Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

Shrimp scampi pasta bake is the weeknight comfort food you didn’t know you were missing. Imagine everything you love about classic shrimp scampi—garlic, butter, lemon, and juicy shrimp—folded into tender pasta and blanketed with gooey, golden cheese. This baked version adds richness, makes it prep-ahead friendly, and turns a restaurant-style meal into a cozy family casserole. Whether you’re feeding guests or meal-prepping for the week, this dish delivers satisfying flavor with very little fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Combines the elegance of shrimp scampi with the heartiness of a casserole
• One-pan comfort food ideal for weeknights or entertaining
• Customizable: gluten-free, dairy-light, or veggie-packed versions are all easy
• Cheesy topping makes it irresistible
• Make-ahead and freezer-friendly

Ingredients

• 12 oz pasta (linguine, penne, or rotini)
• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• 1/2 cup white wine or seafood broth
• 1/4 cup reserved pasta water
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat & Prep: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish.
2. Cook Pasta: Boil pasta in salted water until just shy of al dente. Drain and reserve ¼ cup pasta water.
3. Sauté Shrimp: In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes; sauté for 1 minute. Add shrimp and cook until just pink (about 2–3 minutes). Remove and set aside.
4. Make Sauce: Deglaze pan with white wine or broth. Stir in cream, lemon zest and juice, Parmesan, and reserved pasta water. Simmer until slightly thickened.
5. Combine: Toss pasta into the sauce until well coated. Gently fold in cooked shrimp.
6. Bake: Transfer mixture to baking dish. Sprinkle mozzarella evenly on top. Bake 15–20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
7. Garnish: Let rest 2–3 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 4 generous portions

Nutrition Facts (per serving, approx.)

• Calories: 580
• Protein: 36g
• Fat: 32g (17g saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 720mg
• Cholesterol: 210mg
• Sugar: 3g

Tips & Variations

Make It Lighter

• Use half-and-half or Greek yogurt instead of cream
• Swap pasta with chickpea or whole grain versions
• Add spinach, zucchini, or asparagus for extra veggies

Creative Twists

• Replace shrimp with scallops, chicken, or tofu
• Add sun-dried tomatoes, peas, or roasted red peppers
• Try Gruyère or Fontina for a bolder cheese finish

Storage

• Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days
• Reheat with a splash of broth or cream to revive the sauce
• Assemble ahead and bake just before serving

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?
Try half-and-half, Greek yogurt, or dairy-free alternatives like oat cream.

Can I make this ahead?
Definitely! Assemble the dish, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.

Can I freeze this?
Yes, freeze after assembling but before baking. Bake straight from frozen, adding 10–15 extra minutes.

Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

A rich, cheesy twist on shrimp scampi. This pasta bake blends garlic butter shrimp with creamy sauce and a golden mozzarella topping.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 580 kcal

Equipment

• – Large skillet
• – Baking dish
• – Pasta pot
• Mixing spoon
• Oven

Ingredients

  

• – 12 oz pasta penne, rotini, or linguine
• – 1 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined
• – 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• – 4 garlic cloves minced
• – 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes optional
• – 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
• – 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• – 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• – Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• – 1/2 cup white wine or broth
• – 1/4 cup reserved pasta water
• – 2 tbsp chopped parsley
• – Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

 

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish.
• Cook pasta until just al dente. Drain and reserve pasta water.
• Sauté garlic and pepper flakes in butter. Add shrimp and cook until pink. Remove shrimp.
• Deglaze with wine or broth. Stir in cream, lemon, Parmesan, and pasta water. Simmer.
• Combine pasta and sauce. Fold in shrimp. Transfer to baking dish.
• Top with mozzarella. Bake 15–20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
• Rest briefly, garnish with parsley, and serve.

Notes

– Use gluten-free pasta or dairy alternatives for special diets.
– Reheat with a splash of broth to maintain creaminess.
– Make ahead and refrigerate unbaked.

Keyword Shrimp Scampi Pasta,

Conclusion

This shrimp scampi pasta bake brings together bold seafood flavor and the ultimate comfort of a creamy, cheesy casserole. With simple ingredients and flexible prep, it’s perfect for a cozy night in or an easy crowd-pleaser. Whether you keep it classic or add your own twist, this dish is sure to be a regular on your table.