This Shrimp Scampi Bake is a warm and cheesy dish that will make everyone smile! With tender shrimp, garlic, and a crispy topping, it’s comfort food at its best.
Who doesn’t love a dish that fills the house with the smell of garlic and butter? I could eat this every week and not get tired of it! Pair it with some crusty bread, and you’re golden.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Large Shrimp: Fresh or frozen, both work well. If frozen, ensure they’re fully thawed. Don’t like shrimp? Try chicken breast or tofu instead!
Pasta: Spaghetti or linguine gives a nice touch, but feel free to use penne or even zucchini noodles for a low-carb option!
Butter: Unsalted butter is best to control the saltiness. For a dairy-free version, coconut oil or vegan butter can substitute nicely.
White Wine: It adds depth, but you can swap it with lemon juice mixed with broth if you want to skip the alcohol.
Cheeses: Parmesan and mozzarella create a lovely cheesy finish. For a stronger flavor, try pecorino romano or even a dairy-free cheese if needed.
How Do You Get Tender Shrimp Without Overcooking?
Cooking shrimp can be tricky, but with these tips, you’ll nail it! The key is to watch the timing without letting them get rubbery.
- Heat olive oil in your skillet until hot but not smoking.
- Add shrimp and season lightly. Cook for 1-2 minutes on each side until they just turn pink.
- Remove shrimp from the skillet to stop them from cooking further as you prepare the sauce.
Following these steps keeps your shrimp tender and succulent, making your bake a hit!
What’s the Best Way to Layer Everything in the Bake?
Layering is essential for a uniform bake! Here’s how:
- Mix shrimp and pasta separately before combining them to evenly distribute the flavors.
- Spread the mixture evenly in your baking dish, ensuring everything is well combined.
- Finish with a generous layer of cheese for the best melted topping!
This technique ensures every bite has shrimp, pasta, and that cheesy goodness. Enjoy your bake!
How to Make Shrimp Scampi Bake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dish:
- 12 oz spaghetti or linguine pasta
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off as preferred)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup white wine (optional, can substitute with chicken broth)
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (plus extra for garnish)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes of prep time and cooking. You’ll spend about 10 minutes cooking the pasta and shrimp and then assembling everything. The baking time is around 15 minutes to get that cheesy topping just right. Perfect for a busy weeknight or a special occasion!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This way, it’ll be nice and ready when it’s time to bake the dish.
2. Cook the Pasta:
Boil a pot of salted water and cook the spaghetti or linguine according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
3. Sauté the Shrimp:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and season them with a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Cook the shrimp for about 1-2 minutes on each side. They should just turn pink and be nearly cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.
4. Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce:
In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the butter. Once it’s melted, toss in the minced garlic and sauté it for around 1 minute until it’s fragrant—don’t let it brown!
5. Add Liquids and Simmer:
Pour in the white wine (or chicken broth), along with the lemon zest, lemon juice, and crushed red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat. Let the mixture simmer for about 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
6. Combine the Shrimp with the Sauce:
Return the shrimp to the skillet and give everything a good toss to coat the shrimp in that delicious garlic lemon sauce. Remove the skillet from the heat once it’s all mixed together.
7. Mix It All Together:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta and the shrimp mixture. Stir in half of the grated Parmesan cheese, half of the shredded mozzarella cheese, and the chopped parsley. Give it a taste and add more salt and pepper if needed.
8. Transfer to Baking Dish:
Pour the pasta and shrimp mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
9. Top with Cheese:
Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses on top of the dish for that ooey-gooey cheese topping.
10. Bake:
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
11. Garnish and Serve:
Once baked, remove your scrumptious dish from the oven and garnish with extra chopped parsley for a fresh touch. Serve it hot, optionally with some crusty bread or a salad to round out the meal.
Enjoy your homemade Shrimp Scampi Bake—a delightful treat that’s sure to please everyone at the table with its rich flavors and cheesy goodness!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp works great! Just make sure to thoroughly thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or by placing them in a sealed bag in cold water for quicker defrosting. Pat them dry before cooking to prevent excess moisture.
Can I Make This Recipe Without Wine?
Absolutely! If you prefer not to use wine, simply substitute it with chicken broth or vegetable broth. This will still provide a rich flavor to the sauce!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in a baking dish covered with foil in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave until warm.
Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?
Yes, you can definitely use other types of pasta! Penne, rigatoni, or even gluten-free pasta work well. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for your chosen pasta.
