This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is a delicious, comforting dish that combines the bold flavors of garlic, shrimp, lemon, and creamy sauce, all baked to perfection with melty cheese. With its rich, flavorful sauce and tender shrimp, this baked pasta dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a special occasion, it brings the classic shrimp scampi to a whole new level!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is the ultimate comfort food with an elevated twist. The combination of shrimp, creamy sauce, pasta, and melted cheese makes it a rich, satisfying meal. The hint of lemon brightens the dish while the red pepper flakes add a touch of heat, making each bite irresistible. It’s a one-pan meal that’s easy to prepare, yet fancy enough to impress your guests. The best part? It’s baked in the oven to create a bubbly, cheesy top that makes it even more mouthwatering.

Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

Ingredients

12 oz linguine or spaghetti
1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
4 tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
½ cup white wine or chicken broth
1 lemon, juiced and zested
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven:

Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a large baking dish (around 9×13 inches) by greasing it lightly or lining it with parchment paper.

2. Cook the Pasta:

Prepare the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

3. Sauté Aromatics:

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.

4. Cook the Shrimp:

Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.

5. Prepare the Sauce:

Pour the white wine (or chicken broth) into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for 2 minutes to allow the wine to reduce slightly.

6. Combine Flavors:

Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

7. Toss the Pasta:

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss it well to coat in the creamy sauce.

8. Assemble the Dish:

Transfer the pasta to a large baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Arrange the cooked shrimp on top of the pasta.

9. Add Cheese:

Sprinkle the grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella evenly over the pasta and shrimp.

10. Bake:

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden on top.

11. Garnish and Serve:

Remove from the oven, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley, and serve immediately for a delicious, comforting meal.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4-6 servings
Total Time: 45 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes

Variations

Spicy Shrimp Scampi: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick of heat.
Vegetarian Version: Swap the shrimp for sautéed mushrooms, artichoke hearts, or other vegetables for a vegetarian take on this dish.
Add Greens: For a healthier twist, stir in some spinach or kale into the sauce before tossing with pasta for added color and nutrition.
Cheese Swap: Try different cheeses like gouda, cheddar, or fontina for a different flavor profile.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Leftover shrimp scampi pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp instead of fresh shrimp?

Yes! If using frozen shrimp, be sure to thaw them completely before cooking. You can thaw them quickly by placing them in a bowl of cold water for 15-20 minutes.

Can I use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream?

Yes, you can substitute half-and-half or milk for a lighter version of the sauce, but the result will be less creamy.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the pasta and sauce ahead of time, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it. When ready to bake, simply add the cheese and bake as directed. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.

Can I make this dish without the white wine?

Yes, you can substitute the white wine with chicken broth or vegetable broth for a non-alcoholic version of the sauce.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Feel free to use any type of pasta you prefer, such as penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni.

Conclusion

This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is a rich, creamy, and flavorful dish that’s easy to prepare yet feels like a special treat. The combination of shrimp, garlic, lemon, and melted cheese makes every bite satisfying and comforting. Whether you’re feeding your family or hosting a dinner party, this dish is sure to be a hit!

Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

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Author: Ezabella
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4-6 servings

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Description

Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake combines the bold flavors of garlic, shrimp, and lemon with creamy sauce and melted cheese. Perfect for a cozy dinner or special occasion, this comforting one-pan meal will be a hit with family and guests alike.

Instructions

Preheat the Oven:
- Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease or line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
Cook the Pasta:
- Prepare the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Sauté Aromatics:
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant.
Cook the Shrimp:
- Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, until pink and opaque. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce:
- Pour white wine (or chicken broth) into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Toss the Pasta:
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the creamy sauce.
Assemble the Dish:
- Transfer the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Arrange the cooked shrimp on top of the pasta.
Add Cheese:
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella evenly over the top.
Bake:
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
Garnish and Serve: