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Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake – A Creamy and Flavorful Baked Pasta Dish

Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is the perfect combination of garlicky shrimp, buttery sauce, and cheesy baked pasta. It’s a comforting, easy-to-make dish that combines the classic flavors of shrimp scampi with the rich, cheesy goodness of a baked pasta casserole.

This recipe is great for weeknight dinners, special occasions, and potlucks. It has a delicious garlic-butter sauce, tender shrimp, and perfectly baked pasta with a golden cheese topping. If you love seafood and pasta, this dish will quickly become a favorite!

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about making Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake, including key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, expert tips, creative twists, and frequently asked questions.

Why You Will Love Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

Rich and Flavorful: The combination of garlic, butter, lemon, shrimp, and cheese makes every bite amazing.
Easy to Make: Simple ingredients come together quickly for an effortless baked pasta dish.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for family dinners, holidays, and meal prep.
Customizable: You can adjust the sauce, add veggies, or switch up the cheese to suit your taste.

Key Ingredients and Their Roles

1. Shrimp

The star of the dish! Medium-sized shrimp are best because they cook quickly and stay tender. Choose fresh or frozen shrimp, but if using frozen, make sure to thaw them before cooking.

2. Pasta (Linguine, Fettuccine, or Penne)

Linguine or fettuccine give it the classic scampi feel, but penne or rigatoni work well for baking because they hold the sauce better.

3. Butter

Butter is key to a rich scampi sauce. It adds depth and enhances the garlic and lemon flavors.

4. Garlic

Fresh garlic is essential for bold flavor. Mince or finely chop it to infuse the butter with its aroma.

5. White Wine (Optional)

White wine adds acidity and depth to the scampi sauce. If you prefer to skip it, use chicken broth or extra lemon juice.

6. Lemon Juice and Zest

Lemon juice brightens the dish and balances the richness of the butter and cheese.

7. Heavy Cream or Half-and-Half

This makes the sauce rich, creamy, and perfect for baking. If you prefer a lighter version, use milk or Greek yogurt.

8. Parmesan Cheese

Parmesan adds a nutty, salty flavor that pairs beautifully with shrimp.

9. Mozzarella Cheese

For that gooey, melty topping that makes the pasta bake irresistible.

10. Italian Seasoning

A blend of oregano, basil, and thyme enhances the scampi flavors.

11. Red Pepper Flakes (Optional)

For a touch of heat, add red pepper flakes to the sauce.

12. Bread Crumbs (Optional for Topping)

For a golden, crunchy topping, sprinkle buttered bread crumbs before baking.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients

For the Shrimp Scampi Sauce:

1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup white wine (or chicken broth)
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Pasta Bake:

12 ounces pasta (linguine, fettuccine, or penne)
1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup bread crumbs (optional)
1 tablespoon olive oil

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook the pasta 1 minute less than the package instructions (it will finish cooking in the oven).
Drain and toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp

In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat.
Add the shrimp, salt, and black pepper, and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Garlic-Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter.
Add the garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes, and sauté for 30 seconds.
Pour in the white wine (or chicken broth) and lemon juice, stirring to deglaze the pan.
Let it simmer for 2 minutes, then stir in the lemon zest.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce

Lower the heat and add heavy cream to the garlic-butter sauce.
Stir in Parmesan cheese, letting it melt into the sauce.

Step 5: Combine and Assemble

Add the cooked pasta and shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce.
Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.

Step 6: Bake the Pasta

If using bread crumbs, mix them with 1 tablespoon melted butter and sprinkle on top.
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Let the pasta bake rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan.

Expert Tips for the Best Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

Use fresh shrimp if possible for the best flavor and texture.
Don’t overcook the shrimp—they should be just pink and tender.
For extra flavor, toast the bread crumbs before sprinkling them on top.
If your sauce is too thick, add a little pasta water to loosen it.

Presentation Tips

Serve with garlic bread or a simple green salad.
Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices for a bright, fresh look.
Serve in individual baking dishes for a restaurant-style presentation.

Creative Twists

1. Spicy Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

Add extra red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a spicy kick.

2. Shrimp and Spinach Pasta Bake

Stir in fresh spinach before baking for added nutrition.

3. Lobster and Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

Replace half the shrimp with lobster meat for a special occasion dish.

Pro Tip for Customization

Want a lighter version? Use zucchini noodles instead of pasta, and swap half-and-half for Greek yogurt to keep it creamy but lower in calories.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the dish, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

2. How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

3. Can I freeze this pasta bake?

Yes! Wrap it tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before baking.

Conclusion

Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful dish that combines the best of shrimp scampi and baked pasta. Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or special occasions, this recipe is a guaranteed hit. Try it today and enjoy a delicious, easy-to-make meal!