Description
Creamy, cheesy, and brimming with garlic-butter flavor, this Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is a quick dinner idea that blends comfort food with classic seafood flair. Tender shrimp are nestled into a bed of penne pasta coated in a lemony garlic cream sauce, then topped with melty mozzarella and baked until bubbly. Perfect for weeknight meals, dinner parties, or cozy comfort food nights. A delicious and easy recipe you’ll want to make again and again! Ideal for those looking for dinner ideas, easy seafood recipes, or baked pasta food ideas.
Ingredients
12 oz penne pasta
1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tbsp olive oil
3 tbsp butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp lemon zest
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Boil a large pot of salted water and cook penne pasta until just under al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season shrimp with salt and pepper, cook for 1–2 minutes per side until pink. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Melt butter and sauté minced garlic for about 1 minute.
4. Add heavy cream, bring to a simmer while stirring continuously.
5. Stir in Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
6. Combine cooked pasta with the sauce and toss until evenly coated.
7. Transfer pasta mixture to a greased baking dish. Top with shrimp and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
8. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
9. Let rest for 5–10 minutes, then garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
Slightly undercook the pasta to avoid mushiness after baking.
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melt and flavor.
Add a splash of cream when reheating leftovers to maintain creaminess.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 165mg
Keywords: shrimp scampi pasta bake, baked pasta, seafood casserole, quick dinner, easy seafood recipe