Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz linguine or spaghetti
Shrimp and Sauce
- 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup white wine or chicken broth
- 1 lemon (juiced and zested)
- 1 cup heavy cream
Cheese and Garnish
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for baking.
- Cook Pasta: Cook the linguine or spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta well and set it aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for about one minute until fragrant and aromatic.
- Cook Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp and set them aside to prevent overcooking.
- Prepare Sauce: Pour the white wine or chicken broth into the skillet, scraping the pan to loosen any browned bits. Allow the liquid to simmer for two minutes to reduce slightly.
- Combine Flavors: Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and heavy cream, bringing the sauce to a gentle simmer to meld all the flavors together.
- Toss Pasta: Add the cooked pasta into the skillet and toss well to coat evenly with the creamy lemon garlic sauce. Season with salt and pepper to your liking.
- Assemble Dish: Transfer the sauced pasta into a large baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Arrange the cooked shrimp on top of the pasta.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella cheeses over the pasta and shrimp evenly to create a cheesy crust.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the dish from the oven, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve immediately for a warm and comforting meal.
Notes
- Using white wine enhances the flavor, but chicken broth is a great non-alcoholic substitute.
- Make sure not to overcook the shrimp during the skillet step, as they will cook further in the oven.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a blend of milk and cream.
- You can add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the final dish for extra heat.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan and quality mozzarella for the best melt and flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American