Description
Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is a delightful dish combining succulent shrimp, garlic, lemon, and linguine pasta baked together with a crispy, flavorful breadcrumb topping. This easy-to-make casserole provides a perfect balance of tangy, buttery, and savory flavors, ideal for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Pasta
- 1 lb (454 g) medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 8 oz (227 g) linguine pasta
Sauce
- 4 tbsp (57 g) butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup (59 ml) chicken broth
- 1/4 cup (59 ml) lemon juice
- 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup (15 g) chopped fresh parsley
Breadcrumb Topping
- 1/2 cup (55 g) Panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp (28 g) melted butter
- 1 tsp (2 g) lemon zest
Instructions
- Preheat and Cook Pasta: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the linguine pasta until al dente, about 1-2 minutes less than package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to brown it.
- Make Sauce: Add chicken broth and lemon juice to the skillet. Bring to a gentle simmer and let it reduce slightly for about 1-2 minutes to concentrate the flavors.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked linguine, peeled shrimp, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, and the garlic-lemon sauce from the skillet. Toss well to evenly coat.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. Transfer the combined pasta and shrimp mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Prepare Breadcrumb Topping: In a small bowl, mix the Panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and lemon zest until the crumbs are evenly coated.
- Add Topping and Bake: Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the pasta. Bake the dish uncovered for 20-25 minutes in the preheated oven until the shrimp is cooked through and the topping is golden brown and crispy.
Notes
- Pat shrimp completely dry before adding to prevent excess moisture and sogginess in the bake.
- Undercook pasta by 1-2 minutes as it will continue cooking in the oven to avoid mushiness.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the brightest and most vibrant lemon flavor in the sauce.
- For extra crunch, toast the breadcrumbs lightly in a pan before mixing with butter and lemon zest.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American