If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with garlicky goodness and indulgently creamy sauce, you’re in for a treat with this Baked Shrimp Scampi Pasta Recipe. It brings together tender shrimp, perfectly cooked pasta, and a luscious blend of cheeses, all baked to bubbly perfection. This meal is not only satisfying and elegant but also surprisingly approachable for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend celebration with someone special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward and each plays a crucial role, from building a rich sauce to ensuring every bite has the perfect balance of texture and flavor. You probably already have most of them in your kitchen, which makes this recipe all the more inviting to try.
- 2 Tbsp butter: The base for our sauce, adding rich creaminess and depth of flavor.
- 1 tsp jarred minced garlic: Infuses the dish with classic scampi aroma and savoriness.
- 1 Tbsp all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the sauce for a velvety texture.
- ⅓ cup whole milk: Keeps the sauce creamy without overpowering the shrimp.
- ¼ cup chicken broth: Adds subtle savory notes to balance the richness.
- ⅛ tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors perfectly without over-salting.
- ⅛ tsp pepper: A gentle kick that lifts the taste profile.
- 1 egg (slightly beaten): Binds the ingredients together for a cohesive casserole.
- ⅛ cup Parmesan cheese (shredded): Brings a sharp, nutty flavor that complements the seafood.
- ¼ cup ricotta cheese: Adds creaminess and a mild, fresh dimension to the sauce.
- 4 oz uncooked pasta (any shape): The comforting foundation of the dish, soaking up all those flavors.
- ½ lb raw shrimp, thawed and peeled: The star protein, offering delicate texture and sweetness.
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese (shredded): For that irresistible golden topping that melts beautifully.
- 1 tsp chopped fresh parsley (optional): A pop of color and fresh herbaceous brightness for garnish.
How to Make Baked Shrimp Scampi Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by heating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. While the oven warms up, prepare your pasta exactly following the package instructions—al dente is key since it will bake again later. This step ensures the pasta will hold its shape and texture rather than becoming mushy.
Step 2: Create the Scampi Sauce
Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat, then add the minced garlic and flour. Stir continuously until the mixture becomes bubbly and fragrant—this is where the magic begins as the flour cooks off and the garlic infuses the butter. Gradually whisk in the milk, chicken broth, salt, and pepper, cooking for about 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. This creamy sauce is the heart of our Baked Shrimp Scampi Pasta Recipe.
Step 3: Mix the Cheeses and Egg
In a separate bowl, combine the beaten egg with the Parmesan and ricotta cheeses. This mixture will lend a creamy binding quality and rich, cheesy flavor that complements the shrimp and pasta perfectly in the baking dish.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Carefully whisk the cheese and egg mixture into your warm sauce, then add the cooked pasta. Toss in the peeled shrimp so they’re evenly distributed—it’s important that the shrimp are raw but thawed, as they’ll cook beautifully while baking.
Step 5: Bake Until Perfect
Divide the mixture between two lightly greased baking dishes, then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Bake at 350 degrees for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly and the shrimp are fully cooked through. This final step melds all those layers of flavor into a decadent, homey casserole.
How to Serve Baked Shrimp Scampi Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Once out of the oven, sprinkle the dish with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of herbal freshness and an inviting pop of green. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice on top before serving can also brighten the whole dish, balancing the richness beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair this baked shrimp scampi pasta with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with vinaigrette or some roasted seasonal vegetables. A crusty bread is also a fantastic accompaniment to soak up every last bit of that luscious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the shrimp scampi pasta in individual ramekins or mini cast iron skillets. This not only looks charming but also keeps the portions warm for longer. Garnish with edible flowers or a sprinkle of smoked paprika for an extra dash of color and flavor flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to meld even more, making your next serving just as delightful as the first.
Freezing
You can freeze the dish, but it’s best to do so before baking. Assemble everything in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, bake directly from frozen, adding extra baking time as needed until thoroughly heated.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 325 degrees Fahrenheit, covered with foil to prevent drying out, until warmed through. Alternatively, microwave in shorter bursts to keep the shrimp tender and the sauce creamy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before mixing into your pasta to avoid excess moisture that can make the dish watery.
What pasta shape works best?
This Baked Shrimp Scampi Pasta Recipe is versatile, so feel free to use penne, linguine broken into smaller pieces, fusilli, or shells—the key is that the pasta holds sauce well and bakes nicely.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Definitely. Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blends or cornstarch for thickening, and use gluten-free pasta varieties to keep the dish safe for gluten-sensitive guests.
Is this recipe spicy?
Not by default, but you can always add a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the garlic for a gentle heat if you prefer a little kick alongside the garlicky richness.
What if I want to feed more people?
Simply double or triple the ingredients and bake in a larger casserole dish. Just keep an eye on the baking time, as larger quantities may take a bit longer to heat through.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Shrimp Scampi Pasta Recipe is a warm hug on a plate, blending familiar flavors with a comforting cheesy finish you will want to make again and again. Whether it’s for a cozy dinner or to impress a loved one, give it a try soon—you’ll be delighted with how effortlessly it turns simple ingredients into something spectacular.
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Baked Shrimp Scampi Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
Description
This Baked Shrimp Scampi Pasta features tender shrimp and perfectly cooked pasta baked in a creamy garlic butter sauce with rich cheeses for a comforting and flavorful meal that’s easy to prepare in under an hour.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Pasta
- 4 oz uncooked pasta (any shape)
- ½ lb raw shrimp, thawed and peeled
Sauce
- 2 Tbsp butter
- 1 tsp jarred minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup whole milk
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- ⅛ tsp salt
- ⅛ tsp pepper
- 1 egg (slightly beaten)
- ⅛ cup Parmesan cheese (shredded)
- ¼ cup ricotta cheese
Topping
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- 1 tsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the assembled pasta dish.
- Cook Pasta: Boil the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Melt Butter: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter to create the base of the sauce.
- Add Garlic and Flour: Stir in the minced garlic and flour, cooking the mixture until it becomes bubbly to form a roux that will thicken the sauce.
- Incorporate Liquids and Seasoning: Gradually add the whole milk, chicken broth, salt, and pepper to the saucepan, stirring continuously to avoid lumps, and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine Egg and Cheeses: Whisk the slightly beaten egg with Parmesan and ricotta cheeses, then blend this cheese mixture into the warm sauce off the heat to avoid scrambling the egg.
- Mix Sauce with Pasta and Shrimp: Toss the cooked pasta and peeled shrimp into the sauce mixture ensuring everything is coated evenly.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the combined mixture into two prepared baking dishes, sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese on top, and bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the shrimp are cooked through.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot for a deliciously creamy and savory shrimp pasta bake.
Notes
- Use any pasta shape you prefer; penne, rigatoni, or rotini work well to hold the sauce.
- If you prefer, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a slightly different flavor.
- Make sure shrimp are fully thawed and peeled before mixing in the sauce to ensure even cooking.
- For a richer sauce, you can add a splash more milk or cream as needed.
- Keep a close eye on the baking time to prevent overcooking the shrimp and drying out the pasta.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
