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To make a delightful Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake, gather these key ingredients: - 8 oz penne pasta - 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes - 1 lemon, juiced and zested - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - Salt and pepper to taste These ingredients create a rich and creamy dish that your family will love. You can add some fun flavors with these optional garnishes and seasonings: - Fresh basil for a touch of herbiness - Extra lemon zest for brightness - A sprinkle of paprika for color - Toasted breadcrumbs for a crunchy topping These extras can elevate your dish and impress your guests. If you lack some ingredients, don’t worry! Here are some easy swaps: - Use fettuccine or spaghetti instead of penne pasta - Swap shrimp for chicken or tofu for a different protein - Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based milk for lighter options - Use a mix of cheeses, like cheddar or gouda, if you prefer These substitutions still keep your dish tasty while fitting your needs. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe. Start by boiling water in a large pot. Add a pinch of salt to the water. Add 8 oz of penne pasta. Cook it until it is al dente, which takes about 8-10 minutes. Stir the pasta occasionally to keep it from sticking. Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside. In a large skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. After the butter melts, add 4 cloves of minced garlic and 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Cook for 1-2 minutes until you smell the garlic, but don’t let it burn. Next, add 1 lb of large shrimp to the skillet. Cook the shrimp for 3-4 minutes until they turn pink and opaque. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the juice and zest of 1 lemon, 1 cup of heavy cream, and half of 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Mix everything together until well combined. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shrimp mixture, and 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes. Add half of 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Toss everything gently to mix. Transfer this mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly. Top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 20-25 minutes. The top should be golden and bubbly. Before serving, let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley for a fresh touch. You can find the full recipe to follow along easily. To cook shrimp just right, start with fresh shrimp. Look for shrimp that smell like the ocean. When you sauté shrimp, use medium heat. This helps them cook evenly. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes. When they turn pink and opaque, they are done. Overcooking makes shrimp tough, so watch them closely. For a creamy sauce, heavy cream is key. It gives a rich texture. Start with melted butter and garlic in your skillet. Slowly stir in the heavy cream. This helps the sauce blend well. Add lemon juice and zest for a fresh touch. Mix in cheese while the sauce is warm. This makes the sauce creamy and smooth. When baking, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures even cooking. Use a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread the pasta mixture evenly for best results. Top with cheese for a golden finish. Bake for 20-25 minutes. Look for bubbling cheese and golden edges. This shows your dish is ready to serve. For a full recipe, check the details above. {{image_2}} If you want a meat-free dish, swap shrimp for vegetables. Use mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers. These veggies add great flavor and texture. You can also try chickpeas for protein. Make sure to sauté them to enhance their taste. This way, you keep the dish hearty and satisfying. While penne is a great choice, you can use other pasta types. Fusilli, rotini, or even bowtie pasta work well. They all hold the sauce nicely. If you prefer gluten-free options, use gluten-free pasta. Just follow the same cooking time on the package. This keeps your dish tasty for everyone at the table. To boost the flavor, try adding fresh herbs. Basil or thyme can add a nice twist. You can also mix in a splash of white wine for depth. This adds a layer of richness. For a zesty kick, consider adding lemon zest or more red pepper flakes. These small changes can make a big difference in your Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions. To keep your Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake fresh, store it in an airtight container. Let it cool completely before sealing. This prevents moisture from building up, which can make the pasta soggy. You can keep the dish in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to store it longer, freezing is a great option. When you are ready to enjoy leftovers, reheat the pasta bake in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the dish with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 15-20 minutes. You can also use a microwave if you are in a hurry. Just heat it in a microwave-safe dish for 2-3 minutes. Stir halfway through for even heating. If you want to freeze the Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake, first let it cool down. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can also use a freezer-safe bag. This will help avoid freezer burn. The dish can stay frozen for up to three months. When you are ready to bake it, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. This ensures the best taste and texture when you serve it again. For the Full Recipe, check the earlier section. To add spice, you can raise the amount of red pepper flakes. Start with a bit more than the recipe calls for. You could also add sliced fresh jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. Mixing in crushed red pepper or chili powder is another option. These changes will give your dish a nice kick without losing flavor. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp! Just make sure to thaw them first. To thaw, place the shrimp in a bowl of cold water for about 15 minutes. You can also leave them in the fridge overnight. Using frozen shrimp is a great time-saver and keeps the dish easy, just like the Full Recipe suggests. This pasta bake pairs well with a fresh salad. A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette works great. You might also serve garlic bread for extra flavor. Roasted vegetables can add color and nutrition to your meal. For a drink, a nice white wine complements the shrimp well. In this post, we explored how to create a delicious Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake. We covered the necessary ingredients, tips for cooking shrimp, and how to achieve a creamy sauce. You learned about variations for dietary needs and how to store leftovers properly. Remember, this dish is versatile and enjoyable. It’s perfect for sharing with friends and family. Try it out, and make it your own!

Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

Looking for an easy and delicious family dish? Our Savory Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake recipe is here to impress! Combining fresh shrimp, a creamy sauce, and pasta, this dish is packed with flavor and perfect for any occasion. Follow our step-by-step guide and get tips for a delicious outcome every time. Don't wait—click through now to explore this mouthwatering recipe and make mealtime special for your loved ones!
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Ingredients
  

8 oz penne pasta

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes

1 lemon, juiced and zested

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

    Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

      In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.

        Add the shrimp to the skillet, cooking for 3-4 minutes or until they turn pink and opaque. Season with salt and pepper.

          Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the lemon juice, zest, heavy cream, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Mix until combined.

            In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shrimp mixture, halved cherry tomatoes, and half of the mozzarella cheese. Toss gently until everything is evenly mixed.

              Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

                Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges are golden brown.

                  Once out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

                    Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 6