Shrimp Scampi Pasta is the kind of meal that turns any weeknight into something special. Juicy shrimp bathed in garlicky butter sauce, tossed with tender pasta, and baked under a bubbling blanket of mozzarella—this dish brings the cozy comfort of a casserole with the bold flavors of a seafood favorite. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or prepping ahead, this shrimp pasta bake hits all the right notes.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Combines two favorites: shrimp scampi + baked pasta
- Perfect for make-ahead meals or feeding guests
- Creamy, cheesy, and bursting with flavor
- Simple ingredients and easy steps
- Great for customizing with veggies or different cheeses
Ingredients
- 12 oz linguine or penne pasta
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- ½ cup white wine or chicken broth
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Olive oil, for greasing
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the pasta until just al dente. Drain and reserve ¼ cup of the pasta water.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 2–3 minutes until just pink. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- Deglaze the pan with white wine or broth. Stir in lemon zest and juice, cream, Parmesan, and pasta water. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- Add the pasta, tossing to coat evenly in the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Return shrimp to the skillet and gently mix. Transfer everything to the prepared baking dish.
- Top with mozzarella and bake for 15–20 minutes until golden and bubbling.
- Broil for 2 minutes at the end if you want a crispy top. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Recipe Details
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Estimated Cost: $18
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Approximate)
Calories: 580
Protein: 36g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fat: 32g
Sodium: 720mg
Cholesterol: 210mg
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 3g
Tips & Variations
Make It Lighter:
- Use half-and-half instead of cream
- Try Greek yogurt for a tangy twist
- Add spinach or asparagus for extra greens
Flavor Boosters:
- Sprinkle red pepper flakes for heat
- Add sun-dried tomatoes or roasted veggies
- Swap shrimp for scallops, chicken, or tofu
Storage & Reheating:
- Keeps in the fridge for up to 3 days
- Reheat with a splash of cream or broth to revive the sauce
Make-Ahead:
- Assemble the dish in advance and bake when ready
- Broil briefly before serving for that cheesy crust
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just thaw them fully and pat dry before cooking.
What’s the best pasta to use?
Linguine, penne, or rotini hold up well in a bake.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Absolutely. Use plant-based cream and vegan cheese.
Can I double the recipe?
Definitely! Use a larger baking dish or make two batches.
Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake
Equipment
- – Large skillet
- – Baking dish
- – Pasta pot
- Mixing spoon
Ingredients
- – 12 oz linguine or penne pasta
- – 1 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined
- – 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- – 4 garlic cloves minced
- – ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- – 1 cup heavy cream
- – ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- – 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- – Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- – ½ cup white wine or chicken broth
- – Salt and pepper to taste
- – 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
- – Olive oil for greasing
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 baking dish.
- Cook pasta until al dente. Drain, reserve ¼ cup of water.
- Sauté garlic in butter for 1 minute. Add shrimp, cook until pink, remove.
- Deglaze with wine or broth, add lemon zest, cream, Parmesan, and pasta water. Simmer.
- Add pasta and shrimp to sauce. Toss and transfer to baking dish.
- Top with mozzarella. Bake 15–20 minutes until bubbly. Broil 2 mins for a crisp top.
- Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Notes
– Reheat with splash of broth or cream
– Add spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for variety
Conclusion
This Shrimp Scampi Pasta bake is everything you love about comfort food—creamy, garlicky, and bubbling with cheesy goodness. It’s easy enough for a weeknight and impressive enough for company. Try it once, and it’ll earn a spot in your regular rotation.