If there is a dish that perfectly blends the irresistible flavors of garlic, butter, and shrimp with the comforting warmth of baked pasta, it has to be this Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe. Imagine tender, juicy shrimp swimming in a luscious lemon-garlic cream sauce, mingling with perfectly cooked pasta and blanketed in a golden layer of melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. This dish turns the classic shrimp scampi into a cozy, crowd-pleasing casserole that’s ideal for those busy weeknights when you crave something special yet fuss-free. You’ll love how each bite bursts with fresh, zesty, and buttery goodness that’s both familiar and indulgent.

Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe relies on simple, high-quality ingredients that come together to create a flavor-packed, visually appealing dish. Each element plays a crucial role, whether it’s adding richness, a hint of brightness, or delicious texture.

12 oz pasta (penne or rotini): These shapes hold onto sauce beautifully while providing satisfying bite and texture.
1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined): Fresh shrimp add sweet, juicy seafood flavor that’s the star of the dish.
2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps sauté the garlic evenly without overpowering the butter’s richness.
4 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided): Essential for that classic buttery scampi flavor and making the sauce luxuriously creamy.
4 cloves garlic (minced): Garlic is the heart of shrimp scampi’s signature aromatic punch.
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a gentle heat that wakes up the palate without overshadowing other flavors.
½ cup dry white wine or chicken broth: Provides acidity and depth, balancing the richness perfectly.
Zest and juice of 1 lemon: Brightens the whole dish with fresh citrus notes, keeping it lively and fresh.
½ cup heavy cream: Gives the sauce a creamy, velvety finish that clings lovingly to pasta and shrimp.
¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds nuttiness and savory depth both in the sauce and as a topping.
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully to create that irresistible bubbly, golden crust.
2 tablespoons chopped parsley: Fresh herbs bring a vibrant pop of color and subtle earthiness at the end.
Salt and pepper to taste: Simple seasonings essential for bringing all the flavors together just right.

How to Make Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta and Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish so your pasta bake doesn’t stick and cleans up easily. Cook your chosen pasta in well-salted boiling water until it’s just al dente, giving it a little bite so it holds up to baking. Drain thoroughly and set it aside. This step is important because slightly undercooked pasta will finish cooking in the oven, preventing mushy results.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic and Shrimp

Next, heat olive oil and half the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes and sauté for just one minute until wonderfully fragrant and slightly golden. Then, add the shrimp, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook them until just pink and opaque, about 2 to 3 minutes. Be careful not to overcook so they stay tender and juicy. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set them aside for later.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Lemon-Garlic Sauce

In the same skillet, pour in the white wine or chicken broth along with the lemon juice and zest. Let it simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes to reduce slightly and marry the flavors. Reduce the heat, then stir in the remaining butter and heavy cream until the sauce becomes luxuriously smooth. To finish, mix in half of the Parmesan until it melts, which gives the sauce a silky texture and savory richness that perfectly coats the pasta.

Step 4: Combine and Bake

Now, toss the cooked pasta and shrimp back into the skillet with the creamy sauce, or combine everything in a large bowl if your pan isn’t big enough. Transfer this flavorful mix into the prepared baking dish. Generously sprinkle the top with mozzarella and the remaining Parmesan cheese. Slide the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes until the top is beautifully golden, bubbly, and invitingly crisp around the edges.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once out of the oven, sprinkle chopped parsley over the top to add a fresh burst of color and brightness. Serve your Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe straight away while it’s hot, creamy, and irresistible.

How to Serve Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil makes a great finishing touch, adding a fresh herbal lift. Some people also love a bit of extra grated Parmesan or a few lemon wedges on the side to brighten each bite even more.

Side Dishes

This shrimp scampi pasta bake pairs beautifully with simple green salads, roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli, or a crusty garlic bread to soak up every last drop of the luscious sauce. The sides should be light and fresh to complement the richness of the main dish.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving individual portions in small ramekins, topped with extra cheese and broiled until bubbly. Or layer the shrimp scampi mixture with baby spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for added color and dimension, turning this dish into an eye-catching centerpiece for your dinner table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Refrigerate any leftover Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making for a delicious next-day meal. Just be sure to cool it completely before covering and storing.

Freezing

This pasta bake freezes well if you want to make it ahead. Freeze the entire casserole before baking or after baking once cooled. Wrap tightly with foil and plastic wrap or place in a freezer-safe container. It will keep for up to 2 months without losing much flavor or texture.

Reheating

To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen. Warm in a 350°F oven covered with foil to prevent drying out, for 15 to 20 minutes until heated through. You can remove the foil in the last few minutes to refresh the cheesy topping. Alternatively, single portions reheat well in the microwave.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure they are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking. If using pre-cooked shrimp, add them at the very end to prevent them from becoming tough and rubbery.

What pasta works best in the Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe?

Penne and rotini are excellent because their shapes hold the sauce well. However, feel free to use other short pasta like rigatoni or farfalle depending on your preference or what you have on hand.

Can I make a lighter version of this dish?

Yes! Swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or even a mixture of milk and a little flour to thicken. Just keep in mind that the sauce will be less rich but still delicious.

Is it necessary to use white wine in the sauce?

While white wine adds lovely acidity and depth, you can substitute chicken broth or even vegetable broth if you prefer to avoid alcohol. The sauce will still taste fantastic with this swap.

Can I add vegetables to the Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe?

Definitely. Spinach, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus work especially well. Just sauté or blanch the vegetables lightly before mixing them into the pasta bake to maintain texture and color.

Final Thoughts

This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe is a total game-changer for seafood lovers who still crave the comfort and heartiness of a baked pasta dish. It’s easy enough for a weeknight but special enough to serve when friends drop by. The combination of garlic, butter, lemon, and shrimp with melted cheese is pure magic, and I can’t wait for you to savor every bite. Trust me, once you try this one, it might just become your go-to recipe for cozy dinners and impressive entertaining alike.