Description
This Baked Shrimp Scampi Pasta is a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful dish combining tender shrimp and pasta in a savory garlic butter sauce. Baked to perfection with a golden mozzarella topping, it’s a comforting meal perfect for a cozy dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Sauce Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp butter
- 1 tsp jarred minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp all-purpose flour
- â…“ cup whole milk
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- â…› tsp salt
- â…› tsp pepper
Cheese Mixture
- 1 egg (slightly beaten)
- â…› cup Parmesan cheese (shredded)
- ¼ cup ricotta cheese
Main Ingredients
- 4 oz uncooked pasta (any shape)
- ½ lb raw shrimp, thawed and peeled
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- 1 tsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the assembled pasta dish.
- Cook Pasta: Boil your pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Melt Butter and Make Roux: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Stir in minced garlic and all-purpose flour, cooking until the mixture is bubbly to form a roux.
- Add Liquids and Seasonings: Gradually stir in whole milk, chicken broth, salt, and pepper. Cook and stir this mixture for 2 to 3 minutes until it thickens slightly, then remove from heat.
- Combine Sauce and Cheese Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the slightly beaten egg, Parmesan cheese, and ricotta cheese. Slowly combine this with the sauce mixture, ensuring the egg mixture is tempered.
- Mix Pasta and Shrimp: Add the cooked pasta and raw shrimp to the sauce mixture and gently combine to coat everything evenly.
- Assemble in Baking Dishes: Pour the combined pasta, shrimp, and sauce mixture into two prepared baking dishes.
- Add Mozzarella and Bake: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of each dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and optionally sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Ensure shrimp is fully thawed and peeled before adding to the dish.
- Watch the oven closely towards the end of baking to prevent the cheese from burning.
- You can substitute whole milk with 2% milk for a lighter option.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for better flavor if available.
- Feel free to use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten free.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
