Shrimp Scampi Casserole: A Comforting Twist on a Classic

 Transform the beloved Italian-American dish into a satisfying casserole that combines succulent shrimp, tender pasta, and a rich, garlicky sauce. This family-style dish brings all the flavors of traditional shrimp scampi to your table in a convenient, sharable format.

Ingredients

For the Pasta Base:

• 1 pound linguine or fettuccine
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt

For the Shrimp Mixture:

• 2 pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 8 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup dry white wine (such as Pinot Grigio)
• 2 lemons, juiced
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Topping:

• 1 1/2 cups seasoned breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 4 tablespoons melted butter

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the pasta in well-salted water until just al dente, about 1 minute less than package directions. Drain, toss with olive oil to prevent sticking, and set aside.
3. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
4. Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook until they just begin to turn pink, about 2-3 minutes. Remove shrimp with a slotted spoon and set aside.
5. To the same skillet, add white wine and lemon juice. Simmer until reduced by half, about 5 minutes. Season with red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
6. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, partially cooked shrimp, and wine sauce. Transfer to the prepared baking dish.
7. For the topping, mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and parsley in a bowl. Drizzle with melted butter and stir until evenly combined.
8. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the pasta and shrimp.
9. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the top is golden brown and crispy, and the sauce is bubbling around the edges.

Recipe Notes

• Choose large or extra-large shrimp (21-25 per pound) for best results
• The wine can be substituted with chicken broth for an alcohol-free version
• Make ahead: Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, but add the breadcrumb topping just before baking
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days

Serving Suggestions

Serve this luxurious casserole hot from the oven with:

• A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette
• Roasted asparagus or broccoli
• Crusty garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce

This Shrimp Scampi Casserole serves 8-10 people and is perfect for family gatherings or special occasions. The combination of tender shrimp, perfectly cooked pasta, and crispy, buttery topping creates an irresistible dish that elevates the classic shrimp scampi to new heights.

Nutrition Information (per serving, based on 8 servings)

• Calories: 520
• Protein: 32g
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Fat: 22g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 890mg