If you love classic shrimp scampi but crave something extra comforting, this Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is going to be your new favorite. Imagine juicy, garlicky shrimp tossed with buttery pasta, all baked together under a golden layer of gooey, melted cheese. It’s rich, flavorful, and just fancy enough to impress guests while still being easy enough for a weeknight dinner. Trust me—once you try it, you’ll be hooked!
Why You’ll Love Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake
Rich & Flavorful Buttery, garlicky goodness with a touch of lemon and Parmesan—what’s not to love?
Easy to Make Simple steps, minimal prep, and all baked to perfection in one dish.
Perfect for Any Occasion Fancy enough for date night, but cozy and casual for family dinners.
Customizable You can swap the pasta, adjust the spice level, or add extra veggies.
Cheesy & Comforting A golden, bubbly cheese topping makes it extra indulgent!
Ingredients
Ingredients in Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake
This dish is all about simple ingredients that create a bold, delicious flavor!
Shrimp The star of the show—tender, juicy shrimp bring a fresh, seafood flavor.
Pasta A hearty base that soaks up all the garlicky, buttery goodness.
Butter Adds richness and that classic scampi flavor.
Garlic A must-have ingredient for an aromatic, savory bite.
Lemon Juice Brightens up the dish with a fresh, tangy kick.
White Wine Enhances the flavor and gives it that restaurant-quality taste.
Red Pepper Flakes Just a pinch adds the perfect amount of heat.
Parmesan Cheese Brings a nutty, salty depth of flavor.
Mozzarella Cheese Melts beautifully for that irresistible cheesy topping.
Parsley A fresh finish to balance the richness.
Breadcrumbs (Optional) A crispy topping for added texture.
Instructions
Cook the Pasta
Boil the pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside.
Sauté the Shrimp
In a large pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant. Toss in the shrimp, season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes, and cook until pink.
Add the Flavor
Pour in the white wine and lemon juice, letting it simmer for a minute to enhance the flavors. Remove from heat.
Combine Everything
Mix the cooked pasta with the shrimp and scampi sauce. Stir in some Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
Assemble the Bake
Transfer the mixture to a baking dish. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese (and optional breadcrumbs) evenly on top.
Bake to Perfection
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish and Serve
Remove from the oven, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and enjoy while hot!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6
Calories per serving: Approximately 450
(Note: These are estimated values and may vary based on specific ingredients used.)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
How to Serve Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake
This dish is perfect on its own, but you can elevate it even more with these sides:
- A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette
- Garlic bread to soak up all that buttery sauce
- Roasted asparagus or steamed broccoli for a veggie boost
- A glass of white wine to complement the flavors
Additional Tips
- Use fresh shrimp for the best texture, but frozen shrimp works in a pinch—just thaw them first.
- Don’t overcook the shrimp They cook quickly, so remove them from the heat as soon as they turn pink.
- Want it extra creamy? Stir in a splash of heavy cream before baking.
- Make it spicy Add extra red pepper flakes for a kick.
- Short on time? Skip the baking step and serve it straight from the pan!
FAQ’s
1. Can I use a different pasta?
Yes! Penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine work great in this recipe.
2. What can I substitute for white wine?
You can use chicken broth or a splash of lemon juice for acidity.
3. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble everything, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready.
4. How do I store leftovers?
Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
5. Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, but for best results, freeze it before baking. Thaw overnight and bake when needed.
6. What cheese works best?
Mozzarella melts beautifully, but a mix of mozzarella and Parmesan is even better!
7. How do I reheat it?
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warm, or microwave for a quick fix.
8. Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely! Spinach, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms make great additions.
9. Is this dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs to make it gluten-free.
10. What’s the best shrimp to use?
Medium or large shrimp work best—just be sure they’re peeled and deveined.
Conclusion
This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is the perfect mix of elegant and comforting, making it a great go-to for busy weeknights or special occasions. With its garlicky, buttery shrimp, tender pasta, and gooey cheese topping, it’s a dish you’ll want to make again and again. So grab your ingredients, get that oven preheated, and get ready to fall in love with your new favorite baked pasta!
Print
Shrimp Scampi Pasta
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings
- Category: Pasta Bake
- Method: Baked (Stovetop & Oven)
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Enjoy a comforting twist on classic shrimp scampi with this baked pasta dish. Succulent shrimp are tossed in a zesty garlic lemon butter sauce with perfectly al dente pasta, then baked under a melty blanket of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. This hearty yet elegant dish is perfect for a family dinner or a special weekend treat.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 12 oz penne or ziti (use gluten-free pasta if desired)
- Shrimp: 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Seasoning: Salt and pepper, to taste
- Butter & Oil: 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided) and 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Garlic: 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Liquid: 1/2 cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
- Acid: 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
- Cream: 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Heat: 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Cheese: 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (divided) and 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Herb: 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (plus extra for garnish)
Instructions
-
Preheat Oven & Cook Pasta:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. -
Cook Shrimp:
Season the shrimp with salt and pepper. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter with the olive oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the shrimp and cook for about 2 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside. -
Prepare the Sauce:
In the same skillet, add the white wine (or chicken broth), lemon juice, heavy cream, red pepper flakes, and the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Stir well and let the mixture simmer for 3–4 minutes until it slightly thickens. Stir in 1/4 cup of the Parmesan cheese until melted. -
Combine & Assemble:
Add the cooked pasta and shrimp back into the skillet, stirring to evenly coat everything with the sauce. Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and the remaining Parmesan cheese evenly on top. -
Bake:
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. -
Garnish & Serve:
Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh chopped parsley, and serve warm.
Notes
- Shrimp Care: Avoid overcooking the shrimp to keep them tender.
- Wine Substitute: If preferred, replace white wine with chicken broth.
- Customization: For a gluten-free version, simply use gluten-free pasta.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair with a light green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approx. 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 210mg