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Comfort food holds a special place in our hearts and homes, often evoking memories of family gatherings, celebrations, and cozy evenings spent around the dinner table. These dishes offer not just sustenance, but also warmth, nostalgia, and a sense of belonging. Among the myriad options that fall under this category, pasta bakes stand out for their ability to blend flavors and textures into a single, satisfying dish. One such delightful creation is the Cheesy Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake, which marries the rich, buttery essence of traditional shrimp scampi with the comforting familiarity of baked pasta.

Cheesy Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Cheesy Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake! Combining creamy cheese, succulent shrimp, and perfectly baked penne, this dish is not only visually stunning but also incredibly satisfying. It's perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in, and the make-ahead convenience makes it a weeknight winner. Elevate your dinner table with this culinary masterpiece that promises warmth and nostalgia in every bite! #PastaBake #ComfortFood #ShrimpScampi #CheesyGoodness #DinnerIdeas

Ingredients
  

12 oz (340g) penne pasta

1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 medium onion, diced

1/2 cup (120ml) dry white wine

1 cup (240ml) heavy cream

1 cup (100g) grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping

1 cup (100g) shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

2 tbsp lemon juice

2 tbsp olive oil

1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.

    Cook the pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

      Sauté the shrimp: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the garlic and onion, and sauté until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the shrimp and cook until they turn pink, about 2-3 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.

        Deglaze the pan: Pour in the white wine, scraping up any bits from the bottom of the pan. Allow to simmer for about 2 minutes until slightly reduced.

          Create the sauce: Stir in the heavy cream and lemon juice, then add the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until combined and the sauce is creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

            Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the cooked penne pasta with the shrimp and creamy sauce, folding gently to ensure the pasta is well coated.

              Assemble the bake: Transfer the pasta mixture to the greased baking dish. Sprinkle the top with shredded mozzarella and additional Parmesan cheese.

                Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.

                  Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

                    Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes | Servings: 6