Imagine walking into your kitchen, only to be greeted by the heavenly aroma of shrimp scampi wafting through the air. The buttery sauce glistens, beckoning you closer, as the cheesy goodness bubbles away in the oven. This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Cheesy Garlicky Oven Baked Perfection is not just food; it’s a warm hug on a plate that promises to elevate any weeknight dinner into a celebration.
Now picture this: you invite friends over for a casual gathering, and instead of serving them the usual chips and salsa, you present this stunning pasta bake. Suddenly, you’re not just a host; you’re a culinary genius! Everyone gathers around, forks at the ready, and with one bite, they’re transported to flavor town. This dish is perfect for cozy nights in or festive family gatherings where laughter and good food reign supreme.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- With minimal prep time, you can whip up this crowd-pleasing dish effortlessly
- The rich flavors of garlic and cheese create a mouthwatering experience
- Its golden-brown crust makes it visually irresistible at any gathering
- Versatile enough for a fancy dinner or a comforting weeknight meal, it fits every occasion beautifully
I still remember the first time I made this dish for my family; their eyes widened in delight as they took their first bites.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Large Shrimp: Fresh or frozen shrimp work well; just make sure they’re peeled and deveined for easy cooking.
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Pasta: Use your favorite shape; I love penne for its ability to hold onto the sauce perfectly.
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Fresh Garlic: Don’t skimp on garlic; opt for fresh cloves to really elevate those flavors.
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Butter: A generous amount of butter adds richness and depth—because life is too short to skip butter.
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Heavy Cream: For that creamy texture; it turns an ordinary dish into something truly special.
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Parmesan Cheese: Grated parmesan adds that essential cheesy goodness—go ahead, don’t be shy with it!
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Parsley: Fresh parsley brightens up the dish and adds a pop of color—because we eat with our eyes too.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even baking later on when everything comes together beautifully.
Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook your pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside while you prepare the sauce.
Sauté the Shrimp and Garlic: In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant but not burnt. Toss in shrimp and cook until they turn pink and opaque—about 3-4 minutes.
Add Cream and Cheese: Pour in heavy cream along with grated parmesan cheese into the skillet. Stir continuously until melted and creamy goodness envelops all those delicious shrimp.
Toss Pasta with Sauce: Combine cooked pasta with the shrimp mixture in the skillet. Gently fold everything together until each piece of pasta is coated in that dreamy cheesy sauce.
Bake It All Together: Transfer everything into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle some extra cheese on top for that golden crust finish. Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and lightly browned.
And there you have it! Your kitchen is now filled with an aroma that could lure anyone from miles away—a delightful blend of cheesy goodness that’s impossible to resist!
Now grab your forks because it’s time to dig into this Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Cheesy Garlicky Oven Baked Perfection! Enjoy every cheesy bite while basking in compliments from family and friends alike!
You Must Know
- This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake brings together flavors that sing in harmony, and it’s a crowd-pleaser
- The melty cheese and garlicky goodness create a heavenly aroma that fills your kitchen, making it perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Sauté shrimp with garlic before cooking pasta; combine all ingredients before baking for optimal flavor integration.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap shrimp for chicken or add veggies like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge; reheat in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always use fresh shrimp for better taste; frozen works too but lacks that ocean-fresh flavor
- Avoid overcooking the pasta to prevent mushiness during baking
- Experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella or fontina for delightful variations
Cooking this dish reminds me of the time my friends devoured it at a gathering, leaving nothing but empty plates and requests for seconds. Their laughter filled the room, and I felt like a culinary rockstar!
FAQ
Can I use frozen shrimp for the Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake?
Yes, frozen shrimp works well; just thaw them beforehand for even cooking.
What can I substitute for white wine in this recipe?
Chicken broth or lemon juice can replace white wine without compromising flavor.
How do I prevent my pasta from becoming mushy?
Cook pasta al dente; it will finish cooking while baking in the oven.
Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is an indulgent dish that combines succulent shrimp, creamy garlic sauce, and al dente pasta for a comforting meal. Topped with melty cheese and baked to perfection, this crowd-pleaser transforms any dinner into a memorable occasion. Perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in, this recipe promises warm flavors and happy faces at the dinner table.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 4 tbsp butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the penne pasta in salted boiling water until al dente; drain and set aside.
- In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Add shrimp and cook until pink (about 3-4 minutes).
- Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
- Combine cooked pasta with the shrimp mixture in the skillet.
- Transfer to a greased baking dish, sprinkle with extra cheese, and bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 960mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
