There’s something incredibly satisfying about Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake—a dish that combines juicy shrimp, garlicky butter sauce, creamy cheese, and perfectly baked pasta into one irresistible meal. If you love classic shrimp scampi but want a heartier, oven-baked version, this recipe is for you!
Perfect for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or meal prep, this dish is easy to make yet feels like a restaurant-quality meal. Let’s dive into everything you need to know to make this cheesy, garlicky, and utterly delicious baked pasta dish!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich, creamy, and garlicky – A comforting twist on classic shrimp scampi.
- Perfectly baked – Melty mozzarella and Parmesan cheese create a golden, bubbly crust.
- Great for meal prep – Leftovers taste just as amazing the next day!
- Customizable – Swap ingredients to suit your dietary preferences.
- Easy to make – A few simple steps and you have a show-stopping meal.
Ingredients for Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake
Here’s everything you’ll need to create this creamy, cheesy, and garlicky baked pasta.
Main Ingredients
Ingredient | Quantity | Purpose |
---|---|---|
Linguine or spaghetti | 12 oz | Provides a hearty base for the dish |
Large shrimp (peeled & deveined) | 1 lb | The star protein of the dish |
Butter | 4 tablespoons | Creates a rich, garlicky sauce |
Garlic (minced) | 4 cloves | Adds bold, aromatic flavor |
Red pepper flakes | ¼ teaspoon | Adds a subtle kick of heat |
White wine or chicken broth | ½ cup | Enhances flavor and deglazes the pan |
Lemon (juiced & zested) | 1 | Adds freshness and brightness |
Heavy cream | 1 cup | Creates a creamy, luxurious sauce |
Grated Parmesan cheese | ½ cup | Adds a salty, nutty richness |
Shredded mozzarella cheese | 1 cup | Melts beautifully for a golden topping |
Salt & black pepper | To taste | Enhances and balances flavors |
Fresh parsley (chopped) | 2 tablespoons | Adds a fresh garnish |
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease a large baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the linguine or spaghetti until al dente, following the package instructions.
- Drain the pasta and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic & Shrimp
1. Melt the Butter
- In a large skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant.
2. Cook the Shrimp
- Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, until they turn pink and opaque.
- Remove the shrimp and set them aside.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
1. Deglaze the Pan
- Pour the white wine (or chicken broth) into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Let it simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
2. Add the Cream & Lemon
- Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and heavy cream.
- Let the mixture simmer gently for 2-3 minutes.
Step 5: Combine the Pasta with Sauce
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat it in the creamy sauce.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Step 6: Assemble the Dish
1. Layer the Pasta
- Transfer the pasta mixture to a prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
2. Add the Shrimp
- Arrange the cooked shrimp on top of the pasta.
3. Add the Cheese
- Sprinkle Parmesan cheese and shredded mozzarella evenly over the dish.
Step 7: Bake the Pasta
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley.
- Serve immediately with extra Parmesan and lemon wedges for extra flavor.
Tips for the Best Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake
- Use fresh shrimp – Fresh shrimp has a better texture and flavor than frozen.
- Don’t overcook the shrimp – They should be just pink when removed from the pan.
- Al dente pasta is key – The pasta continues cooking in the oven, so don’t overboil it.
- For extra crunch – Sprinkle breadcrumbs over the cheese before baking.
- Adjust the spice – Add more red pepper flakes if you love heat!
Variations & Substitutions
Want to customize your dish? Here are some great variations!
Variation | How to Modify |
---|---|
Gluten-Free | Use gluten-free pasta and cornstarch instead of flour. |
Low-Carb | Swap pasta for zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash. |
Extra Protein | Add grilled chicken alongside shrimp. |
More Veggies | Toss in spinach, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes. |
What to Serve with Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake
This dish pairs well with:
- Garlic Bread – Perfect for scooping up the creamy sauce.
- Side Salad – A crisp Caesar salad balances the richness.
- Steamed Vegetables – Asparagus or broccoli complement the flavors.
How to Store & Reheat Leftovers
Storing:
- Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating:
- Oven: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Nutrient | Amount |
---|---|
Calories | ~550 |
Protein | 40g |
Carbohydrates | 55g |
Fat | 22g |
Fiber | 3g |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Just thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the dish and refrigerate it before baking. Bake when ready to serve.
3. Can I substitute the heavy cream?
Yes! Use half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream.
4. What type of pasta works best?
Linguine, fettuccine, or even penne work well!
5. Can I make this less spicy?
Absolutely! Reduce or omit the red pepper flakes.
6. Can I add breadcrumbs for crunch?
Yes! Sprinkle panko breadcrumbs on top before baking.
Final Thoughts: A Must-Try Creamy Shrimp Pasta Dish!
This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is a comforting, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish that brings together creamy sauce, juicy shrimp, and melty cheese. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a special occasion, it’s a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love.
Give it a try today and enjoy a cheesy, garlicky, baked pasta delight!
PrintShrimp Scampi Pasta Bake: A Creamy, Cheesy, and Flavorful Delight
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
This creamy, cheesy, and garlicky Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is the ultimate comfort food, combining juicy shrimp, rich butter sauce, and melted cheese in a perfectly baked dish!
Ingredients
- 12 oz linguine or spaghetti
- 1 lb large shrimp (peeled & deveined)
- 4 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup white wine or chicken broth
- 1 lemon (juiced & zested)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a large baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
2. Cook the Pasta
- Boil salted water and cook the linguine or spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. Sauté the Garlic & Shrimp
- In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic and red pepper flakes for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the shrimp and cook for 3-4 minutes until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
4. Make the Creamy Sauce
- Deglaze the pan with white wine or chicken broth, simmering for 2 minutes.
- Stir in lemon juice, zest, and heavy cream. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until thickened.
5. Combine the Pasta with Sauce
- Toss cooked pasta in the creamy sauce, seasoning with salt and black pepper.
6. Assemble the Dish
- Transfer pasta to the baking dish. Layer cooked shrimp on top.
- Sprinkle Parmesan and mozzarella cheese over the pasta.
7. Bake the Pasta
- Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
8. Garnish and Serve
- Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan and lemon wedges.
Notes
- Use fresh shrimp: Fresh shrimp provides better texture and flavor.
- Avoid overcooking shrimp: Shrimp should be just pink when removed from the pan.
- Don’t overcook pasta: The pasta will cook further in the oven, so make sure it’s al dente.
- Extra crunch: Add breadcrumbs on top before baking for added texture.
- Adjust spice: Omit or reduce red pepper flakes if you prefer a milder dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sauté, bake
- Cuisine: Italian, Seafood