Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is a delicious, comforting dish that combines succulent shrimp, garlic butter sauce, and cheesy baked pasta. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions when you want something indulgent yet simple.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and flavorful – The garlic butter sauce and baked cheese create an irresistible combination.
- Easy to prepare – Simple steps and common ingredients make this dish quick and fuss-free.
- Perfect for seafood lovers – Loaded with tender, juicy shrimp.
- Great for gatherings – A hearty baked dish that serves a crowd.
- Leftovers taste amazing – The flavors meld beautifully overnight.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Pasta (penne or rigatoni work well)
- Shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Olive oil
- Butter
- Garlic, minced
- Lemon juice
- White wine (optional)
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- Chicken or seafood broth
- Heavy cream
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the shrimp: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook until pink and opaque. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Make the sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant. Add lemon juice, white wine (if using), red pepper flakes, and broth. Simmer for a few minutes.
- Combine the ingredients: Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, then mix in the cooked pasta and shrimp. Toss everything together.
- Assemble the bake: Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and enjoy hot!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Variations
- Make it spicier: Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Use different cheeses: Try Gouda or Fontina for a unique flavor twist.
- Low-carb version: Use zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash instead of pasta.
- Add vegetables: Spinach, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms make great additions.
- Swap the protein: Use chicken or scallops instead of shrimp.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Just thaw them before cooking and pat dry to remove excess moisture.
What’s the best pasta for this dish?
Short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or rotini holds the sauce well.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes! Use coconut cream and dairy-free cheese alternatives.
What can I serve with Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake?
Garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad complement this dish perfectly.
How do I prevent the shrimp from overcooking?
Cook just until pink and opaque, then remove from heat immediately.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the dish and refrigerate it before baking. Bake when ready to serve.
What kind of wine should I use?
A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio works best.
Is this dish kid-friendly?
Yes! You can omit the red pepper flakes for a milder flavor.
How do I make the sauce thicker?
Simmer the sauce longer or add a bit of cornstarch slurry.
Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
Yes, but add them at the end just before baking to avoid overcooking.
Conclusion
Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is a deliciously creamy and flavorful seafood dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or a special gathering, this recipe is sure to impress. Give it a try and enjoy a comforting, restaurant-quality meal at home!
PrintShrimp Scampi Pasta Bake
This creamy and garlicky shrimp scampi pasta bake takes the classic shrimp scampi flavors and transforms them into a baked pasta dish! Juicy shrimp are sautéed in a buttery garlic sauce, tossed with pasta in a creamy, cheesy sauce, and baked until golden and bubbly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
For the Pasta & Shrimp:
- 12 oz linguine or penne pasta
- 1 lb large shrimp (peeled & deveined)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- ½ cup white wine (or chicken broth)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
For the Creamy Cheese Sauce:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream (or half & half)
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
For Topping:
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tbsp butter (melted)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook pasta until al dente (about 1-2 minutes less than package instructions). Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add shrimp, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 2 minutes per side until pink.
- Pour in white wine (or broth) and lemon juice. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes, then remove from heat. Set aside.
Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce
- In a separate pan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Slowly whisk in heavy cream and chicken broth. Cook until thickened (about 3 minutes).
- Stir in mozzarella, parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth.
Step 4: Assemble the Bake
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a greased baking dish, combine cooked pasta, shrimp, and cheese sauce. Mix well.
- Top with mozzarella, parmesan, and breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter.
Step 5: Bake & Serve
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, until bubbly and golden brown.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and extra lemon juice.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Pasta Choice: Use linguine, penne, or rigatoni.
- Wine Substitute: Use chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version.
- Make Ahead: Assemble and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.