Easy Cheesy Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

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Easy Cheesy Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake: Weeknight Wonder Meets Dinner Party Star!

Dinner dilemmas, begone! Are you searching for that elusive dish that feels incredibly special and impressive, yet comes together with surprising ease? A meal that’s comforting, bursting with flavor, and guarantees smiles around the table? Look no further, because our Easy Cheesy Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is precisely what you need.

Imagine succulent, tender shrimp, infused with the vibrant zing of lemon and fragrant garlic butter. Now, picture that perfectly cooked shrimp tossed with your favorite pasta, all nestled in a baking dish, and then blanketed with a gooey, golden layer of melted cheese. The aroma alone is enough to make your mouth water, promising a dish that’s both deeply comforting and wonderfully sophisticated.

This isn’t just a pasta bake; it’s a testament to how simple, quality ingredients can transform into something truly unforgettable. It’s fancy enough to impress your dinner guests, making them believe you spent hours in the kitchen, but secretly, it’s so straightforward, you’ll be able to whip it up on a busy Tuesday evening. The beauty lies in its balance: the rich, buttery sauce, the bright lemon, the delicate shrimp, and the hearty pasta, all baked together into a bubbly, cheesy symphony.

Ready to dive into a dish that delivers on flavor, comfort, and ease? Let’s get baking!

Ingredients (Serves 6–8):

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 lb pasta (cavatappi, cellentani, penne, or rotini are great choices for catching sauce)
  • 1½ lbs large shrimp (peeled & deveined, tails on or off based on preference)

For the Scampi Sauce & Cheese:

  • ½ cup unsalted butter
  • 6-8 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder for ease)
  • ½ cup dry white wine (like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc) OR chicken/vegetable broth
  • ¼ cup fresh lemon juice (from 1-2 lemons)
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish)
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided

Equipment:

  • Large pot for cooking pasta
  • Large skillet or Dutch oven
  • 9×13 inch baking dish

Instructions:

  1. Cook the Pasta:

    • Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your chosen pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente (slightly firm to the bite). You want it firm, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
    • Drain the pasta thoroughly and set aside.

  2. Prepare the Shrimp Scampi:

    • While the pasta cooks, melt the butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
    • Add the minced garlic (and red pepper flakes, if using) and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
    • Increase heat to medium-high. Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or just until they turn pink and opaque. Do not overcook the shrimp, as they will bake further in the oven.
    • Pour in the white wine (or broth) and fresh lemon juice. Bring to a simmer and cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the liquid to reduce slightly and the flavors to meld.
    • Stir in the fresh parsley, salt, and black pepper to taste. Remove the skillet from the heat.

  3. Combine and Assemble:

    • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
    • Add the cooked and drained pasta directly into the skillet with the shrimp scampi sauce. Toss gently to combine everything, ensuring the pasta is well-coated.
    • Stir in half of the shredded mozzarella cheese (1 cup) and half of the grated Parmesan cheese (½ cup) into the pasta mixture.
    • Transfer the entire mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
    • Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and ½ cup of Parmesan cheese generously over the top of the pasta bake.

  4. Bake to Golden Perfection:

    • Bake the lasagna for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top, and the edges are gently browned.
    • If you desire extra browning on the cheese, you can briefly switch to the broiler for the last 1-2 minutes, watching it very carefully to prevent burning.

  5. Rest and Serve:

    • Remove the baking dish from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set slightly and prevents it from being too soupy.
    • Garnish with extra fresh parsley if desired.

Prepare for a chorus of compliments! This Easy Cheesy Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is a harmonious blend of zesty, savory, and incredibly comforting flavors. It’s the kind of dish that makes gathering around the table a truly joyous occasion. Enjoy every golden, cheesy, shrimpy bite!

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