Hey there, friend! Let’s talk about something that’s going to make your kitchen smell absolutely divine and your taste buds do a happy dance. I’m beyond excited to share my recipe for Baked Shrimp Scampi Casserole – Cheesy Comfort Food with you today. This dish combines the garlicky, buttery goodness of a classic shrimp scampi bake with the heartwarming coziness of a cheesy pasta bake. Imagine tender shrimp nestled in a bed of pasta, coated in a rich garlic butter sauce, and topped with a golden, bubbly layer of cheese. It’s the ultimate weeknight dinner idea that feels like a hug in casserole form.
I’ve been making variations of shrimp scampi pasta bake for years, and trust me, it’s become a family favorite. There’s just something magical about the way the aroma of garlic butter shrimp fills the house as it bakes. Whether you’re looking for an easy shrimp dinner idea or a seafood dish recipe to impress, this is your go-to. It’s perfect for busy nights when you want something hearty but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak in some seafood for picky eaters!
So, grab a cup of coffee (or a glass of wine—no judgment here), and let’s dive into this shrimp scampi baked recipe. I’ll walk you through every step, share my personal tips, and make sure you’ve got everything you need to whip up this cheesy masterpiece. Don’t worry if you’re not a pro in the kitchen—this is as simple as it gets, and I’ve got your back every step of the way.
Recipe Overview
Cuisine: Italian-American
Category: Main Dish, Seafood, Pasta Bake
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6
What You’ll Need
I’m a big believer in keeping things simple, especially when it comes to a dish like this baked shrimp scampi. When I’m picking out ingredients for this casserole, I always go for the freshest shrimp I can find—look for ones that smell like the ocean, not fishy, with a firm texture. If fresh isn’t an option, frozen shrimp works just fine; just thaw them overnight in the fridge. For the cheese, I’m partial to a good mozzarella from a local market, but pre-shredded works in a pinch. And don’t skimp on the garlic—it’s the star of any garlic butter shrimp dish! If you’re dairy-free, I’ve swapped butter for olive oil and used nutritional yeast instead of cheese with decent results. Now, let’s break down what each ingredient brings to this cozy shrimp pasta dish.
- Shrimp: The heart of the dish, delivering sweet, tender seafood flavor.
- Pasta: A hearty base that soaks up all the garlicky goodness.
- Butter: Adds richness and that classic scampi vibe.
- Garlic: The aromatic backbone of the sauce.
- Cheese: Creates that irresistible, melty, golden top.
- Lemon Juice: Brightens up the flavors with a zesty kick.
- Breadcrumbs: Adds a crispy contrast to the creamy casserole.
INGREDIENTS
Gathering everything for this shrimp scampi bake is like setting the stage for a culinary masterpiece. I always practice mise en place—getting everything measured and prepped before I start cooking. It saves me from that frantic mid-recipe scramble! I remember the first time I made a shrimp bake like this; I was so nervous about overcooking the shrimp that I had everything laid out like a cooking show host. It made the process so smooth, and now I can’t cook without prepping first. Take a moment to peel your shrimp if needed, mince that garlic, and grate your cheese. Trust me, having it all ready makes this seafood dish recipe come together like a dream.
- – 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- – 12 oz pasta (penne or rotini works great)
- – 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- – 4 cloves garlic, minced
- – 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional, or sub with chicken broth)
- – 2 tbsp lemon juice
- – 1 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- – 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- – 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- – 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- – 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- – Salt and pepper to taste
PREPARATION
Alright, let’s get cooking! Making this baked shrimp scampi casserole is honestly one of my favorite kitchen activities because it’s so straightforward yet feels so fancy. I always keep an eye on the shrimp—overcooking them turns them rubbery, and nobody wants that. You’ll notice the kitchen starts to smell like a seaside Italian trattoria as the garlic butter shrimp bakes, and it’s pure heaven. Don’t stress if your pasta isn’t perfectly al dente before baking; it’ll finish cooking in the oven. I’ve made this for countless family dinners, and every time, it’s a hit. So, roll up your sleeves, preheat that oven, and let’s create some cheesy, garlicky magic with this shrimp scampi pasta bake.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until just under al dente, about 2 minutes less than package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large bowl, mix the melted butter, minced garlic, white wine (if using), lemon juice, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Toss the shrimp in this mixture to coat.
- In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, combine the cooked pasta and shrimp mixture, spreading it evenly.
- Sprinkle 1 1/2 cups of mozzarella and all the Parmesan over the top.
- In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with the remaining mozzarella. Sprinkle this over the casserole for a crispy topping.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot. Enjoy!
NUTRITION INFORMATION
- Calories: 520 per serving
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
Tips for Perfect Shrimp in Your Casserole
When it comes to a shrimp scampi baked recipe, the shrimp can make or break the dish. I always pat mine dry before tossing them in the garlic butter mixture—it helps them soak up the flavors better. Also, don’t overcrowd the baking dish; give them a little space to cook evenly. If you’re worried about overcooking, check them at the 15-minute mark during baking. They should be pink and opaque, not curled too tightly.
Choosing the Best Pasta for Your Bake
For baked pasta recipes like this shrimp pasta dish, I love using shapes that hold sauce well. Penne, rotini, or even rigatoni are my go-tos because their ridges and tubes catch all that cheesy, garlicky goodness. Avoid long noodles like spaghetti—they can get mushy in a casserole. Cook them just shy of al dente, as they’ll soften more in the oven.
Customizing Your Shrimp Scampi Bake
One thing I adore about this shrimp scampi bake is how adaptable it is. Want more heat? Bump up the red pepper flakes. Craving veggies? Toss in some spinach or cherry tomatoes before baking. I’ve even added a splash of heavy cream to the butter mixture for an extra decadent touch. Make it your own—there’s no wrong way to enjoy this comfort food.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
If you’ve got leftovers of this shrimp bake (which is rare in my house!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to keep that crispy top. Microwaving works too, but add a splash of water to prevent drying out. The flavors often deepen overnight, which is a bonus!
Pairing Ideas for a Complete Meal
This shrimp scampi pasta bake is a meal on its own, but I love pairing it with a simple green salad to balance the richness. A crusty garlic bread on the side is non-negotiable in my kitchen—it’s perfect for sopping up any leftover sauce. And if it’s a special night, a glass of crisp white wine ties it all together beautifully.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen shrimp are a lifesaver for quick shrimp dinners like this baked shrimp scampi. Just thaw them overnight in the fridge or run them under cold water for a few minutes. Pat them dry before using to avoid excess water in your casserole. I’ve used frozen shrimp plenty of times, and they work just as well as fresh.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prep this shrimp scampi baked recipe ahead! Assemble everything up to the baking step, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready, bake as directed, adding an extra 5 minutes if it’s cold from the fridge. It’s a game-changer for busy weeknight dinners.
What If I Don’t Have White Wine?
No worries at all! The white wine in this garlic butter shrimp casserole adds a nice depth, but you can easily swap it for chicken broth or even a splash of lemon juice mixed with water. I’ve skipped it entirely before, and the dish still tastes amazing with that buttery, garlicky flavor shining through.
Conclusion
Well, there you have it, my friend—everything you need to whip up a mouthwatering Baked Shrimp Scampi Casserole – Cheesy Comfort Food that’ll have everyone at the table asking for seconds. I love how this dish brings together the best of shrimp recipes and pasta dishes in one easy, cheesy package. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a special occasion, this shrimp dinner idea never fails to impress. So, give it a try this week, and let me know how it turns out—I’d love to hear about your kitchen adventures!
If you’re hungry for more seafood dish recipes or other comforting weeknight dinner ideas, stick around and explore some of my other favorites. Cooking is all about sharing, and I’m thrilled to have you along for the ride. Happy baking!