Are you ready to serve up a dish that combines creamy, cheesy goodness with succulent shrimp? Introducing the Easy Cheesy Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake—a family-friendly delight that promises to elevate your weeknight dinners! This recipe is not just a meal; it’s comfort food at its best. With its tantalizing flavors and melt-in-your-mouth textures, it’s sure to impress even the pickiest eaters at your table. What’s more, it’s an uncomplicated dish that can be whipped up in no time! If you love shrimp scampi but want to kick it up a notch, this pasta bake is your new go-to, similar to our popular Creamy Garlic Mushrooms Pasta. So roll up your sleeves and let’s dive into making a dish that’s bound to warm your hearts and fill your stomachs!
What is Easy Cheesy Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake?
What’s in a name? Plenty, especially when it comes to the Easy Cheesy Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake! This dish sounds fancy, doesn’t it? But don’t be fooled; it’s all about bringing together simple ingredients that deliver maximum flavor. Think of it as the pasta party you never knew you needed! With each bite, you get the perfect blend of shrimp, cheese, and pasta, creating a symphony of flavors on your palate. After all, they say, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” So why not win everyone’s hearts with this scrumptious bake? Trust me, once you try it, you’ll see why it deserves a permanent spot in your dinner rotation!
Why You’ll Love This
You’ll absolutely adore this Easy Cheesy Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake for three irresistible reasons. First, the star of the show is undoubtedly the tender shrimp mingling with perfectly cooked pasta, all enveloped in a creamy, cheesy sauce that’ll have your taste buds dancing! Second, cooking at home not only saves you money but also allows you to control the ingredients, ensuring freshness without the exorbitant price tag of take-out. Finally, the layers of melted cheese sprinkled on top add that golden, bubbly perfection that makes every serving feel indulgent! If you enjoy this dish, you might also want to check out our Shrimp Alfredo Bake—another crowd-pleaser that’s just as easy and delicious. So, let’s get cooking and create something delightful together!
How to Make
Quick Overview
What makes this dish so easy, delicious, and satisfying? It’s all about the clash of flavors and textures. The creamy sauce with its hint of garlic brings out the sweetness of the shrimp, while the pasta acts as a comforting bed for all that goodness. Plus, it comes together in about 30 minutes—perfect for those busy weeknights!
Ingredients
- 1 lb pasta (cavatappi, cellentani, penne, or rotini)
- 1 lb large shrimp (peeled & deveined)
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 lemon (juiced)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella or a blend)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Step-by-Step
- Preheat the oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Boil the pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Cook your chosen pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté shrimp and garlic: In the same pot, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, then toss in the shrimp. Cook until they turn pink, which takes about 3-5 minutes.
- Combine: Add the cooked pasta back into the pot with the shrimp and garlic. Squeeze in the lemon juice and mix well. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add cheese: Stir in the shredded cheese and half of the Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt into the mixture.
- Transfer to a baking dish: Pour the delicious pasta-shrimp mixture into a greased baking dish and sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
What to Serve Easy Cheesy Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake With:
For a delightful meal, consider pairing your pasta bake with a crisp garden salad or some warm garlic bread. A light white wine, like Pinot Grigio, complements the flavors beautifully, making your dining experience even more special.
Top Tips for Perfecting
- Flavor boost: For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic.
- Cheese options: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses—Fontina or Gruyère can add an exciting twist.
- Shrimp alternatives: If shrimp isn’t your thing, you can easily substitute it with cooked chicken or even vegetables for a vegetarian option!
- Avoid soggy pasta: Make sure not to overcook the pasta beforehand; it will continue to cook in the oven.
Storing and Reheating Tips
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, let the dish cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for a quicker option.
FAQs
- Can I use frozen shrimp? Yes! Just make sure they’re fully thawed before cooking.
- What can I substitute for butter? Olive oil works great as a healthier alternative.
- Can this be made ahead of time? Absolutely! Assemble the dish, cover it tightly, and keep it refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking.
Conclusion
The Easy Cheesy Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is a dish that combines comfort, convenience, and flavor all in one perfect package. Whether you’re feeding a family or hosting a casual gathering, this recipe is designed to impress without stressing you out. So grab your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and prepare to enjoy a cheesy, shrimp-filled delight that will have everyone asking for seconds. Happy cooking!
Easy Cheesy Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Baking Dish
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 lb pasta (cavatappi, cellentani, penne, or rotini)
Shrimp
- 1 lb large shrimp (peeled & deveined)
Butter
- 4 tablespoons butter
Garlic
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
Lemon
- 1 lemon (juiced)
Cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella or a blend)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Cook your chosen pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In the same pot, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, then toss in the shrimp. Cook until they turn pink, which takes about 3-5 minutes.
- Add the cooked pasta back into the pot with the shrimp and garlic. Squeeze in the lemon juice and mix well. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Stir in the shredded cheese and half of the Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt into the mixture.
- Pour the delicious pasta-shrimp mixture into a greased baking dish and sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese on top.
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.