Name: Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 12 oz linguine or penne pasta; 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes; 1/2 cup dry white wine or chicken broth; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 teaspoon lemon zest; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

If you’re searching for a crowd-pleasing meal that captures the elegance of classic scampi, the comfort of baked pasta, and the ease of a weeknight dinner, Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is your new go-to recipe. This dish combines juicy, garlicky shrimp with tender pasta, a splash of bright lemon, and a blanket of bubbling cheese, all baked to golden perfection. It’s perfect for impressing guests or simply treating your family to a cozy, flavor-packed meal that tastes like a celebration in every bite.

Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is how it transforms just a handful of staple ingredients into something truly special. Each item plays a starring role, from the shrimp that soak up all that garlicky goodness to the cheeses that melt into a dreamy topping.

Linguine or Penne Pasta: Use your favorite shape; both hold the sauce beautifully and bake up perfectly tender.
Large Shrimp (peeled and deveined): Fresh or thawed shrimp are key for sweet, juicy bites in every forkful.
Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and that classic scampi flavor to the sauce.
Olive Oil: Balances the butter and keeps everything light and flavorful.
Garlic Cloves (minced): The heart of any scampi – don’t skimp here!
Red Pepper Flakes: Just a pinch for subtle heat; adjust to your taste.
Dry White Wine or Chicken Broth: Adds depth and a touch of acidity; either works beautifully.
Lemon Juice: Brightens up the whole dish with a refreshing zing.
Lemon Zest: Intensifies the citrus aroma and flavor.
Salt: Essential for seasoning the pasta and shrimp.
Black Pepper: Rounds out the flavors with a gentle kick.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: Lends a nutty, salty finish that ties everything together.
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Melts into a gooey, golden topping everyone loves.
Chopped Fresh Parsley: Sprinkled on top for a burst of color and freshness at the end.

How to Make Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a big pot of salted water to a boil, then cook your linguine or penne just until al dente. This is important since the pasta will finish cooking in the oven. Drain well and set aside while you get the rest of the ingredients ready.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter with the olive oil. When the butter is foamy, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about a minute, just until the garlic becomes fragrant and lightly golden, releasing its irresistible aroma.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Pour in the white wine (or chicken broth), then stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper. Let this simmer for 2 to 3 minutes so the flavors meld and the liquid reduces slightly, making a luscious sauce for the shrimp and pasta.

Step 4: Cook the Shrimp

Add the shrimp to the skillet, tossing them gently in the sauce. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, just until they start turning pink and become opaque. Be careful not to overcook them since they’ll get a little more time in the oven.

Step 5: Combine and Layer

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shrimp mixture, and grated Parmesan cheese. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated and the shrimp are evenly distributed. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

Step 6: Add the Cheese and Bake

Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top, covering every nook and cranny. Bake in your preheated 375°F oven for 12 to 15 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and starting to turn golden at the edges.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Remove your Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake from the oven and shower it with a generous handful of fresh chopped parsley. Serve hot and get ready to bask in the compliments!

How to Serve Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

Garnishes

After baking, a sprinkle of fresh parsley adds color and a burst of herby freshness. Try a dusting of extra Parmesan, a twist of lemon, or even a few lemon zest curls for a restaurant-worthy finish. Those little touches make every plate pop!

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette or some roasted asparagus for extra color. Don’t forget warm, crusty bread on the side to soak up every last drop of the garlicky sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, serve your Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake in individual ramekins for a personal touch. You can also scoop portions into shallow bowls and top with extra cheese, broiling for a minute or two for a bubbly, golden crown. A lemon wedge on each plate adds a bright, zesty accent.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. It keeps well for up to three days, and the flavors often get even better as they mingle in the fridge.

Freezing

If you want to freeze your pasta bake, let it cool completely, then wrap tightly in foil and transfer to a freezer-safe container. It will keep for up to two months. For best results, freeze before baking and add the cheese just before popping it in the oven.

Reheating

To reheat, cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F until heated through, about 20 minutes. For individual portions, a microwave works in a pinch, but reheating in the oven keeps the cheese melty and prevents the shrimp from getting rubbery.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking so they don’t release excess water into the sauce.

What’s the best pasta shape for this recipe?

Both linguine and penne work beautifully in Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake. Penne holds the sauce inside its tubes, while linguine gives you that classic scampi feel—choose whichever you love best!

Is there a non-alcoholic substitute for the white wine?

Yes, you can use chicken broth in place of white wine. It still gives plenty of depth and flavor without any alcohol—perfect for family dinners.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the pasta bake (without baking), cover, and refrigerate for up to a day. When ready to serve, sprinkle with cheese and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if baking from cold.

How do I keep the shrimp from overcooking?

The key is to cook the shrimp just until they turn pink in the skillet, then let them finish in the oven. If using pre-cooked shrimp, add them at the very end just to warm through before baking.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something both comforting and a little bit fancy, Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is the answer. It has everything—creamy sauce, succulent shrimp, and that irresistible cheesy crust. Give it a try, and watch it become a new favorite at your table. You’re going to love every bite!

Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe

4.7 from 7 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A flavorful Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake combining tender linguine, succulent shrimp, and a zesty garlic lemon sauce, topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese for a comforting Italian-American main course ideal for weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Shrimp

12 oz linguine or penne pasta
1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

Sauce and Seasonings

3 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/2 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Cheeses and Garnish

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F to prepare for baking the assembled dish.
Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the linguine or penne until al dente, then drain and set aside.
Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
Deglaze and Simmer: Stir in white wine or chicken broth, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly and intensify flavors.
Cook Shrimp: Add the peeled shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2–3 minutes, just until they begin to turn pink and are opaque.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Remove the skillet from heat, then toss the cooked pasta with the shrimp mixture and grated Parmesan cheese in a large mixing bowl.
Assemble Bake: Transfer the pasta and shrimp mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Evenly sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top.
Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 12–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top, and serve the dish hot for best flavor and texture.