Description
Savory shrimp scampi pasta bake brings Mediterranean coastal charm to dinner tables with its zesty garlic and herb-infused layers. Creamy, cheesy textures mingle with succulent shrimp, promising a comforting meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 1 lb (454 grams) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Pasta and Starches:
- 12 ounces (340 grams) pasta (penne or rotini works best)
Dairy and Cheese:
- 3 tablespoons (45 grams) butter
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups (150 grams) grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 1 cup (100 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese
Seasonings and Herbs:
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 grams) red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 tablespoon (3 grams) fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Oils:
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil (for cooking shrimp)
Liquid Ingredients:
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) chicken broth
Instructions
- Transform your kitchen into a culinary haven by warming the oven to a precise 375°F, creating the perfect environment for this seafood symphony.
- Submerge pasta in boiling water, coaxing it to al dente perfection. Drain and set aside, allowing it to rest momentarily.
- Ignite a skillet with olive oil, introducing succulent shrimp. Shower with salt, pepper, and optional fiery red pepper flakes. Dance the shrimp across the heat for 2-3 minutes per side until they blush a delicate pink, then carefully relocate them to a waiting vessel.
- In the same well-seasoned skillet, melt butter and introduce minced garlic. Allow its aromatic essence to bloom for a fleeting moment.
- Stream heavy cream and chicken broth into the skillet, whisking until a luxurious sauce emerges. Invite Parmesan and half the mozzarella to join, seasoning with a delicate balance of salt and pepper.
- Orchestrate a harmonious union of pasta, shrimp, and velvety sauce in a spacious mixing bowl, ensuring each element is lovingly embraced.
- Transfer the melodious mixture to a prepared baking dish, crowning it with remaining cheeses for a golden, bubbling finale.
- Nestle the dish into the preheated oven, allowing 20-25 minutes of transformative heat. For an extra crisp crescendo, briefly introduce to the broiler’s intense gaze.
- Scatter fresh parsley across the surface like a verdant confetti, signaling the dish is ready to captivate eager palates.
Notes
- Swap shrimp with chicken or tofu for alternative protein options that keep the dish versatile and accommodating to different dietary preferences.
- Reduce heavy cream with half Greek yogurt to create a lighter, lower-fat version without compromising the sauce’s creamy texture.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe completely celiac-friendly and accessible to those with wheat sensitivities.
- Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for adventurous eaters wanting more spicy kick in the final dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 678
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 870 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 67 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 300 mg