If you love the comforting flavors of garlicky shrimp scampi but crave something even more satisfying, the Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe is about to become your new go-to. Imagine plump shrimp, golden and fragrant with garlic, lemon, and parsley, nestled in tender pasta and all baked together with gooey mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan. This crowd-pleaser brings the best of pasta night straight to your table, making it perfect for both busy weeknights and special occasions.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe is how it takes humble, everyday ingredients and turns them into something truly memorable. Each element not only shines in its own right but also helps build the layers of flavor, texture, and color that make this dish irresistible.
- Pasta: Penne or linguine are ideal, but any sturdy pasta will soak up the delicious sauce and hold up in the oven.
- Large shrimp: Use peeled and deveined shrimp for ease and juicy bites in every forkful.
- Olive oil: Adds a rich base that complements seafood flavors beautifully.
- Unsalted butter: Gives the sauce its velvety, luxurious texture and that classic scampi taste.
- Garlic: The aromatic backbone, infusing every bite with warmth and depth.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): For a little heat that perfectly balances the richness without overwhelming the dish.
- Dry white wine or chicken broth: Brings brightness and depth to the sauce—use whichever you prefer or have on hand.
- Lemon zest and juice: Freshness and zing that lifts and lightens each serving.
- Chopped fresh parsley: Not just a garnish, but a vital, herby note woven throughout the pasta bake.
- Salt and black pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance every other flavor.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into creamy strands for the ultimate cheesy pasta bake experience.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty topping that forms a golden crust in the oven.
- Nonstick cooking spray: Makes cleanup easy and keeps every cheesy, saucy bite intact.
How to Make Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Baking Dish and Cook the Pasta
Let’s get things rolling by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Give your 9×13-inch baking dish a generous spritz with nonstick cooking spray—no one wants to lose a single cheesy bit to the pan! Next, cook your pasta in well-salted boiling water just until al dente. Remember, it will finish cooking in the oven, so don’t overdo it. Drain and set aside; this is your cozy bed for all that shrimp scampi goodness.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes
While your pasta is bubbling away, heat the olive oil and butter together in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a touch of heat. Sauté for about a minute, stirring constantly so the garlic turns fragrant but doesn’t brown. This is the foundational aroma that will have everyone wandering into the kitchen!
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Now, add your shrimp to the skillet, making sure they’re in a single layer for even cooking. Sauté for about 2–3 minutes per side until they turn plump, pink, and opaque. Be careful not to overcook—the bake will finish them off. Once done, transfer the shrimp to a plate and set aside, saving every last drop of that garlic-infused oil in the pan.
Step 4: Build the Lemon-Garlic Sauce
To the same skillet (no need to wash out those flavor bits!), pour in your white wine or chicken broth. Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper, then gently scrape the bottom to deglaze and pick up all the tasty bits left by the shrimp. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes so the flavors meld and the sauce reduces slightly.
Step 5: Mix Pasta, Shrimp, and Sauce
In a large bowl, toss your cooked pasta with the shrimp and lemony sauce. Sprinkle in half of the parsley and all the shredded mozzarella cheese. Stir until everything is well coated and the cheese starts to string deliciously through the mixture.
Step 6: Assemble and Bake
Pour the pasta mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it out into an even layer. Shower the top with grated Parmesan cheese for that irresistible golden crust. Slide your dish, uncovered, into the oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
When your Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe emerges, bubbling and aromatic, sprinkle on the remaining parsley for a hit of fresh color and flavor. It’s ready to hit the table and steal the show!
How to Serve Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe
Garnishes
A fresh flourish of chopped parsley is a must, adding both color and a burst of herby brightness. For even more zest, consider a few grates of lemon zest or an extra sprinkle of Parmesan just before serving. A drizzle of your favorite good-quality olive oil can also elevate the flavors and make each serving shine.
Side Dishes
Pair your Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to cut through the creamy, savory richness. Steamed or roasted broccoli, garlic bread, or even a side of sautéed greens complement the main event without overpowering it, making for one balanced, hearty meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Bring a touch of elegance by serving the pasta bake in individual ramekins—perfect for dinner parties. You can also scoop hearty portions into wide bowls and top each with extra shrimp for presentation. For a casual gathering, serve straight from the baking dish, family-style, inviting everyone to dig in and savor that golden, cheesy topping together.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe is a lifesaver for busy days. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to three days—just enough time to savor every last bite.
Freezing
If you want to prep ahead, simply assemble the dish (up to the baking stage), wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed. Remember, freshly cooked shrimp can become rubbery if overbaked, so undercook them slightly if you plan to freeze.
Reheating
To reheat, cover and bake leftovers at 350°F (175°C) until the cheese is melted and the center is hot—about 20 minutes. For single portions, the microwave works in a pinch, but use a lower power setting and stir halfway to keep the shrimp tender and the cheese evenly melted.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for the Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to fully thaw and pat dry the shrimp before cooking, so they sear instead of steam. Frozen shrimp are a convenient, tasty option that works beautifully in this dish.
Is there a way to make this pasta bake gluten-free?
Yes—you can swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta and ensure your chicken broth (if used) is gluten-free as well. The rest of the ingredients in the Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe are naturally gluten-free, so it’s an easy adaptation.
What type Main Course
A crisp, dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio is perfect. Avoid overly sweet wines, as they can overpower the lemon and garlic notes. If you don’t use wine, low-sodium chicken broth is a delicious alternative.
Can I prepare the Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe ahead of time?
Definitely! You can assemble the dish earlier in the day, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake. It might need a few extra minutes in the oven if it’s cold from the fridge, so just keep an eye on it until the cheese bubbles.
What other cheeses can I use if I’m out of mozzarella?
Fontina or provolone will melt beautifully like mozzarella, or try a bit of Gruyère for a nutty twist. Just avoid cheeses that become oily or don’t melt well, and you’ll still have a fantastic pasta bake.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like gathering around the table with loved ones and letting the golden, bubbly goodness of Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe take center stage. Each bite brings you zesty lemon, juicy shrimp, melty cheese, and that irresistible garlic aroma. It’s an easy, joy-filled dish that instantly feels special—so go ahead, give it a try and make some new dinnertime memories!
Print
Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delicious flavors of this Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake. A delightful combination of tender shrimp, zesty lemon, and gooey cheeses, all baked to perfection.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 12 ounces pasta (such as penne or linguine)
Shrimp:
- 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Cheese Topping:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Others:
- Nonstick cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Cook the pasta: Cook the pasta in salted water until just al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Prepare the shrimp: In a skillet, sauté garlic and red pepper flakes in olive oil and butter. Add shrimp and cook until pink. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- Make the sauce: Add wine (or broth), lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Simmer, then remove from heat.
- Combine and bake: Mix pasta, shrimp, sauce, parsley, and mozzarella in a bowl. Transfer to baking dish, top with Parmesan, and bake for 15–20 minutes.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- For extra richness, stir in a splash of heavy cream before baking.
- You can substitute cooked chicken for shrimp if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 640 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 43 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 29 g
- Cholesterol: 180 mg
