Name: Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 1 h
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) large shrimp – peeled, deveined, and tails removed; 12 oz (340g) pasta – such as penne, rigatoni, or fusilli; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter; 4 cloves garlic – minced; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/2 cup dry white wine – optional (can be substituted with chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version); 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice; 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest; 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes – optional, for a little heat; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs – for a crispy topping; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley – chopped, for garnish; Salt and pepper – to taste; Shrimp: Shrimp is the star of this dish, offering a delicate, sweet flavor that pairs wonderfully with the rich sauce and pasta.; Garlic and Lemon: The garlic provides a savory base, while the lemon zest and juice brighten the dish with a refreshing citrusy kick.; Cheese: Mozzarella and Parmesan add a creamy and cheesy flavor, creating a gooey, satisfying texture that’s perfectly complemented by the crispy breadcrumbs on top.; Pasta: Use your favorite pasta, such as penne or fusilli, to soak up the flavorful sauce and make each bite even more satisfying.; Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs add a delightful crunch on top of the bake, creating a contrast to the creamy texture underneath.

Ingredients

Scale

- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp – peeled, deveined, and tails removed

- 12 oz (340g) pasta – such as penne, rigatoni, or fusilli

- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter

- 4 cloves garlic – minced

- 1 tablespoon olive oil

- 1/2 cup dry white wine – optional (can be substituted with chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version)

- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

- 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest

- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes – optional, for a little heat

- 1/2 cup heavy cream

- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs – for a crispy topping

- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley – chopped, for garnish

- Salt and pepper – to taste

Ingredient Highlights

- Shrimp: Shrimp is the star of this dish, offering a delicate, sweet flavor that pairs wonderfully with the rich sauce and pasta.

- Garlic and Lemon: The garlic provides a savory base, while the lemon zest and juice brighten the dish with a refreshing citrusy kick.

- Cheese: Mozzarella and Parmesan add a creamy and cheesy flavor, creating a gooey, satisfying texture that’s perfectly complemented by the crispy breadcrumbs on top.

- Pasta: Use your favorite pasta, such as penne or fusilli, to soak up the flavorful sauce and make each bite even more satisfying.

- Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs add a delightful crunch on top of the bake, creating a contrast to the creamy texture underneath.

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Instructions

Prepare the Pasta and Shrimp:

1. Cook the Pasta: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

1. Cook the Shrimp: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp turns pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

Make the Sauce:

1. Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

1. Deglaze with Wine (or Broth): Add the white wine (or chicken broth) to the skillet to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the wine simmer for about 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.

1. Add Cream and Lemon: Stir in the heavy cream, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.

Combine Pasta, Shrimp, and Sauce:

1. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat the pasta in the sauce. Gently fold in the cooked shrimp, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the pasta and sauce.

1. Transfer to a Baking Dish: Transfer the pasta and shrimp mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

Assemble the Bake:

1. Top with Cheese and Breadcrumbs: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the pasta. Then, sprinkle the panko breadcrumbs on top to create a crispy, golden crust.

1. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.

Serve the Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake:

1. Garnish and Serve: Once the pasta bake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges for an extra burst of freshness.

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Nutrition

Serving Size: 6
Calories: 450
Fat: 18g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 30g