Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake: A Creamy, Cheesy, and Flavorful Delight

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.

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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!

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