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Shrimp Scampi Garlic Cream Pasta dish with shrimp and creamy sauce

Shrimp Scampi Garlic Cream Pasta

A cozy, indulgent pasta bake featuring tender shrimp, bright lemon, and garlicky butter, topped with gooey mozzarella and Parmesan.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 500

Ingredients
  

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

Method
 

Preparation
  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. Sauté 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.
Baking
  1. Place the baking dish, uncovered, into a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Bake for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and develops a golden hue.
  2. Remove from the oven and garnish with the remaining parsley. Optionally, finish with an additional squeeze of lemon before serving hot.

Notes

Pat shrimp dry before cooking to ensure a quick sear. Don’t overcook pasta; it will finish cooking in the sauce. Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor. Adjust red pepper flakes to taste.