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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the pasta dish.
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Melt the Butter: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter fully to serve as the base for the sauce.
- 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.
- 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.
- Combine Sauce and Cheese: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the prepared sauce, the egg, Parmesan, and ricotta cheese until smooth.
- Mix Pasta and Shrimp: Add the cooked pasta and raw shrimp to the sauce and cheese mixture, stirring gently to combine everything evenly.
- Assemble in Baking Dishes: Divide the mixture evenly into two prepared baking dishes. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top of each dish.
- 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.
- 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
