Baked Shrimp Scampi Pasta Casserole
This Baked Shrimp Scampi Pasta Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, blending savory shrimp, buttery garlic sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. With a crispy breadcrumb topping and a creamy sauce that’s packed with flavor, it’s a dish that’s as impressive as it is delicious. It’s easy to make and perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion. Whether you’re feeding your family or impressing guests, this casserole will surely become a new favorite!
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined
- 12 oz pasta any kind you prefer—linguine or penne works great
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes optional for a little heat
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs for a crispy topping
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
Key Substitutions
- Shrimp: You can use chicken or even a mix of veggies if you're not a fan of shrimp.
- Heavy cream: Substitute with half-and-half for a lighter option or use a dairy-free version if preferred.
- Pasta: Any pasta works but long noodles like linguine give it that classic shrimp scampi feel.
- Breadcrumbs: Swap with panko for extra crunch or skip them altogether for a softer top.
Instructions
How to Cook the Baked Shrimp Scampi Pasta Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide
Preheat the oven
- Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and let it warm up while you get everything else ready.
Cook the pasta
- Boil a big pot of salted water. Cook your pasta according to the package directions (usually about 8-10 minutes). Don’t forget to drain it once it’s done!
Cook the shrimp
- While the pasta is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once it’s melted, add the shrimp, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Cook until the shrimp are pink and cooked through—this should take about 3-4 minutes. Remove them from the skillet and set aside.
Make the sauce
- In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Let it melt and then pour in the heavy cream. Stir it up, and bring it to a simmer. Add the Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy. This is when you’ll start to really feel the garlic goodness!
Combine everything
- In a large bowl, toss the cooked pasta, shrimp, and creamy sauce together. Make sure everything is coated nicely (no pasta left behind, please!).
Layer in a baking dish
- Transfer everything into a baking dish (around 9x13 size). Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese and breadcrumbs over the top. This is where the magic happens—the cheesy, crispy topping!
Bake it
- Pop it in the oven for about 15-20 minutes until it’s bubbly and the top is golden brown.
Garnish and serve
- Take it out of the oven and sprinkle fresh parsley over the top. Now, don’t just stand there—grab a plate and dig in!
- That’s it! Easy, right? You’ve got yourself a delicious, mouthwatering casserole that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds. Enjoy!
Notes
- To keep this dish lighter, you can use light cream cheese or low-fat sour cream.
- Make sure not to overcook the shrimp to avoid them turning rubbery.
- Feel free to experiment with different types of pasta or add more veggies like spinach or zucchini.