Transfer the pasta to a large baking dish, spreading it evenly Recipe

Imagine meltingly tender shrimp, silky noodles, and a garlicky, creamy sauce, all baked together under a blanket of bubbly cheese — that’s the magic of this Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake. What makes it truly irresistible is the step where you transfer the pasta to a large baking dish, spreading it evenly for even baking and a perfect golden finish. It’s the ultimate comfort dish that delivers restaurant-level flavors, yet it’s so easy to pull off right at home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every element in this dish enhances the overall experience, combining to create a colorful and satisfying meal. These simple ingredients join forces to bring you luscious textures, vibrant tastes, and that signature scampi aroma in every bite.

• Pasta (12 oz linguine or spaghetti): Choose your favorite noodle as the base — linguine captures the sauce beautifully, while spaghetti gives that classic feel.
• Large shrimp (1 lb, peeled and deveined): Fresh or thawed shrimp are the true stars, bringing sweet succulence and protein.
• Butter (4 tablespoons): Adds rich, savory depth and helps sauté that gorgeous garlic.
• Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Essential for that signature scampi fragrance and punchy flavor.
• Red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon): Just the right amount of heat to keep things interesting.
• White wine or chicken broth (1/2 cup): The deglazing hero — white wine adds a floral tang, while broth keeps things family-friendly.
• Lemon (juiced and zested): Bright citrus notes cut through the cream and amplify the shrimp.
• Heavy cream (1 cup): Luxurious texture, balancing brightness and spice.
• Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup, grated): Salty, nutty depth that melts perfectly into the sauce.
• Mozzarella cheese (1 cup, shredded): Delivers gooey, melty comfort that browns up beautifully in the oven.
• Salt and pepper: Simple, crucial seasoning to bring out every flavor note.
• Fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped): A finishing flourish for color and a subtle pop of freshness.

How to Make Transfer the pasta to a large baking dish, spreading it evenly

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

First things first, get your oven nice and hot by setting it to 375°F (190°C). Preheating is key to ensuring your pasta bake cooks evenly and that cheese topping bubbles and browns just right.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Boil your linguine or spaghetti in a generous pot of salted water, following the package directions until the noodles are al dente. You want them with a little bite, since they’ll finish cooking in the oven. Drain, but don’t rinse — that starch helps the sauce cling!

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Toss in minced garlic and red pepper flakes, letting them sizzle for about a minute until fragrant. This step builds the flavor base for your creamy sauce — the aroma is heavenly.

Step 4: Cook the Shrimp

Add your shrimp straight into the buttery skillet. Let them cook 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, just until they’re pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp and keep them nearby — overcooking here means they might go rubbery later.

Step 5: Deglaze with Wine or Broth

Pour in the white wine or chicken broth, scraping up any delicious bits stuck to the pan. Simmer for about 2 minutes to mellow the alcohol (or deepen the broth) and create a savory base.

Step 6: Stir in Lemon and Cream

Add the lemon juice, zest, and heavy cream to the pan. Gently bring everything to a simmer, letting the sauce become silky while the lemon really lifts the flavors.

Step 7: Toss in the Pasta

Return your cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat it all in that creamy, lemony sauce. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed — now’s your moment for a perfect balance.

Step 8: Assemble and Transfer the Pasta to a Large Baking Dish, Spreading It Evenly

Here comes the star step: transfer the pasta to a large baking dish, spreading it evenly so every strand is perfectly sauced and ready for toppings. Arrange the cooked shrimp over the pasta — it’s okay if a few nestle in, that’s more flavor tucked into every forkful.

Step 9: Top with Cheese

Sprinkle the grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella evenly over your pasta and shrimp. This double layer of melty goodness means every bite is laced with cheesy joy.

Step 10: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide your baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. Keep an eye out for bubbling sauce and golden cheese on top — that’s how you know it’s ready to shine.

Step 11: Garnish and Serve

Once it’s out of the oven, shower your pasta bake with chopped fresh parsley. For the best dining experience, serve immediately while the cheese is irresistibly gooey and those shrimp are at their juiciest.

How to Serve Transfer the pasta to a large baking dish, spreading it evenly

Garnishes

A final flourish can make this dish sing. Aside from that bright parsley, try a dusting of extra Parmesan, a squeeze of lemon, or a sprinkle of fresh cracked pepper. When you transfer the pasta to a large baking dish, spreading it evenly, it creates the perfect canvas for all your topping creativity.

Side Dishes

Round out your meal with a crisp green salad (think arugula or mixed greens with a lemony vinaigrette) or classic garlic bread. Both do wonders to catch every last bit of that savory, creamy sauce once you transfer the pasta to a large baking dish, spreading it evenly.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve straight from the bubbling baking dish or portion out servings into individual ramekins for a dinner party. For extra elegance, garnish each plate with lemon wedges and a crack of black pepper after you transfer the pasta to a large baking dish, spreading it evenly.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let your pasta bake cool to room temperature, then cover tightly or transfer leftovers to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator up to 3 days. Reheating will bring back much of that just-baked flavor, especially since all the ingredients keep their texture — and that step when you transfer the pasta to a large baking dish, spreading it evenly ensures no dry or soggy spots.

Freezing

For longer storage, prepare the recipe up to the point where you transfer the pasta to a large baking dish, spreading it evenly, but don’t bake it yet. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, add cheese, and bake as directed.

Reheating

To reheat, cover the baking dish with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until hot and bubbly, about 20 minutes. Individual portions can also be microwaved for a quick lunch or dinner. Thanks to that step when you transfer the pasta to a large baking dish, spreading it evenly, each reheated bite is just as comforting as the first.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While linguine and spaghetti are delicious, penne, fettuccine, or rotini are all great alternatives. The key is to still transfer the pasta to a large baking dish, spreading it evenly for the best bake and texture.

What wine works best for the sauce?

A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio gives a nice fresh quality, but feel free to use whatever you have on hand — or substitute with chicken broth for an alcohol-free version.

Do I need to use both Parmesan and mozzarella?

The combination adds layers of flavor and texture, but you can experiment with just one cheese or substitute with others like fontina or asiago.

Can I add vegetables?

Definitely! Spinach, mushrooms, or roasted cherry tomatoes can be mixed right in before you transfer the pasta to a large baking dish, spreading it evenly for a boost of color and nutrition.

Is it possible to make this gluten-free?

Yes — just use your favorite gluten-free pasta. Everything else stays the same, and you’ll still want to transfer the pasta to a large baking dish, spreading it evenly for perfect results.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a showstopping comfort dish, this Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake will have everyone coming back for seconds. Don’t skip that key step to transfer the pasta to a large baking dish, spreading it evenly — it’s what gives you those melty layers and unforgettable texture. Enjoy every creamy, zesty bite!

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