![To make a delicious Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake, you need the right ingredients. Here’s a list of what you will need: - 8 oz. penne pasta - 1 lb. large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1/4 cup unsalted butter - 1/4 cup olive oil - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 lemon, zested and juiced - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) These ingredients create a rich and flavorful dish. The shrimp adds protein, while the pasta gives it substance. You will need a few tools to make this dish easy and fun: - Large pot for boiling pasta - Large skillet for cooking shrimp - Mixing bowl for combining ingredients - Baking dish (about 9x13 inches) - Cooking spray or butter for greasing the dish These tools will help you every step of the way. They make cooking simple and enjoyable. You can swap some ingredients if you need to. Here are a few ideas: - Pasta: You can use any pasta type, like fusilli or rotini. - Shrimp: If you can’t find large shrimp, use medium shrimp. - Cheese: Try using feta or gouda if you don’t have Parmesan or mozzarella. - Tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes can work if fresh ones aren’t available. These substitutions keep your dish tasty and allow for creativity. Feel free to explore what you have on hand. For the full recipe, check out [Full Recipe]. Start by gathering your ingredients. You will need 8 oz. of penne pasta, 1 lb. of large shrimp, and 4 cloves of garlic. Don't forget the butter, olive oil, and red pepper flakes. You will also need cherry tomatoes, lemon, Parmesan cheese, and mozzarella cheese. Make sure to have salt, pepper, and fresh parsley on hand too. Next, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter. This helps the pasta bake come out easily. Now, fill a large pot with water and add salt. Bring it to a boil. When the water is bubbling, add the penne pasta. Cook it until it's just firm, or al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside. In a large skillet, melt 1/4 cup of unsalted butter with 1/4 cup of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1 minute until the garlic smells great. Now, add the shrimp to the skillet. Let them cook for about 2-3 minutes. You will know they are done when they turn pink and opaque. Season them with salt and pepper to taste. Next, stir in 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, the zest of 1 lemon, and the juice from the lemon. Cook this for another 2 minutes to soften the tomatoes. This adds a nice flavor to the dish. In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta with the shrimp mixture. Add half of the grated Parmesan cheese and salt and pepper to taste. Stir it all together until it’s well mixed. Once combined, pour the pasta and shrimp mixture into your greased baking dish. Spread it out evenly. Now, sprinkle the top with the remaining Parmesan cheese and 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. This will create a nice, cheesy crust when baked. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for about 25-30 minutes. You want the cheese to be bubbly and golden brown. After baking, remove it from the oven. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color. Enjoy your Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake! For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above. To cook shrimp well, start with fresh shrimp. Look for shrimp that are firm and smell like the ocean. When cooking, heat your skillet on medium. Add butter and oil, then garlic. After one minute, add shrimp. Cook them for 2-3 minutes. They should turn pink and opaque. Overcooking makes shrimp tough, so watch them closely. For this dish, cheese adds flavor and creaminess. I love using a mix of Parmesan and mozzarella. Parmesan gives a salty kick, while mozzarella melts beautifully. Other great choices include fontina or gouda. You can also try a sprinkle of feta for a tangy twist. Always grate your cheese fresh for the best taste. Avoid these common slips for perfect shrimp scampi. First, don't crowd the pan. If you add too many shrimp, they won't cook evenly. Second, pay attention to the pasta. Cook it al dente so it holds up in the bake. Last, don’t skip the lemon juice. It brightens the dish and adds depth. For a full guide, check the Full Recipe for more tips. {{image_2}} You can easily make this dish gluten-free. Just swap penne pasta for gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer great taste and texture. Be sure to check the cooking time, as it may differ. You want your pasta to be al dente. This way, it holds up well during baking. Adding vegetables makes this dish even better. You can toss in spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers. Chop them small so they mix well with the pasta and shrimp. Sauté the veggies with the garlic before adding the shrimp. This adds flavor and color to your meal. If you like heat, make it spicy! Add more red pepper flakes or fresh jalapeños. You can also drizzle hot sauce on top before baking. This gives your dish a nice kick. Just be careful not to overdo it. You want the heat to enhance the flavors, not overpower them. For the full recipe and more details, check out the [Full Recipe]. After you enjoy your Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake, store any leftovers in an airtight container. Let the dish cool down to room temperature first. This helps keep the pasta fresh. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to save it longer, freezing is a great option. When you’re ready to eat leftovers, heat them in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pasta bake in a baking dish and cover it with foil. This keeps the moisture in. Bake for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave. Use a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a lid or wrap. Heat in 1-minute intervals until warm. If you want to freeze the pasta bake, make sure it’s completely cool. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container. You can also wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. This way, it won’t get freezer burn. It can last for up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat as mentioned above. This makes dinner easy for a busy night! For the full recipe, check out the recipe above. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them first. Place the frozen shrimp in a bowl of cold water for about 15 minutes. This quick method helps maintain the shrimp's texture. After thawing, peel and devein them if needed. Using frozen shrimp can save you time and still taste great. You can swap penne for other shapes like fusilli or rotini. These shapes hold sauce well. You could also try spaghetti or linguine for a classic feel. Just remember to cook the pasta until it's al dente. This way, it won't get mushy when baked. To make this dish healthier, you can use whole wheat pasta. This adds more fiber and nutrients. You can also reduce the butter and oil. Try using olive oil alone or even a little vegetable broth. Adding more veggies like spinach or bell peppers boosts nutrition too. Serve a fresh green salad with this dish. A simple mix of greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette works well. Garlic bread is another perfect choice. It complements the flavors of the pasta bake nicely. For a drink, try a crisp white wine or sparkling water with lemon. If you're looking for more ideas, check out the full recipe to inspire your meal planning. You learned about making a tasty Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake. We covered essential ingredients and tools. You now know how to prepare, cook, and bake this dish. Remember the tips for perfect shrimp and great cheese choices. You can try fun variations, store leftovers, and reheat easily. Don't forget the helpful FAQs to answer your questions. With this guide, you can cook a great meal and impress everyone. Enjoy your cooking journey!](https://themomdish.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/f8ef9230-9433-494e-abad-8496a5534b62-300x300.webp)
Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake
Craving a comforting meal? Try this Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake! It's an easy and delicious recipe packed with flavors from succulent shrimp, melting cheese, and pasta. Perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing your guests, this dish will become a family favorite. Follow my simple steps and make your own masterpiece. Click to discover the full recipe and elevate your dinner tonight!