Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe

If you’re seeking to wow your guests or bring your family together over a comforting, flavorful meal, look no further than Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake. This irresistible dish marries juicy shrimp, garlicky butter sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, all baked under a bubbly layer of melty cheese. It’s packed with bold flavors, captures the spirit of classic shrimp scampi, and delivers it in a way that’s hearty, shareable, and downright addictive.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is proof that with just a handful of quality staples you can create real magic in the kitchen. Each ingredient here is thoughtfully chosen to bring the right pops of flavor, richness, and beautiful color to your bake, making every bite taste homemade.

• Shrimp: Cleaned, peeled, and deveined shrimp are the star; choose medium or large for juicy, tender bites.
• Pasta: A short, sturdy pasta like penne or rigatoni holds sauce and cheese beautifully without falling apart.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic infuses the whole bake with the classic scampi aroma and zesty taste.
• Butter: A chunk of real butter is essential for the signature richness and silkiness of the sauce.
• Olive Oil: Use extra virgin for a lovely, fruity undertone in the sauce and for sautéing seafood.
• Lemon: Both zest and juice cut through the richness and wake up every other flavor.
• White Wine: A dry white wine deepens the sauce, adding warmth and acidity (or substitute broth).
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: For just the right hit of gentle heat—add more if you love spice.
• Parsley: Fresh chopped parsley lends color and a bright herbal finish.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty layer that bakes up gloriously golden on top.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts to gooey perfection; use whole milk mozzarella for the best stretch.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasoning to bring all the flavors into harmony.

How to Make Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta

Bring a big pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook your chosen pasta until just shy of al dente. It’ll keep cooking in the oven, so you want it still a tiny bit firm. Drain and set aside. This step ensures your pasta doesn’t go mushy while it bakes with the sauce and cheese.

Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp

Heat olive oil and a portion of the butter in a wide skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and sauté quickly, just until they turn pink and opaque—this will only take a minute or two per side. Scoop the shrimp out onto a plate to keep them tender. You’ll add them back before baking so they remain plump and juicy.

Step 3: Make the Scampi Sauce

Lower the heat and toss in the garlic, letting it sizzle until aromatic but not browned. Pour in white wine (or broth), a good squeeze of lemon juice, and the rest of the butter, scraping up any tasty bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it bubble and reduce for a few minutes, then season with salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of the chopped parsley. The result is a sauce so fragrant you’ll want to dunk your bread in it.

Step 4: Mix and Assemble

In a large bowl, combine the drained pasta with the scampi sauce, tossing gently to coat. Fold in the shrimp, half of the parmesan, and a handful of mozzarella. Pour everything into a buttered baking dish—the shrimp and pasta should nestle together so every scoop gets plenty of both. Sprinkle the top with the remaining cheeses and a fresh hit of parsley.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide your dish into a preheated oven at 400°F (205°C). Bake uncovered for about 18–22 minutes, or until the cheese bubbles fiercely and turns golden with some crisp edges. Let the Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake rest for five minutes before serving. That brief pause helps everything set, making it easier to slice and serve.

How to Serve Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

Garnishes

For a burst of color and brightness, top your hot bake with chopped fresh parsley, extra lemon zest, or a few thin lemon slices. A final flutter of parmesan is never out of place. If you love a bit more heat, add a sprinkle of extra crushed red pepper flakes right before serving.

Side Dishes

Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette or classic Caesar. A basket of freshly baked garlic bread or a rustic baguette makes the perfect companion, helping you soak up every last bit of luscious scampi sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, bake and serve directly in a pretty ceramic casserole dish, or scoop portions into individual ramekins before baking for elegant, personal servings. For a family meal, let everyone serve themselves straight from the dish—there’s something extra cozy about sharing around the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Have some leftover Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake? Lucky you! Let the bake come to room temperature, then transfer leftovers to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 to 3 days, making sure to save all those saucy bits—they’re extra delicious the next day.

Freezing

If you want to get ahead, assemble the pasta bake but don’t bake it. Tightly wrap the whole dish (or portion into smaller containers) and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as usual. Baked leftovers can also be frozen, but shrimp’s delicate texture is best enjoyed fresh whenever possible.

Reheating

To reheat, cover the bake with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through—this helps prevent the shrimp from drying out. For a speedier option, individual servings can be microwaved with a splash of water or broth to revive the sauce. Always check that your shrimp is piping hot before enjoying.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking. This ensures they sear rather than steam, which gives you that classic scampi flavor and texture.

What type of pasta works best?

Penne, rigatoni, or any short pasta with ridges are perfect, as they hold onto the garlicky sauce and melted cheese. Avoid very delicate pastas so your bake stays nice and hearty.

Can I make Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake gluten-free?

Yes! Simply swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta and check that your other ingredients are gluten-free too. The flavor will be just as satisfying and comforting.

Is there a way to make it without wine?

Of course. Replace the wine with an equal amount of good-quality chicken or seafood broth for that savory foundation without the alcohol. Add a tiny bit more lemon for extra brightness if you like.

Can I add vegetables to this bake?

Definitely. Blanched asparagus, baby spinach, or sautéed mushrooms work fantastically in Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake. Just be sure not to overcook veggies so they keep their lovely color and texture.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to fall in love with a new comfort food classic, Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is here to sweep you off your feet. This recipe fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas and your table with happy faces. Gather your ingredients and give it a try—you’ll be amazed how easy and delicious homemade elegance can be!

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