If you’re in the mood for a warm, cheesy, and satisfying meal that’s both comforting and a bit indulgent, then this Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is just what you need! Picture the rich, buttery garlic sauce wrapping around perfectly cooked shrimp, baked into a luscious pasta. It’s the kind of dish that makes your kitchen smell absolutely divine—trust me, you’re going to love it. Plus, it’s easy enough for any night of the week but fancy enough to impress at a dinner party. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or treating yourself, this one’s a game-changer.
Why You’ll Love Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake
This recipe isn’t just about throwing a few ingredients together—it’s about creating a dish that will have everyone asking for seconds. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile
Perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re hosting friends. Imagine getting home after a hectic day and knowing you can put together something that will fill the house with mouthwatering smells in no time. Or picture yourself at a dinner party, and this gorgeous bake is the star of the show.
Budget-Friendly
Uses ingredients you probably already have, like shrimp, garlic, pasta, and cheese. No need for anything too fancy or expensive—this dish proves that comfort food doesn’t have to break the bank.
Quick and Easy
Don’t let the fancy name fool you! This pasta bake is actually simple to make. It’s one of those dishes that comes together effortlessly, even if you’re a beginner in the kitchen. And it’s practically foolproof—just follow the steps, and you’re good to go.
Customizable
Love spice? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Prefer a milder dish? Skip the heat and enjoy the creamy, garlicky goodness. You can tweak this dish to suit whatever your taste buds are craving.
Crowd-Pleasing
Whether it’s a family meal or a gathering with friends, this dish is a guaranteed hit. The creamy, garlicky goodness of the shrimp combined with the comfort of pasta and cheese is something everyone can agree on.
Ingredients
Here’s the magic of this dish—simple ingredients come together to create something oh-so-delicious. Let’s break it down:
Shrimp
The stars of this bake. These shrimp will soak up all that garlic-butter flavor and give you a satisfying bite with every forkful.
Pasta
Any short pasta will work here, but something like penne or rigatoni will hold all that creamy goodness wonderfully.
Garlic
Garlic is at the heart of this recipe—it brings that bold, savory flavor that makes this dish so irresistible.
Butter
The perfect base for our garlic sauce. It melts into the pasta and shrimp, creating a creamy, dreamy texture.
Parmesan Cheese
Adds that savory, nutty bite that makes everything come together in the best way.
Mozzarella Cheese
For that perfect gooey, melty top when the pasta bakes in the oven. It’s comfort food, in its best form.
Lemon Zest & Juice
A little citrus to balance out the richness and give the dish a fresh burst of flavor.
Fresh Parsley
A sprinkle of fresh parsley to garnish adds a pop of color and freshness that brightens everything up.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this shrimp-filled masterpiece:
Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your pasta bake will cook evenly and develop that lovely golden top.
Cook the Pasta
Boil the pasta in salted water according to package directions until al dente. Drain, but save a bit of the pasta water to help make the sauce if needed.
Sauté the Shrimp
In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the shrimp and garlic, sautéing until the shrimp are pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them—they’ll cook more in the oven!
Mix It Up
In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shrimp, garlic-butter mixture, mozzarella, parmesan, lemon zest, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Stir until everything is coated with that creamy, garlicky goodness. If the mixture looks a little dry, add a splash of pasta water to loosen it up.
Assemble the Dish
Transfer the pasta and shrimp mixture into a greased baking dish. Spread everything evenly and top with extra mozzarella and parmesan for that cheesy, golden crust.
Bake to Perfection
Pop the dish in the oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
Garnish and Serve
Once it’s out of the oven, sprinkle with fresh parsley and an extra squeeze of lemon. Let it cool for a few minutes, then serve and enjoy the deliciousness!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 1/4 of the dish
Calories per serving: 550
Preparation Time
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
How to Serve Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake
This dish is a meal in itself, but here are a few serving suggestions to round out your dinner:
Fresh Salad
Pair it with a crisp green salad for some balance and freshness. A light vinaigrette will complement the rich flavors of the pasta bake.
Crusty Bread
Serve with some warm, crusty bread to soak up all the creamy sauce. You can’t go wrong with garlic bread here!
Roasted Vegetables
Roasted asparagus or broccoli would make for a great side, adding a pop of color and some extra nutrition to the meal.
As a Standalone
This dish is hearty enough on its own, so sometimes the best thing you can do is serve it straight from the oven with a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you make the most of this recipe:
Prep Ahead
You can prep the pasta and shrimp in advance, store them in the fridge, and just assemble and bake when you’re ready to eat.
Spice It Up
Love some heat? Add red pepper flakes to the garlic butter mixture for a spicy kick.
Make It Healthier
To cut down on calories, use half-and-half or low-fat cheese instead of full-fat options.
Leftovers
This dish is even better the next day! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat in the oven for the best results.
Double the Batch
This recipe freezes beautifully. Make a double batch and freeze one for a later date—it’s like having an instant homemade dinner!
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I substitute shrimp with chicken or another protein?
A1: Yes! Chicken works well, or you can try scallops for a similar texture and flavor.
Q2: Can I make this ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! Prep everything in advance and just bake when you’re ready to eat.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.
Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: Yes, this recipe freezes wonderfully! Just cover tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
Q5: What’s the best way to reheat it?
A5: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave it in 30-second intervals.
Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: Yes! Just make sure you have a big enough baking dish and adjust the cooking time if necessary.
Q7: Is this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet?
A7: Yes! You can substitute the pasta with gluten-free pasta.
Q8: What side dishes go well with this recipe?
A8: Mashed potatoes, a green veggie like spinach, or even a Caesar salad would pair perfectly.
Q9: How can I make this dish spicier?
A9: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
Q10: Can I make this dish without cheese?
A10: Absolutely! Just skip the cheese and enjoy a lighter version of this dish.
Conclusion
Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is the perfect balance of indulgence and comfort. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, making it the kind of meal everyone will rave about. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or something you’re serving at your next gathering, this dish is guaranteed to steal the show. Give it a try—you won’t regret it!
PrintShrimp Scampi Pasta Bake
A creamy, flavorful Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake with a golden, cheesy topping, perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion. This dish combines succulent shrimp, pasta, and a luscious garlic butter sauce!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish, Pasta
- Method: Baking, Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 12 oz linguine or spaghetti
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup white wine or chicken broth
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook Pasta: Prepare the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- 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.
- Cook Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp and set them aside.
- Prepare 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.
- Combine Flavors: Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Toss Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble Dish: Transfer the pasta to a large baking dish, spreading it evenly. Arrange the cooked shrimp on top.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella over the pasta and shrimp.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve immediately.
Notes
- You can swap white wine for chicken broth for a non-alcoholic option.
- For an extra creamy texture, add a bit more heavy cream.
- Feel free to use gluten-free pasta if needed
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of the dish
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 195mg