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Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake in 30 Minutes – Cheesy, Buttery & Irresistible

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Shrimp: 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tail on or off)
  • Pasta: 12 ounces linguine, spaghetti, or short pasta like penne or rigatoni
  • Butter: 4 tablespoons unsalted
  • Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
  • Garlic: 5–6 cloves, minced
  • Red pepper flakes: A pinch to 1/2 teaspoon, to taste
  • Dry white wine: 1/2 cup (or low-sodium chicken broth)
  • Lemon: Zest of 1 lemon + 2–3 tablespoons fresh juice
  • Parsley: 1/4 cup chopped, plus extra for garnish
  • Mozzarella: 1 1/2 cups shredded, low-moisture
  • Parmesan: 1/2 cup freshly grated
  • Breadcrumbs: 1/2 cup panko or regular
  • Salt and black pepper: To taste
  • Optional add-ins: 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes or 2 cups baby spinach

Method
 

  1. Heat the oven: Preheat to 425°F (220°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish or similar casserole.
  2. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta to al dente, 1–2 minutes less than package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
  3. Sauté the aromatics: In a large skillet, warm 2 tablespoons butter and 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook 30–60 seconds, just until fragrant. Don’t brown the garlic.
  4. Deglaze and build the sauce: Pour in white wine. Simmer 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly. Stir in remaining 2 tablespoons butter, lemon zest, and 2 tablespoons lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper.
  5. Cook the shrimp: Add shrimp in an even layer. Cook 1–2 minutes per side until just pink and slightly curled. Don’t overcook; they’ll finish in the oven.
  6. Add greens or tomatoes (optional): Toss in spinach to wilt or cherry tomatoes to warm through, about 1 minute.
  7. Toss with pasta: Add drained pasta and parsley to the skillet. Toss to coat, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if it looks dry. Adjust lemon, salt, and pepper to taste.
  8. Assemble the bake: Transfer pasta mixture to the baking dish. Top with mozzarella and Parmesan. Sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly over the top.
  9. Bake: Bake 6–8 minutes until cheese melts. Broil 1–2 minutes at the end for a golden top, watching closely.
  10. Finish and serve: Let rest 2–3 minutes. Garnish with extra parsley and a squeeze of lemon. Serve hot.