Transfer the pasta mixture to a large baking dish Recipe

If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food that brings a hint of elegance to your dinner table, look no further than this Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake. It’s a creamy, cheesy, and utterly irresistible casserole with juicy shrimp, perfectly cooked linguine, and the most luscious garlic butter sauce. The way you transfer the pasta mixture to a large baking dish, top it with a blanket of melty mozzarella and Parmesan, and then pull out a bubbling masterpiece from the oven is pure dinner magic! Whether you’re hosting friends or craving a weeknight treat, this is a celebration of flavors in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every element in this recipe is simple, but together, they create a pasta bake that’s full of flavor and texture. Don’t underestimate the power of each ingredient; they all play their part to make this dish so satisfying.

• Linguine or Spaghetti: Choose your favorite long pasta for a sturdy base that catches all the sauce.
• Large Shrimp: Plump, tender shrimp soak up the scampi flavor and add a luxe feel.
• Butter: The foundation of that classic garlic scampi richness.
• Garlic: Four cloves give this bake an irresistible aroma and punchy flavor.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Just a pinch for the perfect hit of gentle heat.
• White Wine or Chicken Broth: Adds complexity and depth to the sauce (choose broth for an alcohol-free version).
• Lemon (juice and zest): Fresh citrus livens up the creaminess and pairs beautifully with shrimp.
• Heavy Cream: Makes the sauce silky and luxurious, just the way you want it.
• Parmesan Cheese (grated): Salty, nutty, and adds that classic Italian flavor to the topping.
• Mozzarella Cheese (shredded): Gives you those glorious melted cheesy strings in every forkful.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for bringing all the flavors to life.
• Fresh Parsley (chopped): A vivid burst of color and a pop of freshness to finish.

How to Make Transfer the pasta mixture to a large baking dish

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start this flavorful journey by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures you get that irresistibly golden, bubbly cheese finish and makes the process seamless when it’s time to transfer the pasta mixture to a large baking dish.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil and cook your linguine until just al dente. The pasta will soften a bit more in the oven, so don’t overdo it. Drain well and set aside so you’re ready to transfer the pasta mixture to a large baking dish later.

Step 3: Prepare the Shrimp

In a large skillet, melt all that glorious butter over medium heat. Add your minced garlic and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, letting their fragrance fill your kitchen. As soon as the garlic is golden, toss in your shrimp and cook until they turn pink and opaque—just a few minutes does the trick. Scoop them out and save them for arranging when you transfer the pasta mixture to a large baking dish.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Scampi Sauce

With your shrimp out of the pan, pour in the white wine (or chicken broth) and use it to deglaze, scraping up all those delicious browned bits. Mix in the lemon juice, zest, and heavy cream. Let this luxurious sauce simmer gently while the flavors meld, then season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add your cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together so every strand gets a coat of that creamy, garlicky goodness. Now comes the magic moment: transfer the pasta mixture to a large baking dish, making sure all that saucy goodness and pasta are spread evenly.

Step 6: Layer with Shrimp and Cheese

Arrange your perfectly cooked shrimp all over the top, nestling them into the pasta. Sprinkle a generous handful of grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella over everything before you transfer the pasta mixture to a large baking dish and slide it into the oven.

Step 7: Bake Until Golden and Bubbling

Pop the baking dish into your hot oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and beautifully golden. When you finally transfer the pasta mixture to a large baking dish out of the oven, the aroma will have the whole family gathering around. Let it rest for a moment before garnishing with chopped fresh parsley.

How to Serve Transfer the pasta mixture to a large baking dish

Garnishes

The finishing touch really sets this pasta bake apart! Scatter plenty of chopped fresh parsley across the surface for color and freshness. If you want to take it up another notch, a little extra lemon zest or a final sprinkle of grated Parmesan never hurts.

Side Dishes

This luscious casserole loves to share the plate with a light, crisp salad—think arugula or baby spinach tossed with lemon vinaigrette. For sopping up every bit of sauce from the dish, serve with toasted garlic bread or a chunk of rustic ciabatta.

Creative Ways to Present

Wow your guests by scooping servings into individual ramekins or mini skillets for a restaurant-style presentation. Or, for family-style abundance, transfer the pasta mixture to a large baking dish and let everyone dig in at the table for a cozy, communal experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers, let them cool to room temperature, then cover tightly before refrigerating. The flavors actually meld and deepen overnight, making this an even more satisfying meal the next day!

Freezing

To freeze, package the unbaked casserole after you transfer the pasta mixture to a large baking dish. Cover with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as usual, adding a little extra baking time if needed.

Reheating

For reheating, cover your portion and warm it in a 350°F oven until hot and bubbly, about 20 minutes. You can also microwave individual servings, but the oven keeps that top layer nicely melty and not soggy.

FAQs

What kind of shrimp works best for this recipe?

Large shrimp—peeled and deveined—work best, but medium shrimp are fine too. Just be sure not to overcook them so they stay juicy and tender in the finished bake.

Can I make this dish without wine?

Absolutely! Chicken broth makes a fantastic substitute for the wine, giving you lots of flavor without any alcohol content.

Is it possible to use gluten-free pasta?

Yes, gluten-free pasta performs perfectly in this bake. Just cook it al dente and follow the rest of the recipe as written.

How do I prevent the pasta from becoming mushy?

Be sure to cook your pasta just until al dente. It will continue to soften as it bakes, so draining it while it’s still slightly firm is key for the best texture.

Can I add vegetables to this bake?

Definitely! Stir in some sautéed spinach, roasted cherry tomatoes, or blanched asparagus when you transfer the pasta mixture to a large baking dish for a colorful, crunchy upgrade.

Final Thoughts

This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is the kind of recipe that instantly becomes a comfort classic—the kind everyone hopes you make again. Give it a try, and from the moment you transfer the pasta mixture to a large baking dish, you’ll know you’re in for something truly special. Happy baking!

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