Get ready to fall in love with comfort food all over again! This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe blends plump, succulent shrimp with perfectly cooked pasta, tangy lemon, a swirl of garlic, melty cheese, and just the right kiss of spice. It’s a baked twist on the classic that’s bursting with flavor in every bubbly forkful, ready to charm seafood lovers and pasta fans alike. Whether you’re prepping for a cozy weeknight or impressing guests, this dish delivers heart, soul, and a little sparkle right from your oven.

Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredient list for this Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe is wonderfully straightforward – yet every component shines to create big flavors and the creamiest textures. Each bite pops with sharp cheese, buttery shrimp, aromatic garlic, and bright herbs. Here’s what you’ll need and what makes each item essential:

Uncooked pasta (12 ounces penne or linguine): Picks up sauce beautifully and holds up well in the oven’s heat.
Large shrimp (1 pound, peeled and deveined): Brings a juicy, slightly sweet taste that’s irresistible – fresh or thawed frozen works great!
Butter (3 tablespoons): Provides silkiness and the classic mouthfeel of scampi sauce.
Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Adds earthy, rich undertones and keeps the butter from browning too quickly.
Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Essential for that unmistakable, punchy scampi flavor.
Red pepper flakes (1/2 teaspoon, optional): For a soft heat that tickles instead of overpowering. Leave out if you prefer it mild!
Salt (1/2 teaspoon) and black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Brings everything together and makes flavors pop.
Dry white wine (1/2 cup, or chicken broth): Deglazes the pan and infuses bright depth—choose a wine you’d enjoy drinking!
Lemon juice (juice of 1 lemon): Wakes up the dish with zest and balances the richness.
Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup, grated): Adds salty, nutty, gooey glory.
Mozzarella cheese (1/2 cup, shredded): Melts to a golden, bubbly layer on top for cheesy drama.
Fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped): Lends freshness and a burst of green color once out of the oven.
Lemon wedges (for serving): A final squeeze brightens every bite!

How to Make Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a big pot of salted water to a boil, just like Nonna would! Cook your pasta until it’s al dente – think tender but with a little bite in the center. Don’t let it get mushy, since it’ll cook again when baked. Drain your pasta and set it aside, ready for its flavor bath.

Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp and Aromatics

In a large skillet, melt the butter and olive oil together over medium heat to create a luscious base. Toss in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, letting everything sizzle for about a minute until that garlicky aroma fills your kitchen. Add the shrimp, seasoning with salt and pepper, and cook for two to three minutes per side—just until they turn pink and opaque. Promptly remove the shrimp so they don’t overcook and become rubbery.

Step 3: Build the Flavorful Sauce

Next comes the magic! With the shrimp set aside, pour the white wine (or broth) and lemon juice into your skillet. The liquid will bubble, picking up all those browned bits (a jackpot of flavor) left from the shrimp. Let the sauce simmer for two or three minutes to meld, then stir in your cooked pasta and half of the Parmesan. Toss everything until the noodles are shiny and coated.

Step 4: Combine and Assemble

Gently add the shrimp back to the mixture, giving everything a careful toss so the shrimp are well distributed. Now pour the delicious heap into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. For the crowning touch, sprinkle on the remaining Parmesan and that generous handful of shredded mozzarella.

Step 5: Bake to Bubbly Perfection

Slide your dish into a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven. In about 10 to 12 minutes, you’ll see the cheese melted and golden with tantalizing bubbles at the edge. When it looks irresistible, it’s ready to come out!

Step 6: Finish and Serve

As soon as your Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe emerges from the oven, shower it with fresh chopped parsley and nestle in some lemon wedges. This final flourish adds color, zest, and freshness, making each serving bright and inviting.

How to Serve Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe

Garnishes

Don’t be shy with those fresh herbs! Chopped parsley scattered on top right after baking brings a welcome pop of green and a hint of peppery freshness. Lemon wedges set alongside let everyone customize with a spritz of citrus. And if you want to go the extra mile, a dusting of extra Parmesan right before serving is sure to please.

Side Dishes

Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe is practically a meal on its own, but it’s even more splendid with the right sides. Classic garlic bread or a warm baguette is perfect for mopping up extra sauce. For something lighter, a simple green salad with a lemony vinaigrette provides the perfect counterpoint and keeps the meal feeling fresh and not too heavy.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to wow your dinner crowd, try baking and serving individual portions in mini ramekins. For rustic family style, scoop the bubbling pasta bake onto a big platter and surround it with lemon wedges and extra parsley. Or, pair it with grilled vegetables for an eye-catching and wholesome presentation that puts all that vibrant color front and center.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers (rare, but it happens!), simply transfer them to an airtight container once cooled. The Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe will last in the refrigerator for up to three days, staying flavorful and delicious until you’re ready for round two.

Freezing

While baked pasta dishes often freeze well, shrimp’s delicate texture can change after freezing and reheating. If you do want to freeze, portion individual servings and wrap tightly. Thaw in the fridge overnight before gently reheating, as this helps preserve the best flavor and texture.

Reheating

To keep your leftovers tasting fresh, reheat gently in the oven at 325°F, covered with foil to prevent drying out. For smaller portions, a few minutes in the microwave will do, but keep an eye out so the shrimp don’t overcook. Add a splash of broth if it looks a bit dry, and sprinkle on some fresh herbs or an extra squeeze of lemon juice to revive the flavors.

FAQs

Can I substitute the shrimp with another protein?

Absolutely! While shrimp is the star of this Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe, you can swap in chunks of cooked chicken, scallops, or even a combo of seafood to match your preferences or dietary needs.

What kind of pasta works best?

Penne and linguine are both wonderful choices, as they hold up well and soak in the sauce. But honestly, any shape you have in the pantry (ziti, fusilli, farfalle) will taste amazing, so don’t stress about being exact.

Is there a way to make this dish creamier?

Yes! For an extra luxurious touch, stir in about 1/4 cup of heavy cream into the sauce before baking. This addition makes the Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe ultra-rich without overpowering the classic lemon-garlic notes.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Definitely – assemble everything up to the baking stage, then cover tightly and refrigerate for several hours or even overnight. When you’re ready, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.

What if I don’t want to use wine?

Not a problem at all. Substitute the white wine with chicken broth for a still-tangy but alcohol-free sauce. The Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe will turn out just as delicious and family friendly.

Final Thoughts

There’s a reason this Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe has fast become a weeknight staple and a dinner party favorite in my kitchen. It’s easy, joyful, and seriously satisfying. Give it a try soon and you’ll see just how impressive—yet fuss-free—homemade pasta bakes can be!

Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe

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4.8 from 9 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the deliciousness of this Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake, a mouthwatering dish that combines succulent shrimp, flavorful garlic, zesty lemon, and gooey cheeses, all baked to perfection. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a family dinner or entertaining guests.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta:

12 ounces uncooked pasta (penne or linguine)

Shrimp:

1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined)

Sauce:

3 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
juice of 1 lemon

Cheeses:

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Garnish:

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
lemon wedges for serving

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook pasta: Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the sauce: In a large skillet, heat butter and olive oil. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, sauté for 1 minute. Add shrimp, salt, and pepper, cook until pink. Remove shrimp.
Make the pasta: Pour wine and lemon juice into the skillet. Simmer, then add cooked pasta and half of Parmesan. Return shrimp, toss gently.
Bake: Transfer mixture to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle with remaining cheeses. Bake for 10–12 minutes until bubbly.
Garnish and serve: Garnish with parsley and serve with lemon wedges.