Description
This Baked Shrimp Scampi Pasta is a creamy, cheesy, and comforting dish perfect for seafood lovers. Featuring tender shrimp combined with rich ricotta and mozzarella cheeses, a flavorful garlic butter sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta all baked to golden perfection, it’s an easy yet elegant meal ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Butter Sauce
- 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 and Egg 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 (175 degrees Celsius) to prepare for baking the assembled pasta dish.
- Cook Pasta: Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Melt Butter and Prepare Sauce Base: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the minced garlic and flour, cooking until the mixture is bubbly to form a roux.
- Add Liquids and Season: Gradually stir in the whole milk, chicken broth, salt, and pepper. Cook and stir for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly, then remove from heat.
- Combine Sauce with Egg and Cheese: In a separate bowl, whisk together the slightly beaten egg, Parmesan cheese, and ricotta cheese. Then gradually whisk the warm sauce into the egg and cheese mixture to temper it without scrambling the egg.
- Mix Pasta and Shrimp: Add the cooked pasta and thawed, peeled shrimp into the sauce and cheese mixture, stirring to combine evenly.
- Assemble for Baking: Pour the combined pasta, shrimp, and sauce mixture into two prepared baking dishes, dividing evenly.
- Add Mozzarella and Bake: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top and bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and shrimp are cooked through.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot for a delicious baked shrimp scampi pasta experience.
Notes
- You can use any shape of pasta, but smaller shapes like penne or rotini work well to hold the sauce.
- Ensure the shrimp is fully thawed and peeled before adding.
- If you prefer spicier, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce.
- Do not skip tempering the egg mixture with warm sauce to prevent curdling.
- This dish pairs nicely with a side salad or crusty bread.
