shrimp scampi bake recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best shrimp scampi bake recipe

I have to say, I’m absolutely in love with this shrimp scampi bake recipe. It’s a classic dish that never fails to impress my family and friends. The combination of succulent shrimp, garlic, and herbs, all baked to perfection in a creamy bechamel sauce, is just divine.

And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, even on a busy weeknight. Just toss all the ingredients in a baking dish, pop it in the oven, and voila!

A delicious, satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. I first discovered this recipe at my Italian aunt’s house when I was a teenager. She would make it for special occasions like holidays and family gatherings.

It was always a hit with my cousins and me. We loved the way the flavors melded together and the textures of the shrimp and pasta were so satisfying. Over the years, I’ve tweaked this recipe to suit my own tastes and dietary needs.

I’ve added more garlic for an extra kick of flavor, used different types of pasta like penne or linguine, and even substituted the heavy cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter option. This recipe is more than just a meal – it’s an experience. It’s a taste of Italy in every bite, of tradition and culture passed down through generations.

Shrimp Scampi Bake

4.9 from 819 votes

A delicious and easy-to-make shrimp scampi bake with a buttery, garlicky sauce and tender shrimp. This recipe is a must-try for any occasion.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Breadcrumbs

1 cup panko breadcrumbs
2 tbsp melted butter
1 tsp paprika

For the Shrimp

1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
4 tbsp butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp red pepper flakes
1 lemon, zested and juiced
1/4 cup white wine
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
salt and pepper to taste

For the Pasta

12 oz pasta
salt for pasta water

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat oven to 400°F.
2In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs, melted butter, and paprika.
Set aside.
3This will make your topping crunchy and golden.
4Cook pasta according to package instructions in a large pot of boiling salted water until al dente.
5Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water and drain the pasta.
6This will help to create a creamy sauce.
7While the pasta is cooking, melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
8Add garlic and red pepper flakes, and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
9Be careful not to burn the garlic.
10Add shrimp to the skillet and cook until they turn pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side.
11Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
12This will ensure the shrimp are cooked through but not overcooked.
13In the same skillet, add white wine and lemon juice.
14Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
15Cook until the liquid has reduced by half, about 2-3 minutes.
16This will concentrate the flavors.
17Add the cooked pasta, shrimp, lemon zest, parmesan cheese, and parsley to the skillet.
18Toss to combine, adding reserved pasta water if needed to create a creamy sauce.
19Season with salt and pepper to taste.
20This will ensure the pasta is well coated in the sauce.
21Transfer the pasta and shrimp mixture to a baking dish.
22Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top.
23Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the breadcrumbs are golden and crispy.
24This will give the dish a nice crunch.
25Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
26This will allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
27Serve hot and enjoy.

🔧Equipment

Baking dish
Large skillet
Tongs
Oven

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 30mg🧂Sodium: 600mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 15g

📝Notes

Tips: You can substitute whole wheat pasta for a healthier option.

This shrimp scampi bake recipe is perfect for any occasion – whether it’s a family gathering or a casual dinner at home. The best part?

It’s incredibly easy to reheat by simply popping it back in the oven until warmed through. You can also serve leftovers as is or get creative with your own toppings like extra garlic bread crumbs or fresh parsley.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Shrimp Scampi Bake

Q: What type of pasta should I use for this recipe?

I prefer to use a short-shaped pasta like penne or macaroni for this recipe. The shorter shape allows the sauce to coat each piece evenly and prevents it from getting lost in longer shapes.

Q: Can I substitute the heavy cream with a non-dairy alternative?

Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half for a lighter option. Keep in mind that using non-dairy alternatives may affect the flavor slightly.

Q: How long should I cook the shrimp before adding the bechamel sauce?

Cook the shrimp until they’re pink and just cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side. Then add the bechamel sauce and continue cooking until it’s heated through.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prepare all the ingredients ahead of time but assemble and bake just before serving.

Q: Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians or vegans?

No, this recipe is not suitable for vegetarians or vegans due to the presence of shrimp and heavy cream.

Q: Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze leftovers but be aware that freezing may affect the texture slightly.

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