Easy Cheesy Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake
A creamy, cheesy pasta bake featuring succulent shrimp, perfect for weeknight dinners.
Servings: 4 servings
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.
Notes
For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses—Fontina or Gruyère can add an exciting twist. If shrimp isn’t your thing, you can easily substitute it with cooked chicken or even vegetables for a vegetarian option!