Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe

If you love the vibrant flavors of classic shrimp scampi and the comfort of a cheesy pasta casserole, you’re going to fall head over heels for Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake. This dish brings together tender shrimp, a garlicky lemon-wine sauce, and perfectly cooked noodles, all baked under a blanket of golden, bubbling cheese. It’s impossible to resist! Whether you’re feeding a crowd or simply want a show-stopping weeknight meal, Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake covers all the bases: it’s quick, crowd-pleasing, and bursting with color and flavor in every bite.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the joys of Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is how it turns everyday ingredients into something truly special. Each component has a role, from building rich flavor to creating that irresistible melt-in-your-mouth finish.

• Pasta (12 oz penne or ziti): Choose a sturdy noodle to soak up the sauce and stand up to baking—it’s the hearty backbone of the dish.
• Large shrimp (1 pound, peeled and deveined): Fresh or thawed shrimp will become juicy and sweet after baking, making them the star of every bite.
• Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons): Adds silkiness to the sauce and enhances the garlic and lemon flavors.
• Olive oil (2 tablespoons): For richness and a touch of Mediterranean magic—plus it keeps the butter from burning.
• Garlic (4 cloves, minced): The aromatic powerhouse that gives every forkful depth and punch.
• Red pepper flakes (1/2 teaspoon, optional): Sprinkle in for a gentle, warming kick—skip if you prefer milder fare.
• Dry white wine or chicken broth (1/2 cup): Adds complexity and a gentle acidity that balances the richness of the dish.
• Lemon juice (from 1 lemon): Brightens everything with a fresh citrus zing.
• Lemon zest (1 teaspoon): Intensifies the lemon essence and turns up the flavor dial.
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances every ingredient and helps the flavors pop.
• Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Delivers a subtle background heat that rounds out the experience.
• Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup, grated): For salty, nutty depth and a golden, savory finish.
• Mozzarella cheese (1/2 cup, shredded): Melts into oozy strings for the perfect cheesy top.
• Chopped parsley (2 tablespoons): Adds freshness and a pop of green just before serving.
• Nonstick cooking spray: Ensures easy cleanup and helps your pasta bake slide out effortlessly.

How to Make Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

Step 1: Prep and Boil the Pasta

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray. Then, cook your pasta in well-salted water until it’s just al dente—the noodles will finish cooking in the oven, so don’t overdo it! Drain and set aside, ready for all that luscious sauce.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics and Make the Sauce

Grab a large skillet and melt the butter with olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the garlic and red pepper flakes (if you love a little heat) and sauté just until fragrant. Stir in the white wine (or chicken broth), lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper. Let this come to a gentle simmer—the scent alone will have everyone wandering into the kitchen!

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp

Add the shrimp right into the skillet with the sauce, letting them simmer for 2–3 minutes until they’re just pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook; they’ll bake further in the oven, so they only need a quick dip in the sauce before you take the pan off the heat.

Step 4: Combine and Assemble

In a large bowl, gently toss together the cooked pasta, shrimp with all the sauce, grated Parmesan, and half of your fresh parsley. Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish, then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella over the top for that drool-worthy cheesy crust. This is when the magic really starts!

Step 5: Bake to Golden, Bubbly Perfection

Slide the dish into your preheated oven and bake for about 15–20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly with a hint of golden crispness around the edges. Once out of the oven, shower the bake with your remaining parsley for a pretty finish. Serve your Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake warm—and get ready for the oohs and ahhs.

How to Serve Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

Garnishes

Nothing tops a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley for color and flavor, but don’t hesitate to add an extra hit of lemon zest or a quick grind of black pepper right before serving. If you’re feeling a little decadent, a slight dusting of extra Parmesan just out of the oven turns the whole dish into an unforgettable centerpiece.

Side Dishes

This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is easily the star of the table, but a crisp green salad with a simple vinaigrette offers fresh contrast. Buttery garlic bread or a warm baguette is essential for sopping up every last bit of zesty, garlicky sauce and making the meal feel especially cozy.

Creative Ways to Present

For casual gatherings, you can serve this bake straight from the dish with a big serving spoon—it’s crowd-friendly comfort food at its best. For a more elegant touch, spoon the pasta into individual ramekins before baking for personalized portions. Garnish each mini-bake with extra parsley and a lemon wedge for a restaurant-worthy presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of baking. The Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake will stay fresh for up to three days, and the flavors actually deepen a bit as they meld in the fridge.

Freezing

To freeze, let the pasta bake cool completely, then wrap tightly in a layer of foil and transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. It’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best texture.

Reheating

For single servings, a quick zap in the microwave works perfectly. For larger portions, reheat covered with foil in a 350°F oven until hot and bubbly—about 20 minutes. Sprinkle on a little extra cheese or fresh parsley to revive those fresh-from-the-oven flavors.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake?

Absolutely! Just make sure you thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking; this ensures they cook evenly and don’t make the sauce watery.

Is there a substitute for white wine in the sauce?

If you prefer not to cook with wine, a good quality chicken broth is a perfect substitute. It still adds lots of flavor and gives a savory foundation to the sauce without any alcohol.

What type Main Course

Penne and ziti are both excellent choices because their tubular shapes grab onto the sauce and shrimp. You could also use rigatoni or even fusilli in a pinch—the key is a pasta with structure to support the bake.

Can I add vegetables to the dish?

Definitely! Sautéed spinach, asparagus, or cherry tomatoes can all be tossed in with the pasta and shrimp before baking. Just make sure your veggies are pre-cooked or quick-cooking, so the bake stays light and flavorful.

How can I make the Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake extra creamy?

A little splash of heavy cream stirred into the sauce before combining with the pasta is a delicious way to amp up richness and silkiness without weighing down the dish.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited to dig into this Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake as I am to share it! Every time I pull this bubbling, golden dish from the oven, it’s met with smiles and empty plates all around. Whether it’s family dinner or a special get-together, give this recipe a try—you might just find yourself making it again and again.

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