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Shrimp Scampi Garlic Cream Pasta

A luxurious fusion of classic shrimp scampi and baked pasta comfort, featuring succulent shrimp, velvety garlic-lemon cream sauce, and golden melted cheese. Ready in 40 minutes.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 485

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound large shrimp shells removed and deveined
  • 12 ounces dried spaghetti or linguine noodles
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter separated into two portions
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 5 cloves fresh garlic finely minced
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine or low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice from one lemon
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest finely grated
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese finely grated
  • 1 cup low-moisture mozzarella shredded
  • 1/4 cup Italian flat-leaf parsley chopped
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red chili flakes optional
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper or to taste
  • Kosher salt to taste

Equipment

  • Large pot for pasta
  • large skillet
  • 9-by-13-inch baking dish

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook until just shy of al dente, approximately 1 to 2 minutes less than the package directions. Drain and set aside.
  2. Heat the olive oil along with 2 tablespoons of the butter in a large skillet set over medium heat. Pat the shrimp dry and season both sides with salt and black pepper. Place shrimp in the skillet and sear for 1 to 2 minutes per side, until opaque and lightly golden. Transfer the cooked shrimp to a separate plate.
  3. In the same pan, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes. Saute briefly for about 30 seconds until aromatic. Pour in the wine (or broth), along with the lemon juice and zest. Allow the mixture to simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until slightly reduced.
  4. Return the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing thoroughly to coat it in the garlic-butter mixture. Stir in half of the grated Parmesan and half of the chopped parsley. Gently fold in the cooked shrimp.
  5. Transfer the combined shrimp and pasta mixture into a lightly greased 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Scatter the shredded mozzarella and the remaining Parmesan evenly across the top.
  6. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the baking dish, uncovered, into the oven. Bake for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and develops a golden hue.
  7. Remove from the oven and garnish with the remaining parsley. Optionally, finish with an additional squeeze of lemon before serving hot.

Notes

For best results, serve immediately while bubbling and aromatic. Pat shrimp dry before cooking for better searing. Don't overcook the shrimp - they should be opaque and just cooked through. Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor. Can substitute chicken broth for white wine if preferred.
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