There’s something magical about a baked pasta dish—it’s warm, hearty, and packed with flavor. And when you combine that comfort with the bright, garlicky elegance of shrimp scampi, you get something truly special: the Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake.
Imagine tender shrimp tossed in a buttery garlic sauce, layered with pasta, and covered in a blanket of melted Parmesan and mozzarella. The moment you pull it out of the oven, the golden cheese and bubbling sauce invite you to dig in. It’s a dish that brings people together, whether for a cozy weeknight meal or a special gathering.
If you love the fresh flavors of shrimp scampi but crave something heartier, this pasta bake is your perfect solution. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake
Packed with Flavor – A perfect balance of garlic, butter, lemon, and shrimp.
Cheesy & Comforting – Melted mozzarella and Parmesan take it to the next level.
Easy to Make – Simple steps with minimal prep time.
Customizable – Add vegetables, swap pasta, or adjust the spice level.
Great for Meal Prep – Reheats beautifully for leftovers!
Ingredients for Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake
Here’s what you need for this mouthwatering baked shrimp pasta:
Main Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Linguine or spaghetti | 12 oz |
| Large shrimp (peeled & deveined) | 1 lb |
| Butter | 4 tbsp |
| Garlic (minced) | 4 cloves |
| Red pepper flakes | 1/2 tsp |
| White wine (or chicken broth) | 1/2 cup |
| Lemon juice | 2 tbsp |
| Lemon zest | 1 tsp |
| Heavy cream | 1/2 cup |
| Parmesan cheese (grated) | 3/4 cup |
| Mozzarella cheese (shredded) | 1 cup |
| Salt & black pepper | To taste |
| Fresh parsley (chopped) | 2 tbsp |
Servings: 4-6 | Prep Time: 15 min | Cook Time: 25 min | Total Time: 40 min
How to Make Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake
1. Preheat the Oven
- Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the Pasta
- Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta until al dente.
- Drain and set aside.
3. Sauté the Shrimp
- Heat 2 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the shrimp, garlic, and red pepper flakes.
- Cook for 3-4 minutes, flipping once, until the shrimp are pink and opaque.
- Remove the shrimp and set aside.
4. Make the Sauce
- In the same skillet, add white wine (or chicken broth).
- Simmer for 2 minutes, scraping up browned bits.
- Stir in lemon juice, zest, and heavy cream.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
5. Toss the Pasta with Sauce
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet.
- Toss to coat evenly in the sauce.
6. Assemble the Bake
- Transfer the pasta mixture to a baking dish.
- Arrange the sautéed shrimp on top.
- Sprinkle Parmesan and mozzarella over everything.
7. Bake to Perfection
- Place the dish in the preheated oven.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
8. Serve & Enjoy
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
- Enjoy with crusty garlic bread or a side salad.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is a showstopper on its own, but you can elevate it with:
Fresh Green Salad – A crisp contrast to the creamy pasta.
Garlic Bread – Perfect for scooping up the extra sauce.
A Glass of White Wine – Complements the garlic-lemon shrimp beautifully.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 520 kcal |
| Protein | 38g |
| Carbohydrates | 45g |
| Fat | 24g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sodium | 780mg |
This dish provides a great balance of protein, carbs, and healthy fats, making it a satisfying meal.
How to Customize Your Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake
Switch Up the Protein
- Use chicken instead of shrimp.
- Try a seafood mix (scallops, crab, or lobster).
Adjust the Spice Level
- Add more red pepper flakes for heat.
- Stir in a bit of cayenne pepper for extra kick.
Make it Healthier
- Use whole wheat pasta or gluten-free pasta.
- Swap heavy cream for Greek yogurt or low-fat milk.
Add More Vegetables
- Mix in spinach, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes before baking.
- Sauté zucchini or asparagus for a fresh touch.
Tips for the Best Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake
Use Fresh Shrimp – They taste better than frozen!
Don’t Overcook the Shrimp – They should be tender, not rubbery.
Let the Cheese Brown – A golden, bubbly top adds texture.
Taste & Adjust Seasoning – Always check for the perfect balance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble everything except the cheese, cover, and refrigerate. Add cheese before baking and cook as directed.
2. How do I store and reheat leftovers?
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes or in the microwave.
3. Can I freeze this pasta bake?
Yes! Assemble, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before baking.
4. What’s the best pasta to use?
Linguine, spaghetti, or penne work best, but you can use any pasta shape!
5. Can I make this without wine?
Absolutely! Just use chicken broth instead.
6. How do I make this dish low-carb?
Serve it over zucchini noodles (zoodles) or spaghetti squash.
Final Thoughts – Try This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Tonight!
This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is everything you love about shrimp scampi but even more comforting with its baked, cheesy goodness. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a gathering with friends, this dish is sure to be a huge hit.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and enjoy a delicious, restaurant-quality meal right at home!
What toppings will you add? Let me know in the comments!