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To make a great shrimp scampi pasta bake, you need the right ingredients. Here is what you will need: - 8 oz penne pasta - 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth - 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley for garnish These ingredients blend together to create a rich and tasty dish. The shrimp adds a sweet flavor, while garlic and lemon give it a fresh kick. The cheeses melt beautifully, creating a creamy texture. When combined, these elements make for a meal that everyone will love. Feel free to adjust the amounts based on your taste. If you like more heat, add extra red pepper flakes. Want more veggies? Toss in some spinach or bell peppers. This recipe is flexible, so have fun with it! {{ingredient_image_2}} First, boil water in a large pot. Add salt to the water for flavor. Next, cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions. You want it to be al dente, firm but not hard. After cooking, drain the pasta and let it cool slightly. This step is important so the pasta does not stick together. While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about one minute. This will make your kitchen smell amazing. Next, add the shrimp. Cook for three to four minutes, stirring often. The shrimp will turn pink and opaque when it is done. Then, add the cherry tomatoes, chicken broth, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes. Cook for another two minutes. This helps all the flavors mix well. In a big mixing bowl, combine the cooked penne pasta with the shrimp mixture. Stir gently to blend everything together. Now, season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Be careful not to over-season; you can always add more later. Transfer the pasta and shrimp mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly. Now, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the top. This cheese will melt and create a nice crust. Preheat your oven to 375°F. Bake the dish for 20 to 25 minutes. Look for a bubbly, golden brown top. Once baked, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color. Enjoy your savory shrimp scampi pasta bake! To get the best texture in your shrimp scampi pasta bake, focus on cooking the pasta just right. Always cook the penne until it's 'al dente.' This means it should be firm to the bite. Overcooked pasta becomes mushy when baked. For the shrimp, make sure they are cooked until pink and opaque. This takes about 3 to 4 minutes. If they are overcooked, they will be rubbery. Now, let's talk cheese. I love using shredded mozzarella for its melty goodness. You can add some creaminess with ricotta or goat cheese, too. Mixing cheeses can give your dish a unique taste. This pasta bake pairs well with a crisp green salad. A simple mix of lettuce, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette works great. You can also serve it with garlic bread for a comforting meal. When it comes to presentation, serve it right from the baking dish. This makes it feel warm and inviting. Top it with fresh parsley for color. A slice of lemon on the side adds a nice touch. It gives your guests a chance to add a zesty kick if they want. Enjoy! Pro Tips Perfectly Cooked Pasta: Always cook your pasta a minute or two less than the package instructions recommend, as it will continue cooking in the oven. Fresh Shrimp: For the best flavor, use fresh, high-quality shrimp. If using frozen, ensure they are completely thawed and patted dry before cooking. Cheese Variations: Feel free to mix different types of cheese, like fontina or cheddar, for a unique flavor profile that complements the shrimp. Make Ahead: This dish can be prepared a day in advance. Assemble it, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake; simply add a few extra minutes to the baking time. {{image_4}} You can switch up the pasta for this dish. Instead of penne, try using rotini, fusilli, or even gluten-free pasta. Each type will bring a unique texture. If you have dietary needs, you can make this dish lighter. Use zucchini noodles for a low-carb option. For a vegan version, swap shrimp for mushrooms or chickpeas. You can also use vegan cheese to keep the creamy taste. Adding veggies can boost this dish. Consider bell peppers, spinach, or broccoli for color and nutrients. You can sauté them with the garlic for added flavor. Herbs like basil or oregano can enhance the taste. Add them fresh or dried in the shrimp mixture for a fragrant kick. If you like heat, adjust the spice level. Add more red pepper flakes for a punch or toss in some diced jalapeños. You can also use a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra warmth. To keep your shrimp scampi pasta bake fresh, follow these tips for storage: - Refrigeration: Let the dish cool for about 30 minutes after baking. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil. Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure the fridge is at or below 40°F (4°C) to keep it safe. - Freezing: If you wish to freeze the dish, let it cool fully first. Use an airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bag. It can stay frozen for up to 2 months. Just remember to label it with the date. To enjoy your leftovers, reheating is key. Here are the best methods: - Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pasta bake in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to keep moisture in. Heat for about 20-25 minutes, or until warm throughout. - Microwave Method: If you're in a hurry, use the microwave. Place a portion on a microwave-safe plate. Cover it with a damp paper towel to keep it moist. Heat on medium power for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. These methods will help keep your shrimp scampi pasta bake tasty and ready to eat! Can I use frozen shrimp? Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just thaw them first. Place them in cold water for about 15 minutes. Then, pat them dry before cooking. This keeps your scampi tasty and fresh. How can I make this dish ahead of time? You can prepare the dish a day before. Cook the pasta and the shrimp mixture. Allow them to cool and mix them. Place everything in the baking dish, cover it, and store it in the fridge. When you are ready, bake it straight from the fridge. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the bake time. What can I serve with Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake? This dish pairs well with a crisp green salad. You can also serve garlic bread on the side. A slice of lemon adds a nice touch too! How do I know when it’s done baking? Check the top of the pasta bake. It should be golden brown and bubbly. The cheese will look melted and delicious. If you want, you can insert a fork to check if it's hot inside. This blog post guides you through making a delicious Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake. I covered ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and tips to help you succeed. Remember, cooking is fun, and you can tweak the recipe as you like. Use different cheeses or adjust spice levels to fit your taste. With the right storage and reheating tips, enjoy this meal even days later. Happy cooking!

Savory Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

A delicious and comforting pasta bake featuring shrimp, garlic, and a blend of cheeses.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz penne pasta
  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 0.5 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 0.25 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 0.25 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • to taste salt
  • to taste freshly cracked black pepper
  • for garnish fresh parsley, finely chopped

Instructions
 

  • Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until it reaches an 'al dente' texture. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
  • While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for approximately 1 minute, just until it becomes fragrant and golden (be careful not to burn it).
  • Add the shrimp to the skillet, cooking for 3-4 minutes. Keep cooking until the shrimp turn pink and opaque, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
  • Once the shrimp are ready, introduce the halved cherry tomatoes, chicken broth, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Continue cooking for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to merge beautifully.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked penne pasta with the shrimp and tomato mixture. Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper, adjusting to your taste, and mix well to ensure all ingredients are incorporated evenly.
  • Transfer this delightful pasta and shrimp mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
  • Generously sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the pasta.
  • Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly, melty, and has formed a lovely golden brown crust.
  • Once baked, carefully remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes. Before serving, garnish the top with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Notes

Serve with extra parsley and a crisp green salad for a refreshing contrast.
Keyword bake, pasta, scampi, shrimp