked mushrooms or peas for extra vegetables.

FAQs

Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A: Yes. Thaw and pat dry first. Cook until they turn pink.

Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: Yes. Assemble and refrigerate for a few hours, then bake before serving. Baking time may be a few minutes longer.

Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
A: You can freeze in airtight containers for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

Q: Can I make it without cream?
A: You can use a light cream or a mix of milk and a bit of flour to thicken, but the texture will change.

Q: What cheese works best?
A: Parmesan and mozzarella give a good mix of flavor and melt. You can use similar cheeses if needed.

Print
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Creamy Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

  • Author: arianarecipes
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Seafood

Description

A simple, creamy pasta bake that is quick and tasty, featuring shrimp, cream, and cheese for a comforting meal.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz pasta (e.g., penne or fusilli)
  • 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant.
  4. Add the shrimp, cooking until they turn pink, about 2-3 minutes.
  5. Stir in the heavy cream, salt, and pepper.
  6. Combine the cooked pasta with the shrimp mixture and half of the Parmesan cheese.
  7. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and top with shredded mozzarella and remaining Parmesan cheese.
  8. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
  9. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

Serve hot from the oven with a side salad or steamed vegetables. Can be refrigerated and reheated as needed.


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 500mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 42g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 150mg

Ariana’s Delicious Moments
Hi, I’m Ariana!

A self-taught home cook who loves creating everyday recipes that are simple, flavorful, and family-friendly. This blog is where I share the meals I actually make from quick weeknight dinners to sweet weekend treats.Let’s cook together!

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