Description
This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake combines tender shrimp sautéed in buttery garlic and lemon sauce with perfectly cooked short pasta, all baked together with a golden parmesan topping. A comforting and flavorful dish ready in just 35 minutes, perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp and Sauce
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Pasta and Topping
- 12 oz short pasta (such as penne, rotini, or ziti)
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prepare it for baking the pasta later.
- Cook Pasta: Boil the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain thoroughly and set aside to prevent overcooking.
- Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and add the minced garlic, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and golden but not browned.
- Cook Shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally until the shrimp turn pink and are cooked through.
- Add Lemon and Seasoning: Stir in the fresh lemon juice and season with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors of the shrimp and garlic butter sauce.
- Toss Pasta with Shrimp Mixture: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss well to coat the pasta evenly with the buttery shrimp and garlic sauce.
- Assemble Bake: Transfer the pasta and shrimp mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle grated parmesan cheese over the top for a cheesy crust.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, golden, and the dish is bubbling around the edges.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the pasta bake from the oven and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley before serving to add freshness and color.
Notes
- You can substitute the short pasta with any other preferred shapes like rigatoni or fusilli.
- For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic.
- Make sure not to overcook the shrimp in the skillet—the shrimp will continue cooking slightly in the oven.
- Use freshly grated parmesan for the best flavor and melting quality.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
