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Savory Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe

Savory Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe
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★★★★★

4.8 from 29 reviews

A rich and flavorful baked pasta dish combining tender shrimp, creamy garlic sauce, and melted cheeses, perfect for a comforting dinner with a hint of spice and optional vegetables.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 pound Medium Shrimp (Fresh or thawed frozen)
  • 8 ounces Pasta (penne, ziti, or rigatoni)
  • 4 cloves Garlic (Minced)
  • 4 tablespoons Butter
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice (Freshly squeezed)
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream or Coconut Cream (Dairy-free option available)
  • 1 cup Chicken Broth (Can use vegetable broth for vegetarian option)
  • 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese (Shredded)
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese (Grated)
  • 1 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (Adjust based on spice preference)

Optional Vegetables

  • Spinach (as desired)
  • Mushrooms (as desired)
  • Bell Peppers (as desired)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the pasta dish.
  2. Cook Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package instructions, about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. Sauté Garlic: Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat, then add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Cook Shrimp: Add the medium shrimp to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are pink and opaque.
  5. Add Liquids and Simmer: Stir in freshly squeezed lemon juice, heavy cream (or coconut cream), and chicken broth. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
  6. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Mix the cooked pasta with the shrimp and sauce mixture, tossing gently to combine. Add any optional vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers at this stage.
  7. Prepare for Baking: Transfer the combined pasta and shrimp mixture to a greased baking dish and spread it evenly.
  8. Add Cheese: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the dish.
  9. Bake: Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden brown.
  10. Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the pasta bake rest for a few minutes before serving warm to enjoy the full flavors.

Notes

  • Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for best flavor.
  • For a vegetarian version, substitute shrimp with sautéed mushrooms and use vegetable broth.
  • If you prefer dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and mozzarella with a plant-based cheese.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes to your spice tolerance.
  • Make sure not to overcook pasta in boiling water as it will continue cooking in the oven.
  • Resting after baking allows the flavors to meld and makes serving easier.

Nutrition

Keywords: shrimp scampi, pasta bake, baked pasta, garlic shrimp, creamy shrimp pasta, comfort food, easy dinner

Find it online: https://tastygenius.com/savory-shrimp-scampi-pasta-bake-recipe/