Easy Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake (Print-Friendly Version)
Juicy shrimp, penne, and cheese baked together for a satisfying, flavor-packed comfort meal.
# Ingredients You’ll Need:
→ Main Components
01 -
1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
02 -
12 ounces penne pasta
→ Sauce and Seasonings
03 -
2 tablespoons olive oil
04 -
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
05 -
4 garlic cloves, minced
06 -
0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
07 -
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
08 -
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
09 -
0.25 cup chicken broth
→ Cheeses and Garnish
10 -
0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
11 -
1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
12 -
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
# How to Make It:
01 -
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or a thin coating of olive oil.
02 -
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add penne pasta and cook until al dente, according to package directions. Drain well and set aside.
03 -
Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add shrimp and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until pink and fully cooked. Remove cooked shrimp and set aside.
04 -
In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
05 -
Pour in chicken broth and stir to deglaze the pan. Let the mixture simmer for 2 minutes to develop flavor.
06 -
Add the drained pasta and half of the shredded mozzarella to the skillet. Toss to combine and ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
07 -
Fold the cooked shrimp into the pasta mixture, then transfer everything into the prepared baking dish.
08 -
Evenly sprinkle grated Parmesan and the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese over the pasta and shrimp.
09 -
Bake uncovered in the oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden on top.
10 -
Optional: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top before serving. Serve warm.
# Extra Suggestions:
01 -
For optimal texture, do not overcook the shrimp; they should be just pink and opaque when removed from the skillet.