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Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe

Ingredients

• 12 oz linguine or spaghetti
• 1 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/2 cup white wine or chicken broth
• 1 lemon juiced and zested
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Ready the Baking Dish
   Get your oven going by setting it to a cozy 375°F (190°C). While it's warming up, give a 9×13-inch baking dish a light coat of cooking spray or a brush of olive oil. This prevents the pasta bake from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

2. Step 2: Cook the Pasta
   In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Add the linguine or spaghetti and cook until it's just al dente, according to the package instructions. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Once it's ready, drain the pasta and set it aside for later. Remember, pasta will cook a little more in the oven, so don't overdo it now!

3. Step 3: Sauté the Shrimp and Garlic
   Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and let it mingle with the butter for about 1-2 minutes, just until it's fragrant and golden. Add the shrimp to the skillet, cooking them until they turn pink and opaque—this should take about 3-4 minutes. Be careful not to overcook them; nobody likes rubbery shrimp! Sprinkle in the red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.

4. Step 4: Make the Sauce
   Pour the white wine or chicken broth into the skillet with the shrimp, allowing it to simmer for a couple of minutes. This will deglaze the pan, lifting all those tasty bits stuck to the bottom. Stir in the lemon juice and zest, followed by the heavy cream. Let the mixture bubble gently until it thickens slightly, about 3-5 minutes. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to suit your taste.

5. Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
   In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the shrimp and sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated. Transfer this delicious mix into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

6. Step 6: Add the Cheesy Topping
   Sprinkle the grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the pasta. This is where the magic happens—those cheeses will melt and create a gooey, golden crust that's hard to resist.

7. Step 7: Bake and Garnish
   Slide the dish into your preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly with a slight golden tint. Once it looks irresistible, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Before serving, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for a burst of color and freshness. Enjoy your scrumptious shrimp scampi pasta bake hot and savor every bite!

Notes

Navigating the world of pasta bakes can sometimes lead to a few missteps, but no worries! One common blunder is overcooking the pasta. Remember, al dente is your best friend—it keeps your noodles from turning mushy when baking.

Missing the marination magic? Be sure to let your shrimp soak up that zesty lemon and garlic goodness. It’ll make all the difference in flavor. Another slip-up people often make is not draining the beef properly, which can result in a greasy bake.

And don’t forget the cheese layering! A harmonious spread ensures every bite is packed with creamy delight. Follow these pointers, and you’ll be savoring every mouthful.

Keywords: Shrimp Pasta Bake, Scampi Pasta Casserole, Shrimp Scampi Pasta Dish, Baked Shrimp Scampi, Shrimp Bake Recipe, Pasta Scampi Bake