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Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe

Ingredients

• 12 oz linguine or spaghetti
• 1 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/2 cup white wine or chicken broth
• 1 lemon juiced and zested
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the Oven
   Begin by setting your oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C). This way, it'll be all ready to go once your pasta masterpiece is assembled.

2. Step 2: Cook the Pasta
   Follow the cooking instructions on your pasta's packaging, aiming for that perfect al dente bite. Once it's just right, drain it well and set it aside to give it a moment to relax.

3. Step 3: Sauté Aromatics
   In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic along with the red pepper flakes, stirring for about a minute until your kitchen is filled with their irresistible aroma.

4. Step 4: Cook the Shrimp
   Toss the shrimp into the aromatic mix and let them sizzle for 3-4 minutes. Keep an eye out for that lovely pink hue and opaque finish—your cue to remove them from the skillet and set aside.

5. Step 5: Deglaze the Skillet
   Pour in the white wine or chicken broth, whichever you prefer, and give the skillet a good scrape to lift all those tasty browned bits. Allow it to simmer gently for a couple of minutes.

6. Step 6: Create the Creamy Sauce
   Introduce the lemon juice, zest, and heavy cream to the simmering liquid. Let it come to a gentle simmer, keeping it smooth and creamy for the pasta bath to follow.

7. Step 7: Combine Pasta and Sauce
   Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing well to ensure every strand gets its fair share of the creamy goodness. Season with salt and pepper to your liking.

8. Step 8: Assemble the Bake
   Transfer your coated pasta into a large baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Nestle the cooked shrimp on top, arranging them like jewels in a crown.

9. Step 9: Add the Cheeses
   Sprinkle the dish with grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella, making sure they're evenly distributed to melt into a bubbly, golden layer.

10. Step 10: Bake to Perfection
    Slide the dish into your preheated oven, letting it bake for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is deliciously melted and starts to bubble excitingly.

11. Step 11: Garnish and Serve
    After the timer dings, take your beautiful creation out of the oven and finish it off with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Serve it up hot and watch as everyone digs in with delight. Enjoy!

Notes

A common pitfall is overcooking the shrimp, which can turn them rubbery. Shrimp cook quickly—about 3-4 minutes is all they need until they’re pink and opaque. Keep a close eye on them and remember, they continue to cook a bit even after removing from the skillet.

Another hiccup might be clumping pasta. To avoid this, ensure it's al dente and toss immediately with a bit of olive oil or butter if it's sitting for a moment before mixing with the sauce. A little care goes a long way!

Lastly, don't skimp on the lemon zest. It's the unsung hero, adding a fresh, zingy brightness. Be generous and notice the difference!

Keywords: Shrimp Pasta Bake, Scampi Pasta Casserole, Shrimp Casserole, Baked Shrimp Spaghetti, Scampi Baked Pasta, Shrimp Scampi Bake, Pasta with Shrimp and Scampi, Shrimp and Garlic Pasta Bake