Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

Shrimp scampi pasta bake: just the name conjures up images of bubbling cheese, perfectly cooked shrimp, and the comforting aroma of garlic and herbs filling your kitchen. Imagine sinking your fork into a creamy, decadent dish where tender pasta twirls around succulent shrimp, all bathed in a luscious scampi sauce and baked to golden perfection. Are you drooling yet? I know I am!

While the exact origins of shrimp scampi are debated, its Italian-American roots are undeniable. It’s a dish born from the desire to recreate the flavors of Italy using readily available ingredients in the United States. The “scampi” in the name originally referred to a type of small lobster native to the Mediterranean, but American cooks cleverly substituted it with shrimp, creating the beloved dish we know today. The addition of pasta and baking it into a casserole elevates the classic scampi into a hearty and satisfying meal perfect for family dinners or potlucks.

People adore shrimp scampi pasta bake for so many reasons. The combination of flavors is simply irresistible – the garlicky, buttery sauce perfectly complements the sweetness of the shrimp, while the pasta adds a comforting heartiness. The baked cheese layer adds a delightful richness and textural contrast. Plus, it’s incredibly convenient! You can easily prepare it ahead of time and pop it in the oven when you’re ready to eat, making it a stress-free option for busy weeknights or entertaining guests. Get ready to experience a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave you craving more!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound linguine pasta
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to your spice preference)
• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/2 cup dry white wine (such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)
• 1/4 cup lemon juice, freshly squeezed
• 1/4 cup butter, unsalted
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
• 1/4 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese, plus more for topping
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
• 1 (15 ounce) container ricotta cheese
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Cooking the Pasta:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. I always say, salt it like the sea! This is crucial for flavorful pasta.
2. Add the linguine pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Al dente means “to the tooth” in Italian, so it should be firm, not mushy. Usually, this is about 8-10 minutes.
3. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining. This starchy water is liquid gold! It will help create a creamy sauce later on.
4. Drain the pasta and set aside. Don’t rinse it! We want that starch to cling to the pasta.

Preparing the Shrimp Scampi:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Make sure the skillet is large enough to accommodate all the shrimp later.
2. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it will become bitter.
3. Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque. Don’t overcrowd the pan; you may need to cook the shrimp in batches. Overcooked shrimp is rubbery, so watch them closely!
4. Pour in the white wine and lemon juice. Let it simmer for about 2 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Those browned bits are packed with flavor!
5. Stir in the butter until melted and the sauce is emulsified. This will create a rich and glossy sauce.
6. Stir in the chopped parsley, Parmesan cheese, and Pecorino Romano cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remember, the cheeses are already salty, so start with a little and add more as needed.
7. Remove the skillet from the heat.

Preparing the Ricotta Mixture:

1. In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix well until smooth and creamy. This ricotta mixture adds a lovely creaminess to the bake.

Assembling the Pasta Bake:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shrimp scampi sauce, and ricotta mixture. Toss gently to coat everything evenly. Make sure every strand of pasta is kissed with that delicious sauce!
3. If the mixture seems dry, add a little of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency. This is where that reserved water comes in handy!
4. Pour the pasta mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. I usually use a little olive oil or cooking spray to grease the dish.
5. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and Pecorino Romano cheese evenly over the top of the pasta bake. Don’t be shy with the cheese!

Baking the Pasta Bake:

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the top is lightly golden brown. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
2. Let the pasta bake rest for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the bake to set slightly.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve hot, garnished with extra fresh parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. A side of garlic bread or a simple green salad would be a perfect complement to this dish. You can also add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving for an extra burst of flavor.

Tips and Variations:

• Shrimp Size: I prefer using large shrimp for this recipe, but you can use any size you like. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Wine Substitute: If you don’t have white wine on hand, you can substitute chicken broth or vegetable broth.
• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your liking. If you’re not a fan of spice, you can omit them altogether.
• Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the scampi, such as chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach. Sauté them along with the garlic.
• Cheese Variations: You can experiment with different types of cheese in this recipe. Provolone, fontina, or even a little bit of goat cheese would be delicious.
• Make Ahead: You can assemble the pasta bake ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
• Freezing: This pasta bake can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw it completely in the refrigerator before baking.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free.
• Herb Variations: Instead of just parsley, try adding other fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme.
• Lemon Zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the ricotta mixture for an extra layer of citrus flavor.

Why This Recipe Works:

This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is a crowd-pleaser for a reason. It combines the classic flavors of shrimp scampi with the comforting warmth of a baked pasta dish. The ricotta cheese adds a creamy richness, while the Parmesan and Pecorino Romano cheeses provide a salty, savory flavor. The lemon juice and white wine brighten the dish and balance out the richness. And the best part? It’s relatively easy to make and can be customized to your liking.

Nutritional Information (Approximate):

(Please note that nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)

• Calories: Approximately 600-700 per serving
• Protein: 40-50 grams
• Fat: 30-40 grams
• Carbohydrates: 50-60 grams

Enjoy!

I hope you enjoy this Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake as much as I do! It’s a perfect dish for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Let me know in the comments below if you try it and what you think!

Conclusion:

This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake isn’t just another weeknight dinner; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen, a comforting hug in casserole form, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. I truly believe this recipe deserves a spot in your regular rotation. The combination of succulent shrimp, garlicky, buttery sauce, perfectly cooked pasta, and that golden, bubbly cheese topping is simply irresistible. It’s the kind of dish that makes everyone at the table go quiet for a few minutes, completely absorbed in the deliciousness.

Why is this a must-try? Because it’s incredibly easy to make, even on busy weeknights. You can prep most of the ingredients ahead of time, and then just assemble and bake when you’re ready to eat. It’s also incredibly versatile. Don’t have shrimp? Use chicken or scallops! Not a fan of pasta? Serve the scampi sauce over zucchini noodles or rice. The possibilities are endless! But honestly, the shrimp and pasta combination is a classic for a reason. The tender shrimp perfectly complements the al dente pasta, and the rich, flavorful sauce ties everything together beautifully.

Beyond its ease and versatility, this Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is just plain delicious. The garlic butter sauce is rich and savory, with a hint of lemon that brightens everything up. The cheese topping adds a layer of creamy, melty goodness that takes it over the top. And the best part? It’s even better the next day! Leftovers make a fantastic lunch or a quick and easy dinner.

Looking for serving suggestions? A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is the perfect accompaniment to this rich and satisfying dish. Some crusty bread for soaking up all that delicious sauce is also a must! For a little extra flair, try adding some chopped fresh parsley or basil to the finished bake. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes will add a touch of heat if you like things spicy.

And speaking of variations, feel free to get creative! Add some chopped vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms to the sauce. Use different types of cheese, like mozzarella, provolone, or Parmesan. Experiment with different herbs and spices to create your own unique flavor profile. You could even add a layer of ricotta cheese to the bottom of the casserole for an extra creamy texture.

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! I know you’re going to love it as much as I do. It’s the perfect dish for a cozy night in, a casual dinner party, or any occasion where you want to impress your friends and family with minimal effort.

So, what are you waiting for? Head to the kitchen, gather your ingredients, and get ready to create some magic. And most importantly, don’t forget to share your experience! I’d love to hear what you think of this Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake. Did you make any modifications? What did your family think? Share your photos and comments on social media using #ShrimpScampiPastaBake or tag me in your posts. I can’t wait to see your creations! Happy cooking!