– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 8 ounces spaghetti or linguine
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
– ½ cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
– 1 lemon, juiced and zested
– 1 cup heavy cream
– ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– ½ cup Italian bread crumbs
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
Follow these simple steps to create a delicious Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake:
1. Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure your dish bakes evenly.
2. Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the spaghetti until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. Sauté the Shrimp: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant. Then, add the shrimp, cooking until pink and opaque, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add Wine: Pour in the white wine or chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Allow it to cook for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
5. Make the Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Bring to a gentle simmer and let it cook for another minute or two.
6. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, the shrimp mixture (including the sauce), and half of the Parmesan cheese. Mix gently to combine.
7. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the pasta and shrimp mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
8. Add Toppings: Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese and shredded mozzarella cheese on top. In a small bowl, mix the Italian bread crumbs with olive oil and sprinkle over the cheese for a crispy topping.
9. Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
10. Garnish: Remove from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.