Description

Craving an easy, restaurant-quality shrimp pasta that’s garlicky, creamy, and loaded with cheese? This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake delivers buttery garlic shrimp tossed with pasta in a bright lemon cream sauce, finished under a golden blanket of mozzarella and Parmesan. It’s rich but balanced, comforting yet elegant—perfect for busy weeknights, make-ahead dinners, or a dinner party when you want a dish that looks and tastes impressive without fuss.

This baked shrimp pasta works well for meal prep, feeds a family, and appeals to anyone who loves cheesy baked pasta, seafood dishes, or classic shrimp scampi with a twist. Read on for ingredients, step-by-step instructions, storage tips, and expert notes to get the best results every time.

Why You’ll Love This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

• Shrimp are cooked in butter and garlic to build intense savory flavor before mixing with the sauce.
• Creamy, bright sauce: Heavy cream plus lemon juice and zest keeps the dish rich yet fresh.
• Cheesy, bubbly topping: A combo of Parmesan and mozzarella melts beautifully and creates an irresistible golden crust.
• Simple but elegant: The recipe is straightforward enough for a weeknight and attractive enough for guests.

Ingredients for Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

Main Ingredients

• 12 oz linguine or spaghetti (or your preferred pasta)
• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 lemon, zested and juiced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Optional Additions

• Cherry tomatoes or mushrooms for extra depth of flavor
• Spinach or kale for added greens and nutrients
• Extra crushed red pepper flakes for more heat
• Breadcrumbs mixed with olive oil for a crunchy topping

How to Make Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake – Step by Step

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
2. Cook the pasta until al dente according to package directions—it will finish cooking in the oven.
3. Drain and set the pasta aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic & Shrimp

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter.
2. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add the shrimp and cook until pink and opaque, about 3–4 minutes. Remove the shrimp and set aside.

Step 4: Prepare the Creamy Garlic Butter Sauce

1. Pour the chicken broth into the skillet and simmer 1–2 minutes, scraping up any browned bits.
2. Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and heavy cream.
3. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly until slightly thickened.

Step 5: Toss Pasta in the Sauce

Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat thoroughly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 6: Assemble the Pasta Bake

Transfer the sauced pasta to a large baking dish. Arrange the cooked shrimp evenly across the top.

Step 7: Add Cheese & Bake

Sprinkle grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella evenly over the pasta. Optional: add a light sprinkle of breadcrumbs mixed with a little olive oil for crunch. Bake for 15–20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the top is lightly golden.

Step 8: Garnish & Serve

Remove from the oven, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley, and serve immediately while hot.

Expert Tips for the Best Cheesy Shrimp Pasta Bake

• Use good-quality shrimp—fresh or properly thawed frozen shrimp give the best texture and flavor.
• Cook the pasta al dente so it doesn’t become mushy after baking.
• Balance richness with brightness: lemon zest and juice cut through the cream for a fresher finish.
• Mix cheeses for flavor and meltability—Parmesan adds savory depth while mozzarella gives a smooth, bubbly top.
• For texture, sprinkle panko mixed with a little olive oil on top before baking.

Serving Suggestions – What to Serve With Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

• Garlic bread or crusty baguette to soak up the sauce
• Simple Caesar, mixed green, or arugula salad to add freshness
• Steamed or roasted vegetables, like asparagus or broccoli

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 520
• Protein: 32 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fat: 24 g
• Fiber: 3 g

Nutrition will vary based on exact ingredients and portion sizes.

Storage & Reheating Tips

Refrigerator

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring between heats to keep the sauce creamy.

Freezer

This dish can be frozen for up to three months. Cool completely, wrap tightly or use a freezer-safe container, then thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to use fresh shrimp?

Frozen shrimp are fine; just be sure to thaw and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture.

What can I use instead of white wine?

Substitute chicken broth or extra lemon juice if you prefer not to use wine.

Can I assemble this ahead of time?

Yes. Assemble the dish, refrigerate, and bake when ready—this makes a great make-ahead meal.

What other cheeses work well?

Gruyère, Asiago, or Romano can be used in place of or alongside Parmesan for extra flavor.

More Delicious Recipes to Try

• Chicken Avocado Melt Sandwich – Best grilled recipe
• Black Pepper Chicken – Easy stir-fry

Final Thoughts

This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is a creamy, garlicky, and cheesy baked pasta that satisfies both comfort-food cravings and a desire for something a little special. It’s versatile, reheats well, and can be dressed up or kept simple depending on the occasion. Try it tonight for a delicious weeknight dinner or prepare it ahead for an elegant yet effortless meal when guests arrive.

Please try the recipe and share how it turned out in the comments or with friends and family—this is a great crowd-pleaser that often becomes a new favorite.