Description
A rich and comforting Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake combining tender pasta, succulent sautéed shrimp, and a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce, topped with melted mozzarella and crispy breadcrumbs for a delightful texture.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz rigatoni or penne pasta
Shrimp
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
Sauce
- 4 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Topping
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni or penne pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Shrimp: Season the peeled and deveined shrimp with salt and pepper. In a skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the shrimp and sauté for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and cooked through. Remove the shrimp and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), and adjust salt and pepper to taste. Cook until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine: Add the cooked pasta and sautéed shrimp back into the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together to coat the pasta and shrimp evenly with the creamy sauce.
- Assemble and Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the pasta mixture into an oven-safe baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top, followed by the panko breadcrumbs for a crunchy topping if desired. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the topping is golden brown.
- Garnish: Remove the baking dish from the oven and sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the top before serving to add a fresh, vibrant touch.
Notes
- For extra flavor, deglaze the skillet with a splash of white wine before adding the chicken broth and cream.
- To make it spicier, increase the red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Use panko breadcrumbs for a crispier texture, or omit for a softer topping.
- If you prefer, substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce.
- Make sure not to overcook the shrimp in the skillet to keep them tender and juicy.
