Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

The Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is a perfect blend of indulgence and simplicity. Imagine juicy shrimp sautéed in garlic butter, tossed with lemon-kissed pasta and covered in a melted blanket of cheese and breadcrumbs. This dish hits all the right notes zesty, creamy, savory, and satisfying.

Ideal for busy weeknights or elegant dinner parties, this recipe takes a classic shrimp scampi and turns it into a bubbly, baked masterpiece. Every forkful delivers comfort and freshness, combining the richness of butter and cheese with the brightness of lemon and herbs. It’s a one-dish wonder that’s sure to become a household favorite.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 12 oz linguine or spaghetti

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 6 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

• 1/4 cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon lemon zest

• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1/4 cup seasoned breadcrumbs

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

3. In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, sauté for about 1 minute.

4. Add shrimp and cook until pink and opaque, about 2–3 minutes per side. Remove shrimp and set aside.

5. Deglaze the skillet with white wine, lemon juice, and zest, letting it simmer for 2 minutes. Add remaining butter and stir until melted.

6. Add cooked pasta into the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce. Stir in Parmesan cheese, parsley, and season with salt and pepper.

7. Transfer pasta into a greased baking dish. Top with cooked shrimp, mozzarella cheese, and breadcrumbs.

8. Bake for 10–12 minutes until cheese is melted and golden on top.

9. Garnish with extra parsley and lemon wedges if desired. Serve hot.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 520 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake: A Comforting Seafood Classic Brought to the Oven

Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is an indulgent twist on the classic Italian-American dish that beautifully marries the elegance of garlic butter shrimp with the comfort of baked pasta. It’s savory, cheesy, lemony, and wonderfully aromatic, making it an ideal choice for both weeknight dinners and entertaining guests.

While traditional shrimp scampi is usually served in a skillet with a splash of white wine and a hint of citrus, this baked version adds a cozy dimension to the dish. The golden mozzarella topping and crisp breadcrumbs elevate the texture, while the garlic butter sauce infuses the pasta and shrimp with unforgettable flavor. The result is a hearty yet refined meal that brings the flavors of a coastal Italian kitchen right to your table.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

There’s something magical about the combination of garlic, butter, and shrimp. Add pasta, cheese, and a quick trip to the oven, and you’ve got a dish that feels gourmet yet is incredibly easy to make. The Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is designed to deliver maximum flavor with minimal fuss.

Here are a few reasons why this recipe is a standout:

• One Pan Wonder: After boiling the pasta and quickly cooking the shrimp, everything gets assembled and baked in one dish. Fewer dishes = happier cook.

• Fast and Fuss-Free: You can have this on the table in under 45 minutes, start to finish.

• Family Friendly: It appeals to kids and adults alike thanks to its familiar flavors and creamy, cheesy texture.

• Customizable: You can play with different cheeses, swap the pasta type, or use pre-cooked shrimp to save time.

Whether you’re cooking for your family or planning a date night meal, this pasta bake is a go-to recipe that offers restaurant-quality results with simple ingredients.

Ingredient Highlights

Each component of this recipe plays a role in building a flavor-packed dish. Here’s a deeper look at the star ingredients and their functions:

• Shrimp

Choose large or jumbo shrimp for the best bite. Shrimp cook quickly and absorb the garlic butter beautifully. Be sure they are peeled and deveined, with tails removed for easier eating. If you’re short on time, pre-cooked frozen shrimp can be used—just thaw and add them towards the end of the skillet step to avoid overcooking.

• Garlic

You’ll want to use fresh garlic for this recipe. The cloves are minced and gently sautéed in butter and olive oil to release their fragrance. Garlic is the foundation of the scampi flavor, offering a warm and slightly spicy profile that pairs beautifully with seafood.

• Butter and Olive Oil

This dynamic duo forms the sauce base. Butter adds richness and silkiness, while olive oil brings a fruitier, more robust flavor. The two balance each other out and provide the perfect medium for sautéing garlic and shrimp.

• White Wine or Chicken Broth

Deglazing the pan with a splash of dry white wine introduces a gentle acidity that brightens the overall flavor. If you prefer not to cook with alcohol, chicken broth is a perfectly fine substitute it will still deliver savory depth.

• Lemon Juice and Zest

Citrus is essential in shrimp scampi. The lemon juice cuts through the richness of the butter, while the zest enhances the aroma and provides a vibrant kick that balances the entire dish.

• Pasta

Linguine or spaghetti is the classic choice here. These noodles offer the right amount of surface area for the sauce to cling to, creating a harmonious bite every time. You can also try fettuccine, angel hair, or even penne if you want more texture.

• Cheese

Mozzarella gives this dish its gooey, irresistible top layer, while Parmesan provides that sharp, salty contrast that makes every forkful exciting. A light sprinkle of breadcrumbs before baking adds a satisfying crunch.

Tips for Perfect Execution

To ensure your Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake turns out delicious every time, keep these expert tips in mind:

• Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp should just turn pink and curl. Overcooked shrimp becomes rubbery and loses its natural sweetness.

• Al Dente Pasta is Key: Since the pasta will bake in the oven for 10–12 minutes, make sure to cook it slightly underdone during boiling.

• Use Fresh Herbs: Chopped parsley not only adds color but a fresh, grassy flavor that complements the lemon and garlic.

• Preheat the Oven Fully: A hot oven helps brown the cheesy top quickly without overbaking the interior.

• Broil to Finish: For an extra golden crust, place the dish under the broiler for 1–2 minutes at the end—just keep a close eye to avoid burning.

Recipe Variations

One of the best things about this dish is its versatility. With a few simple changes, you can tailor it to suit your preferences or dietary needs.

Protein Swaps

• Chicken Scampi Bake: Replace shrimp with sliced chicken breast or thighs.

• Lobster or Crab Scampi Bake: For a more luxurious twist, add lobster chunks or crab meat.

• Plant-Based Option: Use mushrooms, artichokes, or tofu instead of shrimp for a vegetarian-friendly version.

Cheese Options

• Fontina or Gruyère: For a more decadent finish, try melting these cheeses on top.

• Ricotta Layer: Add spoonfuls of ricotta between the pasta layers for extra creaminess.

Pasta Variations

• Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free spaghetti or linguine.

• Short Pasta: Penne, rotini, or rigatoni can be used for more bite and a baked casserole feel.

What to Serve with Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

This hearty main dish pairs beautifully with lighter, refreshing sides and drinks:

• Green Salad: A simple arugula or Caesar salad adds crunch and freshness.

• Garlic Bread: Because you can never have too much garlic! Perfect for scooping up leftover sauce.

• Grilled Vegetables: Zucchini, asparagus, or bell peppers make an excellent colorful side.

• Wine Pairing: A chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or Chardonnay complements the dish’s lemony and buttery notes.

Storage & Reheating

Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is excellent for meal prep and leftovers. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave in short bursts to avoid drying out the shrimp. Add a splash of broth or lemon juice before reheating to revive the sauce.

Conclusion

Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is more than just a seafood pasta recipe, it’s a celebration of bold flavors and comforting textures. It transforms the beloved skillet scampi into a satisfying, cheesy bake that’s perfect for sharing. Each layer tender pasta, juicy shrimp, buttery garlic, melty cheese, and bright citrus offers something different yet beautifully harmonious.

Whether you’re looking to impress dinner guests or just craving a cozy homemade meal, this dish is a sure hit. Its elegance and ease make it a staple for any home cook who loves big flavor without complicated steps. Once you try it, this pasta bake will earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation.