Description
Succulent shrimp scampi pasta bake brings Mediterranean coastal charm to dinner tables with irresistible garlic and herb flavors. Creamy pasta layers mingle with tender shrimp, promising a luxurious meal that delights hungry diners.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 pound (454 grams) shrimp, peeled and deveined
Pasta and Dairy:
- 12 ounces (340 grams) linguine or spaghetti
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 tablespoons butter
Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup white wine or chicken broth
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Garnish:
- Fresh parsley
- Lemon slices
Instructions
- Prepare the culinary foundation by heating the oven to a precise 375°F (190°C), creating an ideal environment for the upcoming gastronomic adventure.
- Immerse pasta in generously salted, vigorously boiling water, allowing it to dance until achieving the perfect al dente texture. Carefully drain and reserve.
- Warm a spacious skillet, introducing butter to create a luxurious cooking surface. Gently introduce shrimp, seasoning with delicate touches of salt and pepper, transforming them from translucent to a vibrant pink in mere moments. Extract the succulent seafood and temporarily set aside.
- Within the same skillet, unleash the remaining butter, welcoming minced garlic to release its aromatic essence. Introduce white wine or chicken broth alongside bright lemon juice, allowing the liquid to simmer and concentrate flavors.
- Incorporate heavy cream, transforming the sauce with a whisked blend of Parmesan and a subtle hint of red pepper flakes, creating a velvety, complex base.
- Lovingly envelop the cooked pasta within the creamy scampi sauce, ensuring each strand is elegantly coated with the rich mixture.
- Transfer the sauced pasta to a generously greased baking vessel, artfully arranging the previously cooked shrimp across the surface.
- Generously sprinkle mozzarella and additional Parmesan, creating a tempting cheese blanket that promises golden, bubbling decadence.
- Slide the assembled dish into the preheated oven, allowing 15-20 minutes for the cheese to melt into a tantalizing golden landscape.
- Elevate the presentation by scattering fresh parsley and delicate lemon slices, transforming the dish into a visual and culinary masterpiece ready to be savored alongside crusty garlic bread or a crisp side salad.
Notes
- Swap heavy cream with coconut milk or Greek yogurt for a lighter, healthier version that still maintains a creamy texture.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities, ensuring everyone can enjoy the delicious flavors.
- Add extra vegetables like spinach or zucchini to boost nutritional value and create a more balanced one-pan meal.
- Choose wild-caught shrimp for a more sustainable and environmentally friendly seafood option that supports responsible fishing practices.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 635
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 1040 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 66 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 210 mg