Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe

There's nothing quite like the combination of succulent shrimp, garlicky butter sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, all baked together under a blanket of golden, bubbling cheese. This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake takes everything you love about the classic shrimp scampi and transforms it into a comforting, oven-baked delight that's perfect for family dinners or impressing guests.

this Recipe

I first made this recipe on a chilly evening when I was craving something indulgent but still packed with bright, fresh flavors. The result? A pasta bake that's both luxurious and simple—bursting with zesty lemon, aromatic garlic, and a rich Parmesan topping that crisps up beautifully in the oven.

Why You'll Love This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

Get ready to add this recipe to your regular dinner rotation! This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is loaded with flavor and comes together with minimal effort. Here’s why you’ll love it:

First off, it’s easy to make. While it may look fancy, this dish comes together in under an hour, making it a great option for weeknights when you need something satisfying but don’t want to spend all evening in the kitchen.

It’s family-friendly. Even picky eaters will love the creamy, cheesy pasta, and the shrimp add a touch of elegance without being overpowering.

Plus, it’s budget-friendly. You can use frozen shrimp and pantry staples like pasta, garlic, and Parmesan to keep costs low without sacrificing taste.

And let’s not forget—it’s great for leftovers. The flavors meld even more overnight, making for an even more delicious lunch the next day.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake comes from simple, high-quality ingredients that work together to create an irresistible dish.

Shrimp: I recommend using large or jumbo shrimp for this recipe, as they stay plump and juicy after baking. If using frozen shrimp, be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry to prevent excess moisture in the dish.

Pasta: Choose a sturdy pasta shape like penne or rigatoni, which hold up well to baking and catch all the garlicky, buttery goodness in their ridges. Cook the pasta just until al dente since it will continue cooking in the oven.

Garlic & Butter: These are the heart of any good shrimp scampi. Use fresh garlic for the best flavor, and don’t skimp on the butter—it creates that signature rich, glossy sauce that coats the pasta and shrimp beautifully.

Lemon & White Wine: Fresh lemon juice brightens up the dish, cutting through the richness. White wine adds depth to the sauce, but if you prefer an alcohol-free version, substitute with extra chicken broth.

Cheese: A mix of Parmesan and mozzarella adds both sharpness and gooey, melty goodness. Parmesan enhances the umami flavor, while mozzarella gives you that irresistible cheese pull.

You’ll also need an oven-safe baking dish, a large skillet, and a pot for boiling the pasta.

How To Make This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

Making this Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is easier than you think! Let’s break it down step by step.

Start by cooking your pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until just al dente. Drain and set aside while you prepare the sauce.

In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant—just about 30 seconds. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.

Next, add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink. Remove them from the pan and set aside to prevent overcooking.

Deglaze the pan with white wine (or chicken broth) and let it reduce slightly. Stir in lemon juice and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat. Then, toss in the cooked pasta, ensuring everything is well coated in the flavorful sauce.

Transfer the pasta to a greased baking dish and nestle the cooked shrimp throughout. Sprinkle generously with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For a golden, crispy top, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes.

Let the pasta bake rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and an extra squeeze of lemon juice for added brightness.

Storage Options

If you have leftovers (which you might not!), this dish stores well for later.

For the refrigerator, store any leftover pasta bake in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making it even tastier the next day!

For the freezer, allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It will keep for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but add a splash of water or broth to prevent the pasta from drying out.

Variations and Substitutions

This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is incredibly versatile—here are a few ways to customize it:

If you want to make it lighter, swap the butter for olive oil and use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a slightly lighter sauce.

For a spicy kick, increase the red pepper flakes or add a drizzle of chili oil before serving.

Want to make it even more indulgent? Stir in a splash of heavy cream before baking for an extra luscious texture.

For a gluten-free version, simply swap the pasta for your favorite gluten-free variety.

If you're a fan of extra veggies, toss in some baby spinach, cherry tomatoes, or sautéed mushrooms for added color and nutrients.

No matter how you customize it, this Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is guaranteed to be a hit at the dinner table!

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