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If you’re craving a comforting, luscious dinner that tastes like it took hours but comes together effortlessly, this Baked Shrimp Scampi Pasta Recipe is your new go-to. It’s a delightful blend of tender shrimp, perfectly cooked pasta, and a creamy, garlicky sauce that gets baked to bubbly, golden perfection. Each bite bursts with rich flavors and just the right hint of cheese, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and the perfect weeknight indulgence or special weekend treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the list fool you—this Baked Shrimp Scampi Pasta Recipe relies on simple, straightforward ingredients that each have a starring role. Together, they build layers of flavor and texture that make this dish so irresistibly creamy, cheesy, and bright.
- Butter (2 Tbsp): Adds a rich, silky base for the sauce and helps brown the garlic beautifully.
- Jarred minced garlic (1 tsp): Delivers that signature scampi garlic punch with maximum convenience.
- All-purpose flour (1 Tbsp): Thickens the sauce gently without any lumps, giving it that perfect velvety texture.
- Whole milk (⅓ cup): Brings creaminess while keeping the sauce light and luscious.
- Chicken broth (¼ cup): Adds depth and savory balance to the creamy sauce.
- Salt (⅛ tsp): Enhances all the flavors without overpowering the delicate shrimp.
- Black pepper (⅛ tsp): Gives a subtle warmth that complements the garlic and cheese.
- Egg (1, slightly beaten): Helps bind the sauce and cheese for a silky, cohesive texture.
- Parmesan cheese (⅛ cup, shredded): Adds a sharp, nutty flavor and golden topping when baked.
- Ricotta cheese (¼ cup): Infuses extra creaminess and a mild richness that balances the garlic.
- Uncooked pasta (4 oz, any shape): Your pasta canvas—choose your favorite shape to soak up the sauce beautifully.
- Raw shrimp (½ lb, thawed and peeled): Tender, juicy seafood star that pairs perfectly with the garlic butter sauce.
- Mozzarella cheese (½ cup, shredded): Melts into gooey, golden goodness that blankets the pasta and shrimp.
- Fresh parsley (1 tsp, chopped, optional): Adds a fresh, herbal brightness to finish the dish.
How to Make Baked Shrimp Scampi Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta to Perfection
Start by boiling your pasta according to the package directions until it’s just shy of al dente. This step ensures the noodles will finish cooking evenly in the oven without getting mushy. Drain the pasta well and set it aside, so it’s ready to absorb that delicious sauce later on.
Step 2: Create the Garlic Butter Sauce Base
In a saucepan, melt the butter and stir in the minced garlic and flour. Keep cooking and stirring until the mixture gets bubbly and fragrant—this gentle step cooks out the raw flour taste and infuses everything with garlic goodness, forming the foundation for your scampi sauce.
Step 3: Build the Creamy Sauce
Slowly add the whole milk and chicken broth while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Let the sauce thicken for 2 to 3 minutes, then season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat briefly and stir in the beaten egg, Parmesan, and ricotta cheeses, which add creaminess, richness, and a nice cheese flavor balance that’s unmistakably scampi.
Step 4: Combine Pasta, Shrimp, and Sauce
Gently toss the cooked pasta and peeled raw shrimp into the sauce, making sure every strand of pasta and each shrimp is coated with that irresistible creamy garlic flavor. The shrimp will finish cooking while baking, soaking up all the buttery goodness.
Step 5: Bake to Golden, Bubbling Perfection
Divide the pasta and shrimp mixture evenly into two prepared baking dishes. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously on top, then slide them into your preheated oven. Bake until the cheese melts, bubbles, and turns beautifully golden—this step adds that perfect bubbly crust and melds all the scrumptious flavors together.
How to Serve Baked Shrimp Scampi Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Once out of the oven, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the dishes for a pop of color and fresh herbal brightness. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice or a grating of extra Parmesan for guests who love that little extra zing and tang.
Side Dishes
This rich pasta pairs wonderfully with crisp, vibrant sides like a simple green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette, or roasted asparagus for some earthy crunch. Garlic bread also makes an excellent companion, soaking up all those leftover sauce drips you won’t want to waste.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving this dish for a dinner party or want to impress, consider layering it in individual ramekins for a charming personal touch. You can also serve it family-style straight from the baking dish, inviting everyone to dig in and enjoy the warm, cozy vibes that this Baked Shrimp Scampi Pasta Recipe naturally brings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow any leftover Baked Shrimp Scampi Pasta to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. Stored properly in the refrigerator, it will stay fresh for up to 3 days—perfect for quick lunches or second-night dinners that still taste wonderful.
Freezing
This dish freezes nicely, too! Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy again, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results to preserve the shrimp’s texture and the sauce’s creaminess.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave in short bursts stirring occasionally. Adding a splash of milk or broth can help bring back that luscious sauciness without drying the pasta or shrimp out.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before adding to the sauce. This helps maintain the best texture and prevents extra moisture from thinning the sauce.
What pasta shapes work best for this Baked Shrimp Scampi Pasta Recipe?
Any shape you love can work, but smaller shapes like penne, rigatoni, or farfalle help trap the sauce well, while long strands like linguine can create a classic scampi-style feel. The choice is yours!
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! You can swap butter for a dairy-free alternative like olive oil and use plant-based milks and cheeses designed for melting. Keep in mind that it will change the flavor and texture slightly, but it can still be delicious.
How can I add more veggies to this dish?
Feel free to toss in some fresh spinach, chopped bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes right before baking. These add color and nutrition, and they pair beautifully with shrimp and garlic flavors.
Can I scale this recipe for a larger crowd?
Definitely! Just multiply the ingredients accordingly and use a larger baking dish or multiple dishes. Keep an eye on baking times if your dish is deeper, and increase by a few minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Shrimp Scampi Pasta Recipe is pure comfort with a gourmet twist that’s easy enough for any night but impressive enough for special occasions. Trust me, once you try this creamy, garlicky, cheesy seafood pasta, it’ll quickly become a favorite you keep coming back to. Gather your ingredients, preheat the oven, and get ready for a cozy, heartwarming meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.
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Baked Shrimp Scampi Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Baked Shrimp Scampi Pasta combines tender shrimp with a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce baked to perfection with melted mozzarella and fresh parsley. Easy to prepare and full of rich flavors, this dish is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner or special occasion meal.
Ingredients
Butter and Sauce Base:
- 2 Tbsp butter
- 1 tsp jarred minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup whole milk
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- ⅛ tsp salt
- ⅛ tsp pepper
Cheese and Egg Mixture:
- 1 egg (slightly beaten)
- ⅛ cup Parmesan cheese (shredded)
- ¼ cup ricotta cheese
Pasta and Seafood:
- 4 oz uncooked pasta (any shape)
- ½ lb raw shrimp, thawed and peeled
Toppings and Garnish:
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- 1 tsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the uncooked pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce Base: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and stir briefly until fragrant. Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour, stirring constantly until the mixture becomes bubbly and slightly thickened, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Liquids and Seasoning: Slowly whisk in the whole milk and chicken broth, continuing to stir until the sauce thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer gently for a few minutes.
- Combine Egg and Cheeses: In a separate bowl, mix together the slightly beaten egg, shredded Parmesan cheese, and ricotta cheese. Gradually stir this mixture into the sauce to create a creamy base.
- Add Shrimp: Stir in the peeled and thawed shrimp into the sauce, cooking until the shrimp turn pink and opaque, about 3-4 minutes.
- Mix Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta thoroughly with the shrimp and sauce mixture.
- Assemble for Baking: Divide the pasta and shrimp mixture evenly into two prepared baking dishes. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top of each portion.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the baking dishes in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is slightly golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot for a delicious, comforting meal.
Notes
- You can use any shape of pasta, but short shapes like penne or rotini work well to hold the sauce.
- Fresh garlic can be used instead of jarred if preferred, about 1-2 cloves minced.
- Ensure shrimp are fully thawed and peeled before cooking.
- For a richer flavor, substitute chicken broth with white wine.
- Make sure to slightly beat the egg before adding to the sauce to prevent scrambling.
- The baking dishes should be oven-safe and greased lightly to prevent sticking.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated gently in the oven.
