Name: Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 12 oz linguine (spaghetti, or penne pasta); Salt (for boiling water); 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined); ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 4 cloves garlic (minced); ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); ¼ cup dry white wine or chicken broth; Zest of 1 lemon; Juice of 1 lemon; ¼ cup fresh parsley (chopped); ½ cup heavy cream; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; Optional: ½ cup breadcrumbs (for topping)

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Discover comfort and elegance in one dish with this Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake. Combining tender shrimp, perfectly cooked pasta, and a luscious garlicky lemon butter sauce, this bake elevates classic shrimp scampi to a family-friendly casserole that’s perfect for any occasion.

With a golden, cheesy crust and bright notes of fresh lemon and parsley, this dish never fails to impress. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, this flavorful bake is sure to become a go-to favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

It transforms the beloved shrimp scampi into a hearty, baked pasta dish that’s easy to serve and enjoy.
The combination of garlic, lemon, and fresh parsley creates a fresh yet rich sauce that complements shrimp beautifully.
The crispy, cheesy topping adds a satisfying contrast in texture and flavor to the creamy interior.

Ingredients

Pasta (12 oz): Choose linguine, spaghetti, or penne for perfectly al dente noodles that soak up the sauce.
Salt: Essential for seasoning boiling water, enhancing pasta flavor as it cooks.
Large shrimp (1 lb): Peeled and deveined for easy cooking and maximum tenderness in the bake.
Salt and black pepper (½ tsp each): Balanced seasoning to bring out the shrimp’s natural sweetness.
Unsalted butter (4 tbsp): Adds luscious creaminess and richness to the scampi sauce.
Olive oil (3 tbsp): Used to sauté shrimp and garlic, providing depth and fruity notes.
Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Delivers bold aromatics and sharp flavor that is central to scampi.
Red pepper flakes (½ tsp, optional): Adds a gentle heat and spice complexity if desired.
Dry white wine or chicken broth (¼ cup): De-glazes the skillet and imparts subtle acidity for sauce depth.
Lemon zest and juice (from 1 lemon): Brightens and refreshes the sauce with citrus vibrancy.
Fresh parsley (¼ cup, chopped): Offers herbaceous color and a fresh finish to the dish.
Heavy cream (½ cup): Provides richness and a velvety texture to make the sauce luscious.
Mozzarella cheese (1 cup, shredded): Melts smoothly for a gooey, cheesy layer on top.
Parmesan cheese (½ cup, grated): Adds sharp, nutty flavor and helps achieve a golden crust.
Breadcrumbs (½ cup, optional): Creates a crunchy topping that contrasts the creamy pasta beneath.

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil to season the pasta as it cooks. Add your pasta and cook until just al dente, ensuring a firm bite that will hold up during baking without becoming mushy. Drain well and set aside.
Prepare the Shrimp: Season peeled and deveined shrimp with salt and black pepper for balanced flavor. Heat butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, then sauté shrimp for 1 to 2 minutes per side until they turn just pink and opaque. Remove shrimp promptly to avoid overcooking, as they will finish cooking in the oven.
Make the Scampi Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and olive oil and gently sauté minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Pour in the white wine or chicken broth to deglaze, simmering 2 to 3 minutes to reduce slightly. Stir in lemon zest, juice, and chopped parsley to brighten the sauce with fresh citrus and herb flavors.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Preheat your oven to 190 °C (375 °F) to prepare for baking. In a large mixing bowl, toss together the cooked pasta, sautéed shrimp, scampi sauce, and heavy cream until everything is evenly coated. This blend ensures the pasta stays creamy and flavorful after baking.
Assemble the Bake: Grease a baking dish lightly to prevent sticking. Transfer the pasta mixture into the dish, spreading out evenly. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and optional breadcrumbs on top to create a rich, cheesy, and crispy layer when baked.
Bake Until Golden: Bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese topping turns golden brown. This baking step melds the flavors beautifully and adds a delightful texture contrast between the creamy interior and crusty topping.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve the shrimp scampi pasta bake hot alongside a crisp side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. This dish shines when fresh out of the oven with its vibrant citrus notes and creamy, cheesy textures.

You Must Know

Avoid overcooking the shrimp during sautéing because they will continue cooking in the oven, maintaining ideal tenderness.
Substituting white wine with chicken broth is perfectly fine if you prefer to keep it alcohol-free while retaining depth of flavor.
For a crispier cheese crust, broil the last 2 minutes while watching closely to prevent burning.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to preserve the creamy texture without drying out the shrimp or pasta.

Serving Suggestions

This shrimp scampi pasta bake pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or garlic buttered bread to soak up every last bit of sauce. For a festive meal, add roasted vegetables as a vibrant side.

Professional Tips

To enhance richness, stir in a dollop of cream cheese into the scampi sauce before tossing with pasta.
For a low-carb alternative, swap pasta for zucchini noodles and reduce baking time to prevent sogginess.
Finish with an extra squeeze of lemon juice and a sprinkle of fresh parsley before serving to brighten flavors.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this bake?: Yes, just thaw shrimp completely and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture.
What type of pasta works best?: Linguine, spaghetti, or penne all work well since they hold the sauce nicely and bake to tender textures.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?: You can assemble the dish a few hours before baking; keep it covered in the fridge until ready to bake.
Is there a non-dairy alternative for the cheese?: Use vegan cheese substitutes, though the texture and flavor may differ slightly from traditional cheese.
How spicy is this dish?: The red pepper flakes add optional mild heat. Adjust or omit depending on your taste preferences.
Can I freeze leftovers?: It’s best to consume within a few days, as freezing may alter texture. However, you can freeze before baking for up to 1 month.
What wine pairs well with shrimp scampi pasta bake?: Light white wines like Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, or Chardonnay complement the lemony shrimp flavors beautifully.