🍤 Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake
🍽️ Serves: 4–6
⏱️ Total Time: ~40 minutes
🛒 Ingredients:
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12 oz pasta (penne, ziti, or linguine work great)
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1 lb raw shrimp, peeled & deveined (medium or large)
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4 tbsp butter
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2 tbsp olive oil
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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Zest and juice of 1 lemon
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1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for a kick)
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Salt & black pepper, to taste
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1/4 cup white wine or chicken broth
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1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1 cup shredded mozzarella (or Italian cheese blend)
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2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
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Optional: 1/3 cup breadcrumbs for crunchy topping
👩🍳 Instructions:
1. Cook the pasta:
Boil in salted water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Sauté the shrimp:
In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil + 1 tbsp butter over medium heat.
Add shrimp, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
Cook 1–2 minutes per side until just pink. Remove shrimp and set aside.
3. Make the scampi sauce:
In the same skillet, add remaining butter, olive oil, and garlic. Cook 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
Add lemon zest, lemon juice, and white wine (or broth). Simmer 2–3 minutes.
Return shrimp to pan, toss to coat, then remove from heat.
4. Combine with pasta:
In a large mixing bowl or the skillet (if big enough), combine:
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Cooked pasta
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Shrimp + scampi sauce
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Parmesan
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Half the mozzarella
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Half the parsley
Mix well.
5. Assemble the bake:
Pour into a greased 9×13 baking dish.
Top with remaining mozzarella (and breadcrumbs if using).
6. Bake:
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes, or until bubbly and lightly golden on top.
(Optional: broil for the last 2 minutes for a crispy finish.)
7. Garnish & serve:
Sprinkle with remaining parsley and a squeeze of fresh lemon. Serve hot.
🍽️ Serve with:
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Garlic bread
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Steamed broccoli or asparagus
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Side salad with vinaigrette
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A glass of chilled white wine (like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)
🔄 Variations:
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Add spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor
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Use cooked chicken instead of shrimp
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Make it creamy: Stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream or cream cheese before baking
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Go low-carb: Swap pasta for zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash
Want a one-pan version, gluten-free option, or a make-ahead freezer version?