Shrimp scampi pasta bake

 

Here’s a delicious recipe for Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake, combining the flavors of shrimp scampi with a cheesy pasta bake for a comforting and satisfying dish!

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (225g) pasta (such as penne or fusilli)
• 1 pound (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 cup (120ml) dry white wine (or chicken broth)
• 1 lemon, juiced and zested
• 1/4 cup (60ml) heavy cream
• 1 cup (100g) grated Parmesan cheese, divided
• 1 cup (100g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup (15g) fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup (75g) breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Cook the Pasta:

• In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

3. Sauté the Shrimp:

• In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
• Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

4. Make the Sauce:

• In the same skillet, add the white wine (or chicken broth) and lemon juice. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
• Stir in the heavy cream, lemon zest, and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat.

5. Combine Ingredients:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, sautéed shrimp, sauce, chopped parsley, and half of the mozzarella cheese. Mix until well combined.

6. Assemble the Bake:

• Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased 9×13-inch (or similar size) baking dish. Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese and the rest of the Parmesan cheese. If using, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top for added crunch.

7. Bake:

• Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

8. Serve:

• Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with additional chopped parsley before serving.

Enjoy!

This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is a delightful combination of flavors and textures, perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion. Let me know if you have any questions or need further assistance