Ingredients & Their Roles

For the Shrimp Scampi

• 1 lb large shrimp – Peeled and deveined; shrimp are the star of this dish, delivering sweet, tender seafood flavor.
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter – Creates a rich base for the scampi sauce without overpowering the natural shrimp taste.
• 2 tbsp olive oil – Adds depth and prevents the butter from burning during sautéing.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced – The essential aromatic that defines any scampi dish with its bold flavor and irresistible aroma.
• 1/2 cup chicken broth – Adds savory depth and body to the sauce.
• 1/2 cup heavy cream – Provides luxurious creaminess and richness.
• Juice of 1 lemon (about 2–3 tbsp) – Brightens the dish and cuts through the richness with citrusy tang.
• Zest of 1 lemon – Enhances the lemony notes without adding acidity.
• 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional) – Adds complexity and a touch of acidity; replace with more broth if preferred.
• Salt and pepper – Essential for seasoning and balance.

For the Baked Topping

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – Melts beautifully and forms that irresistible golden crust.
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese – Adds sharp, salty flavor that pairs perfectly with seafood.
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley – Provides a fresh herbal finish and beautiful color contrast.

Optional Serving Ideas

• Pasta – Soaks up every drop of the creamy lemon-garlic sauce.
• Rice – A lighter alternative that still absorbs the savory flavors.
• Crusty bread – Perfect for sopping up the cheesy, buttery sauce.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the shrimp: In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp butter and 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute, until fragrant. Add the shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Avoid overcrowding—cook in batches if needed. Remove shrimp and set aside.
3. Make the sauce: In the same skillet, pour in 1/2 cup chicken broth, 1/2 cup heavy cream, lemon juice, lemon zest, and 1/4 cup wine (or more broth). Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Assemble the bake: Place the shrimp into your greased baking dish. Pour the lemon-garlic cream sauce over the shrimp evenly.
5. Top it off: Sprinkle the top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Add chopped parsley for a pop of freshness.
6. Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
7. Serve and enjoy! Garnish with extra parsley and serve hot with your choice of pasta, rice, or crusty bread.

 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy: Comes together in under 30 minutes.
• Restaurant-quality: Creamy, rich, and indulgent enough for a special occasion.
• Customizable: Use your favorite cheese blend or swap out shrimp for scallops or chicken.

 Pro Tips for Success

• Don’t overcook the shrimp. They cook fast and can become rubbery if left too long in the skillet or oven.
• Use freshly grated cheese. It melts more evenly and adds better flavor than pre-shredded varieties.
• Deglaze the skillet with wine or broth. Scraping up those brown bits adds rich flavor to your sauce.
• Finish under the broiler for 1–2 minutes if you want extra golden cheesy edges.

 Perfect Pairings

This dish shines when served with:

• Linguine or angel hair pasta tossed in olive oil and herbs.
• Garlic bread for soaking up the scampi sauce.
• A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut the richness.

 Final Thoughts

This Shrimp Scampi Bake combines the best of two worlds: the bold, citrusy flavor of classic scampi and the gooey comfort of a cheese-topped casserole. It’s fast, flexible, and absolutely irresistible. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe delivers gourmet results with everyday simplicity. Try it once, and it’ll become a regular in your meal rotation!