Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

If you’re a pasta lover like me, there’s something magical about a dish that combines succulent shrimp, creamy sauce, and melted cheese. This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is not only incredibly flavorful but also makes for a stunning centerpiece at any dinner table. It’s like taking the comfort of pasta and the elegance of shrimp scampi to a whole new level. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or even date nights, this recipe is as versatile as it is delicious.

Let’s dive into the creamy, cheesy, and slightly zesty world of Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake. Trust me, you’ll want to make this again and again.

Why This Recipe is Special

There’s nothing quite like a baked pasta dish. The crispy, golden cheese topping combined with tender shrimp and perfectly al dente pasta will have your guests coming back for seconds (and thirds). What I love most about this recipe is how it takes the classic shrimp scampi and transforms it into a cozy, hearty bake. It’s a little indulgent, a lot delicious, and surprisingly simple to make.

Getting Started: Prep and Pasta

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of the recipe, let’s talk about the backbone of this dish: the pasta and shrimp.

1️⃣ Preheat Your Oven: First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the dish bakes evenly once it’s assembled.

2️⃣ Cook the Pasta: Grab your favorite type of long pasta—linguine or spaghetti work beautifully here. Cook it in salted boiling water according to the package instructions until al dente. This is important because the pasta will continue cooking in the oven, and you don’t want it to end up mushy.

Pro Tip: Save a cup of pasta water before draining in case you want to loosen the sauce later.

3️⃣ Drain and Set Aside: Once the pasta is ready, drain it and set it aside while you prepare the sauce and shrimp.

Building Flavor: Garlic, Butter, and Shrimp

This is where the magic happens! Shrimp and garlic butter are a match made in heaven, and the addition of lemon zest and red pepper flakes adds a vibrant zing.

3️⃣ Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and a pinch of red pepper flakes, sautéing until fragrant—about a minute. The aroma of garlic sizzling in butter is one of the best things in life, don’t you think?

4️⃣ Cook the Shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them—they’ll bake in the oven later. Remove the shrimp and set them aside.

Creating the Sauce: Creamy, Dreamy Goodness

A good sauce can make or break a pasta bake, and this one is a winner. Creamy, zesty, and just the right amount of cheesy, it ties everything together beautifully.

5️⃣ Deglaze the Pan: Pour in ½ cup of white wine (or chicken broth if you’re skipping the alcohol). Scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan—this adds incredible flavor. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes.

6️⃣ Add Lemon and Cream: Stir in the juice and zest of one lemon, followed by 1 cup of heavy cream. Let the sauce come to a gentle simmer. At this point, your kitchen will smell divine.

7️⃣ Finish with Parmesan: Stir in ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt into the sauce. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed.

With the pasta cooked, the shrimp perfectly sautéed, and the creamy sauce ready to go, it’s time to bring everything together. This is where the magic happens—layering all those delicious components into a baking dish and letting the oven do the rest. Your kitchen is about to smell incredible!

Combining the Pasta and Sauce

This step is where you marry all those vibrant flavors, ensuring every strand of pasta is coated in creamy, lemony goodness.

1️⃣ Toss the Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Use tongs or a large spoon to toss the noodles, making sure they’re evenly coated in that luscious creamy sauce.

Pro Tip: If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up. This ensures a silky, restaurant-quality finish.

2️⃣ Season to Taste: Give the pasta a quick taste test and adjust the seasoning as needed. A pinch more salt? A dash of pepper? Maybe an extra squeeze of lemon for brightness? Now’s your chance to perfect the flavor.

Building the Bake: Layers of Flavor

Now for the fun part: assembling the dish. Think of this as building layers of deliciousness, with each component adding its own unique touch.

3️⃣ Transfer to a Baking Dish: Pour the pasta and sauce mixture into a large baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Don’t forget to scrape out every last drop of that sauce—you don’t want to waste a single bit.

4️⃣ Add the Shrimp: Arrange the cooked shrimp on top of the pasta. Try to spread them out evenly so every serving gets a few pieces of shrimp.

The Cheesy Finale

What’s a pasta bake without a gooey, golden layer of cheese? This is where things get irresistibly indulgent.

5️⃣ Sprinkle the Cheese: Evenly sprinkle ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella over the top. The combination of these cheeses creates a beautifully melty and slightly crispy topping.

6️⃣ Bake to Perfection: Place the baking dish in your preheated oven (375°F/190°C) and bake for 15–20 minutes. The goal is to let the cheese melt into a bubbly, golden crust. Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes to avoid over-browning.

Pro Tip: For an extra crispy topping, switch your oven to broil for the final 1–2 minutes. Just be sure to watch it closely to prevent burning.

The Finishing Touch: Garnish and Serve

Once your pasta bake is out of the oven, the finishing touches make all the difference.

7️⃣ Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of freshly chopped parsley over the dish. This adds a pop of color and a fresh, herby flavor that complements the richness of the bake.

8️⃣ Serve Hot: Let the dish cool for a couple of minutes before serving. This brief resting time allows the sauce to set slightly, making it easier to plate.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Pasta Bake

Use Fresh Shrimp: Fresh (or properly thawed) shrimp is key to achieving the best flavor and texture. Frozen shrimp works well too, but make sure they’re fully thawed and patted dry before cooking.
Experiment with Cheeses: While mozzarella and Parmesan are classics, feel free to swap in Gruyère, Fontina, or Asiago for a unique twist.
Add Veggies: Want to sneak in some veggies? Toss in spinach, cherry tomatoes, or sautéed mushrooms for added nutrients and flavor.

You’ve made it this far, and your Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is sure to impress. But before we wrap things up, let’s tackle some common questions about this dish. Whether you’re wondering about substitutions, storage tips, or how to make it even more amazing, I’ve got you covered.

FAQ: Everything You Need to Know

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While linguine and spaghetti are traditional choices, you can use any pasta you love or have on hand. Penne, fettuccine, or even shells work wonderfully to soak up the creamy sauce.

2. What if I don’t have white wine?
No problem! You can substitute chicken broth for a non-alcoholic option. It still adds depth of flavor without the wine.

3. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the dish up to the point of adding the cheese. Cover it tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add an extra 5–10 minutes to the cooking time to ensure it heats through.

4. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat individual portions in the microwave, or place the entire dish (covered with foil) in a 350°F oven until heated through. If the sauce seems too thick, stir in a splash of milk or cream to loosen it up.

5. Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
While fresh shrimp is best, you can use pre-cooked shrimp if that’s what you have. Just skip the cooking step for the shrimp and add them to the pasta right before assembling the bake.

6. How can I make this dairy-free?
For a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with olive oil, the heavy cream with coconut cream, and use a dairy-free cheese alternative for the topping.

7. Is this dish freezer-friendly?
Yes, this bake freezes well! Assemble the dish (without baking), cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, bake directly from frozen at 375°F, adding 15–20 minutes to the cooking time.

Conclusion: A Dish Worth Sharing

This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake isn’t just a recipe—it’s an experience. From the vibrant flavors of lemon and garlic to the indulgent creaminess of the sauce and cheese, every bite is a celebration of comfort and elegance. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just treating yourself to something special, this dish delivers on all fronts.