Description
Enjoy a comforting twist on classic shrimp scampi with this baked pasta dish. Succulent shrimp are tossed in a zesty garlic lemon butter sauce with perfectly al dente pasta, then baked under a melty blanket of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. This hearty yet elegant dish is perfect for a family dinner or a special weekend treat.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 12 oz penne or ziti (use gluten-free pasta if desired)
- Shrimp: 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Seasoning: Salt and pepper, to taste
- Butter & Oil: 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided) and 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Garlic: 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Liquid: 1/2 cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
- Acid: 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
- Cream: 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Heat: 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Cheese: 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (divided) and 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Herb: 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (plus extra for garnish)
Instructions
-
Preheat Oven & Cook Pasta:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. -
Cook Shrimp:
Season the shrimp with salt and pepper. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter with the olive oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the shrimp and cook for about 2 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside. -
Prepare the Sauce:
In the same skillet, add the white wine (or chicken broth), lemon juice, heavy cream, red pepper flakes, and the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Stir well and let the mixture simmer for 3–4 minutes until it slightly thickens. Stir in 1/4 cup of the Parmesan cheese until melted. -
Combine & Assemble:
Add the cooked pasta and shrimp back into the skillet, stirring to evenly coat everything with the sauce. Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and the remaining Parmesan cheese evenly on top. -
Bake:
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. -
Garnish & Serve:
Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh chopped parsley, and serve warm.
Notes
- Shrimp Care: Avoid overcooking the shrimp to keep them tender.
- Wine Substitute: If preferred, replace white wine with chicken broth.
- Customization: For a gluten-free version, simply use gluten-free pasta.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair with a light green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approx. 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 210mg