Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe

Sizzling Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe Everyone Will Love

Seafood enthusiasts adore this mouth-watering shrimp scampi pasta bake that brings restaurant-quality comfort right to your dinner table.

Succulent shrimp nestled in a creamy, garlicky sauce creates an irresistible Mediterranean-inspired meal everyone will devour.

Tender pasta captures the rich, buttery flavors of classic scampi with a delightful baked twist.

The golden, crispy breadcrumb topping adds a satisfying crunch that elevates this dish from simple to spectacular.

Each forkful promises a perfect balance of herbs, garlic, and perfectly cooked shrimp that melts in your mouth.

This one-pan wonder comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy weeknights or impressive weekend gatherings.

You won’t be able to resist seconds of this comforting, flavor-packed pasta bake that’s sure to become a family favorite.

FAQs

  • Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking to prevent excess water in the dish.

  • Is it okay to substitute white wine with something else?

Absolutely! If you don’t want to use wine, chicken or vegetable broth works perfectly as an alternative liquid.

  • How do I know when the shrimp are fully cooked?

Shrimp are done when they turn pink and curl into a “C” shape. Overcooking will make them tough and rubbery, so watch them carefully.

  • Can I make this dish less spicy?

Simply reduce or omit the red pepper flakes if you prefer a milder flavor. The dish will still be delicious without the heat.

Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Reasons

  • Speedy Weeknight Winner: Whip up this delicious shrimp pasta bake in under an hour, perfect for busy families craving a restaurant-quality meal without complex cooking skills.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Combines creamy, cheesy goodness with succulent shrimp and zesty garlic, creating a crowd-pleasing dish that satisfies everyone from kids to adults.
  • One-Pan Convenience: Minimal cleanup required with this single-dish recipe that transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering meal, making dinner prep and post-meal cleanup a breeze.
  • Fancy Yet Approachable: Delivers an elegant restaurant-style experience right at home, impressive enough for special occasions but simple enough for casual family dinners.

Ingredients for Shrimp Pasta Bake

Main Ingredients:
  • Shrimp: Large, succulent seafood that provides the primary protein for this delicious pasta dish.
  • Pasta: The hearty base that absorbs the rich, flavorful sauce and creates a satisfying meal.
Dairy and Cream Components:
  • Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth, luxurious sauce base.
  • Heavy Cream, Parmesan Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Create a creamy, melty texture that brings depth and comfort to the pasta bake.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Garlic, White Wine, Lemon Juice: Provide bright, zesty, and aromatic notes that complement the shrimp and create a complex flavor profile.
  • Salt, Black Pepper, Red Pepper Flakes: Seasonings that add layers of heat and depth to the overall taste.
  • Fresh Parsley: A fresh herb that adds a pop of color and light, herbaceous finish to the dish.

Shrimp Pasta Bake Simple Steps

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta

Boil the pasta in salted water until it reaches al dente perfection.

Drain thoroughly and set aside, letting it rest while you craft the delicious sauce.

Step 2: Sizzle the Garlic

Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat.

Toss in minced garlic and sauté until it releases its aromatic magic and turns golden.

Step 3: Create the Flavor Base

Add to the skillet:
  • White wine
  • Chicken broth

Let the liquid simmer and reduce slightly.

Introduce the shrimp and season with:
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Red pepper flakes

Cook until the shrimp transform into a beautiful pink color and curl slightly.

Step 4: Build the Creamy Sauce

Stir in:
  • Heavy cream
  • Fresh lemon juice

Allow the sauce to bubble and thicken for a couple of minutes.

Gently fold in the cooked pasta and sprinkle half of the Parmesan cheese, coating everything evenly.

Step 5: Assemble the Bake

Transfer the shrimp and pasta mixture to a greased baking dish.

Generously top with:
  • Mozzarella cheese
  • Remaining Parmesan cheese

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the dish into a preheated oven at 375°F.

Bake for 15-20 minutes until the cheese melts into a bubbly, golden blanket.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top.

Serve piping hot and watch everyone’s eyes light up with excitement.

Pro Tips for Baked Shrimp Pasta

  • Choose large, deveined shrimp for best texture and easier preparation.
  • Adjust cream amount to prevent dish from becoming too runny or dry.
  • Use dry white wine like sauvignon blanc for authentic, bright flavor profile.
  • Slightly undercook pasta before baking to avoid mushy texture during final cooking stage.
  • Chop parsley just before serving to retain vibrant color and intense aromatic qualities.

Recipe Twists for Shrimp Pasta Bake

  • Dairy-Free Dream: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese. Swap mozzarella for dairy-free cheese alternative.
  • Mediterranean Magic: Substitute shrimp with chicken or white fish. Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and kalamata olives for extra Mediterranean flavor.
  • Veggie Lovers' Version: Replace shrimp with roasted cauliflower or zucchini. Use vegetable broth and add spinach or artichoke hearts for plant-based protein.
  • Gluten-Free Gourmet: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free. Swap regular flour-based ingredients with appropriate alternatives.

Serving the Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

  • Seafood Feast Night: Invite friends over for a delightful dinner party centered around this creamy, zesty pasta bake that's sure to impress.
  • Elegant Side Companions: Serve alongside a crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette or roasted asparagus spears to balance the rich, cheesy pasta.
  • Wine Pairing Magic: Choose a chilled Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the buttery shrimp and enhance the delicate white wine notes in the dish.
  • Fresh Herb Finale: Sprinkle extra chopped parsley or fresh basil just before serving to add a bright, aromatic touch that elevates the entire meal's presentation.

Storing Baked Shrimp Pasta Properly

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Place portion in microwave-safe dish, sprinkle few drops of water to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warm.
  • Transfer pasta to oven-safe dish, cover with foil to retain moisture. Warm at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, adding splash of cream or broth if pasta looks dry.
  • Wrap completely cooled pasta tightly in freezer-safe container or heavy-duty aluminum foil. Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
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Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe

Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe


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4.6 from 30 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Succulent shrimp scampi pasta bake delivers Mediterranean coastal flavors straight to dinner tables. Garlicky butter sauce and tender shrimp meld perfectly with al dente pasta, promising a luxurious meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Seafood:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) shrimp, peeled and deveined

Pasta and Cheese:

  • 12 ounces (340 grams) pasta (penne or ziti)
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings and Liquids:

  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup white wine or chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Warm the oven to 375°F and prepare a baking dish with light grease.
  2. Cook pasta until al dente, drain thoroughly, and set aside for later assembly.
  3. Heat butter in a large skillet over medium temperature, releasing aromatic garlic until softened and fragrant.
  4. Introduce white wine or broth, allowing liquid to reduce and concentrate flavors for approximately 2 minutes.
  5. Add raw shrimp to the skillet, seasoning with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook until shrimp transform into a delicate pink color and appear slightly curled.
  6. Pour heavy cream and fresh lemon juice into the skillet, creating a rich sauce. Simmer for 2 minutes to meld flavors and slightly thicken the mixture.
  7. Fold cooked pasta into the creamy shrimp sauce, incorporating half of the Parmesan cheese for additional depth.
  8. Transfer the entire mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly to ensure consistent coverage.
  9. Sprinkle mozzarella and remaining Parmesan cheese across the top, creating a golden, melty crust.
  10. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until cheese becomes bubbly and develops a beautiful golden-brown color.
  11. Remove from oven, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve immediately while hot and aromatic.

Notes

  • Choose large, fresh shrimp for the best flavor and texture, ensuring they’re deveined and peeled before cooking.
  • Avoid overcooking shrimp to prevent rubbery texture; they should turn pink and slightly curl within 2-3 minutes.
  • For a gluten-free version, swap regular pasta with zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta alternatives.
  • Keep extra white wine or chicken broth on hand to adjust sauce consistency if needed during cooking.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 435 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 490 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 32 g
  • Cholesterol: 160 mg
Natalie Brooks

Natalie Brooks

Co-Founder & Content Strategist

Expertise

  • Vegan and plant-based recipe creation
  • Meal planning and nutritional analysis
  • Storytelling through blog content, video, and social media

Education

eCornell

  • Program: Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate
  • Focus: Whole-food, plant-based cooking, with a foundation in nutritional science and sustainable eating habits.

Natalie brings the vibrant, plant-powered side to Culinary Duo. After earning her Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate from eCornell, she combined her love for fresh ingredients with a passion for storytelling, aiming to make healthy cooking simple and satisfying.
Her kitchen motto: good food doesn’t need a fancy label, it just needs fresh ideas and a little creativity. Outside of writing and recipe testing, Natalie’s happiest in her garden, exploring farmers’ markets, or mixing global flavors into new kitchen experiments.

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