There’s something undeniably comforting about a baked pasta dish. The combination of bubbling cheese, a golden crust, and savory aromas filling the kitchen always draws everyone to the table. This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake blends the elegance of shrimp scampi with the cozy appeal of a baked pasta casserole—offering the best of both worlds.
Inspired on a chilly weeknight craving, this recipe takes the garlicky, buttery shrimp scampi and pairs it with cheesy pasta for a hearty, satisfying twist. Tender shrimp are sautéed in a rich garlic butter sauce, tossed with pasta, and smothered in a creamy lemon-infused sauce. It’s all layered in a casserole dish, topped with mozzarella and Parmesan, then baked to golden perfection. The result is a dish that feels indulgent yet approachable—a meal that’s fancy enough for dinner parties but cozy enough for a family weeknight.
Why You’ll Love This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake:
- Flavor-Packed: Juicy shrimp, garlic butter, and a hint of lemon meld beautifully with pasta and a rich, creamy sauce.
- Cheesy Goodness: A golden layer of melted cheese creates the ultimate comfort food experience.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and quick prep, it’s perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
- Customizable: Add veggies, swap out the pasta, or adjust the spices to suit your tastes.
- Crowd-Pleaser: This dish is both impressive and satisfying, ideal for feeding a crowd or your family.
Ingredients for Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake
- Pasta: Linguine or spaghetti work best for this dish.
- Shrimp: Peeled and deveined for the best texture.
- Butter: The base of the flavorful garlic sauce.
- Garlic: Minced to bring out the signature savory flavor.
- Red Pepper Flakes: For a slight kick, add a pinch to the mix.
- White Wine/Chicken Broth: To deglaze the pan and build the sauce.
- Lemon: Juice and zest for that fresh citrusy zing.
- Heavy Cream: To make the sauce rich and creamy.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds nutty, salty flavor to the sauce.
- Mozzarella Cheese: The gooey, melty topping that takes this bake to the next level.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste, for perfect seasoning.
- Fresh Parsley: For a bright, fresh garnish.
How To Make Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook Pasta: Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Spices: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Cook Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from the pan and set aside.
- Make Sauce: Pour white wine (or chicken broth) into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for 2 minutes.
- Add Lemon and Cream: Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer.
- Toss Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Season with salt and pepper.
- Assemble Bake: Transfer the pasta mixture to a large baking dish. Arrange the shrimp on top.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle Parmesan and mozzarella cheese over the pasta and shrimp.
- Bake: Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
Storage Options
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
- Freezer: Wrap tightly in foil or transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Variations and Substitutions
- Protein Swap: Use chicken, scallops, or tofu as alternatives to shrimp.
- Low-Carb Option: Try zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash instead of regular pasta.
- Cheese Choices: Experiment with Pecorino Romano instead of Parmesan for a different flavor.
- Herb Alternatives: Swap parsley for basil or dill for a fresh twist.
- Spice It Up: Add more red pepper flakes or even Cajun seasoning to amp up the heat.
- Wine-Free: Replace the white wine with chicken broth or lemon juice for a non-alcoholic version.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is the perfect comfort dish, combining the flavors of a classic shrimp scampi with a creamy, cheesy pasta bake. It’s an easy-to-make dish that feels indulgent yet is simple enough to prepare any night of the week. Whether for a family meal or a dinner party, this baked pasta will bring everyone to the table. Give it a try tonight and enjoy the rich, garlicky goodness!
Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe
Ingredients:
- 12 oz linguine or spaghetti
- 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
- 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).
- Cook Pasta: Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Cook Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- Make Sauce: Pour the white wine (or chicken broth) into the skillet and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for 2 minutes.
- Add Lemon and Cream: Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer.
- Combine Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat it in the creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble the Bake: Transfer the pasta mixture to a large baking dish. Arrange the cooked shrimp on top.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella over the pasta and shrimp.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve immediately.