Baked Shrimp Scampi Pasta Recipe

If you are craving a comforting dish that combines the vibrant flavors of garlic, buttery shrimp, and creamy pasta all baked to perfection, then this Baked Shrimp Scampi Pasta Recipe will absolutely delight you. It’s a wonderful blend of textures and tastes, from tender shrimp to ooey-gooey cheese, wrapped in a luscious sauce that pulls everything together beautifully. Not only does this recipe satisfy your seafood cravings, but it also fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma that makes it feel like a special occasion every time you make it.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s the fantastic thing about this recipe: the ingredients are incredibly simple yet essential, each adding a unique layer of flavor, creaminess, or freshness. From the savory garlic to the fresh parsley, every element plays a role in creating a seriously tasty, visually appealing meal.

• 2 Tbsp butter: Brings richness and a velvety base for the sauce.
• 1 tsp jarred minced garlic: Adds the signature pungent, aromatic flavor of scampi.
• 1 Tbsp all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the sauce for that perfect consistency.
• ⅓ cup whole milk: Adds creaminess and balances the flavors.
• ¼ cup chicken broth: Boosts depth of flavor without overpowering.
• ⅛ tsp salt: Enhances every ingredient’s natural taste.
• ⅛ tsp pepper: Gives a gentle kick to brighten the dish.
• 1 egg (slightly beaten): Acts as a binder to keep the pasta creamy and cohesive.
• ⅛ cup Parmesan cheese (shredded): Offers nutty, salty notes for richness.
• ¼ cup ricotta cheese: Provides a smooth, mild creaminess that complements the shrimp.
• 4 oz uncooked pasta (any shape): The foundation of the dish absorbing all those beautiful flavors.
• ½ lb raw shrimp, thawed and peeled: The star protein, tender and succulent after baking.
• ½ cup mozzarella cheese (shredded): Melts brilliantly, adding gooey, cheesy goodness on top.
• 1 tsp chopped fresh parsley (optional): Adds a fresh, vibrant green finish for color and brightness.

How to Make Baked Shrimp Scampi Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pasta

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to get it nice and ready for baking. Meanwhile, cook your pasta according to the package instructions until it’s perfectly al dente — just firm enough to hold up during baking but tender enough to enjoy immediately.

Step 2: Create the Garlic Butter Sauce

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter until it’s just bubbly. Add the minced garlic and flour, stirring frequently until the mixture thickens and bubbles, which unlocks that amazing scampi flavor. This step lays down the crucial savory foundation for the sauce.

Step 3: Build the Creamy Sauce Base

Gradually pour in your whole milk and chicken broth, stirring continuously so the sauce stays smooth and lump-free. Add salt and pepper to elevate the flavors perfectly. Keep cooking and stirring the sauce for about 2 to 3 minutes until it thickens nicely, then set it aside to cool a little while you get the rest ready.

Step 4: Combine Sauce, Pasta, Cheese, and Shrimp

In a bowl, whisk together the egg, Parmesan cheese, and ricotta cheese. This combination adds a velvety texture and depth of flavor. Pour this into the cream sauce and mix well before gently folding in the cooked pasta and raw shrimp. The residual heat will start to soften the shrimp, ensuring they stay juicy and flavorful after baking.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Divide the mixture evenly into two prepared baking dishes. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top to create that irresistible golden crust. Pop the dishes in the oven and bake for about 20 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned, with the shrimp fully cooked through.

How to Serve Baked Shrimp Scampi Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley instantly brightens the dish with its herbal notes and vibrant green color, making it look as good as it tastes. If you want to add a little zing, a light squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the top right before serving perfectly complements the rich sauce.

Side Dishes

This Baked Shrimp Scampi Pasta Recipe shines as a complete meal, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or some roasted vegetables provides a refreshing contrast. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette also works beautifully, helping mop up that luscious sauce you won’t want to waste.

Creative Ways to Present

For a more elegant touch, serve the baked pasta in individual scallop shells or ramekins. You could also top with a few extra cooked shrimp arranged neatly on top after baking for a stunning presentation that wows guests or family.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Baked Shrimp Scampi Pasta Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This makes it perfect for next-day lunches or easy dinner reheats with minimal fuss.

Freezing

If you want to make a double batch, this dish freezes wonderfully. Just make sure to cool it completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It will keep its quality for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

To warm up, bake the pasta in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until heated through to keep the texture firm and cheese melty. Microwave works for convenience but can result in a softer texture, so cover to retain moisture.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry to prevent excess moisture in the dish.

What type of pasta works best in this Baked Shrimp Scampi Pasta Recipe?

Any shape you like! Small shapes like penne, rigatoni, or shells hold the sauce beautifully, but feel free to use your favorite pasta.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute the butter with dairy-free margarine and use non-dairy milk and cheese alternatives, but keep in mind the flavor will be slightly different.

How spicy is this dish?

This recipe is mild by default. You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the garlic for a gentle heat if desired.

Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

Yes! The sauce can be made a day in advance and refrigerated. When ready, just rewarm gently and proceed with mixing with pasta and shrimp before baking.

Final Thoughts

You really can’t go wrong with this Baked Shrimp Scampi Pasta Recipe when you want something comforting, delicious, and impressive but still easy enough for a weeknight. It’s packed with flavor, creamy textures, and just the right touch of seafood indulgence. I encourage you to give it a try — I promise it will become a favorite in your rotation just like it is in mine.

Baked Shrimp Scampi Pasta Recipe

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• Author: admin
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 2 servings 1x

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Description

This Baked Shrimp Scampi Pasta is a comforting and creamy dish combining tender shrimp, a rich garlic butter sauce, and gooey cheese, all baked to perfection. Perfect for a cozy dinner, it brings together classic Italian flavors in an easy-to-make casserole that’s ready in just 45 minutes.

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Ingredients

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Proteins

• ½ lb raw shrimp, thawed and peeled
• 1 egg (slightly beaten)

Dairy & Cheese

• 2 Tbsp butter
• ⅓ cup whole milk
• ⅛ cup Parmesan cheese (shredded)
• ¼ cup ricotta cheese
• ½ cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)

Dry Ingredients

• 1 Tbsp all-purpose flour
• 4 oz uncooked pasta (any shape)

Liquids & Broth

• ¼ cup chicken broth

Seasonings

• 1 tsp jarred minced garlic
• ⅛ tsp salt
• ⅛ tsp pepper
• 1 tsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the pasta dish.
2. Cook the Pasta: Boil the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Melt the Butter: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter fully to serve as the base for the sauce.
4. Make the Roux and Garlic Base: Add the minced garlic and flour to the melted butter, stirring constantly until the mixture becomes bubbly and fragrant, indicating the flour is cooked.
5. Add Liquids and Seasonings: Gradually pour in the whole milk and chicken broth while continuously stirring to avoid lumps. Add salt and pepper. Cook and stir for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly, then remove from heat.
6. Combine Sauce and Cheese: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the prepared sauce, the egg, Parmesan, and ricotta cheese until smooth.
7. Mix Pasta and Shrimp: Add the cooked pasta and raw shrimp to the sauce and cheese mixture, stirring gently to combine everything evenly.
8. Assemble in Baking Dishes: Divide the mixture evenly into two prepared baking dishes. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top of each dish.
9. Bake: Place the dishes in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until the shrimp are cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley if using, and serve hot for a delicious, comforting meal.

Notes

• Ensure shrimp is fully thawed before cooking for even baking.
• You can substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth for a different flavor.
• Any pasta shape works well; choose your favorite or what you have on hand.
• For extra garlicky flavor, increase minced garlic to 1.5 tsp.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• To reheat, bake covered with foil at 350°F until warmed through.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian