Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

#### Instructions:

1. **Preheat the Oven**:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), so it’s ready to bake the pasta once everything is assembled.

2. **Cook the Pasta**:
In a large pot, cook the pasta according to the package instructions, making sure it’s al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

3. **Cook the Shrimp**:
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque. Season the shrimp with a pinch of salt and pepper. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.

4. **Make the Garlic Butter Sauce**:
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using), and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

Next, pour in the white wine (or chicken broth) and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let the wine simmer for 1-2 minutes, allowing it to reduce slightly. Stir in the heavy cream, lemon juice, and lemon zest, and continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce is creamy and slightly thickened.

5. **Combine the Pasta and Shrimp**:
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the garlic butter sauce and toss to coat the pasta evenly. Add the cooked shrimp back into the skillet and mix everything together.

6. **Assemble the Pasta Bake**:
Transfer the shrimp and pasta mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top, and then cover with the shredded mozzarella cheese.

7. **Bake**:
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top.

8. **Garnish and Serve**:
Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve warm and enjoy!

### Tips for Perfect Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

1. **Don’t Overcook the Shrimp**: Shrimp cook quickly, so it’s important not to overcook them. If you cook them too long, they can become tough and rubbery. The shrimp will finish cooking in the oven, so a quick sauté in the skillet is all they need.

2. **Use Al Dente Pasta**: Since the pasta will continue to cook in the oven, make sure you cook it al dente to prevent it from becoming too soft or mushy.

3. **Add Vegetables for Extra Flavor**: Feel free to add vegetables like spinach, cherry tomatoes, or sautéed mushrooms to the pasta bake for added flavor and nutrition.

4. **Make It Ahead of Time**: You can prepare the pasta bake ahead of time by assembling everything in the baking dish and refrigerating it until you’re ready to bake. Just bake it for an extra 5-10 minutes if it’s cold from the fridge.

5. **Use a Combination of Cheeses**: For extra richness and flavor, try adding a mix of mozzarella and fontina cheese. This will give your pasta bake an even creamier and more indulgent texture.

### Why This Recipe Is a Winner

– **Creamy & Flavorful**: The garlic butter sauce is rich, creamy, and perfectly seasoned, complementing the tender shrimp and pasta.

– **Quick & Easy**: From start to finish, this dish comes together in less than an hour, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

– **Crowd-Pleasing**: With its combination of shrimp, pasta, and gooey cheese, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table. Even picky eaters won’t be able to resist a helping!

– **Customizable**: You can easily modify this recipe to suit your tastes. Add your favorite veggies, swap the shrimp for chicken, or even experiment with different types of pasta.

### Final Thoughts

Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is the perfect dish when you want to combine the richness of shrimp scampi with the comfort of baked pasta. It’s creamy, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying—a guaranteed hit at the dinner table. Whether you’re making it for a family meal or serving it at a gathering, this recipe is sure to impress.

So grab your ingredients, preheat the oven, and get ready to enjoy a comforting, cheesy, and garlicky pasta bake that will have everyone asking for the recipe!