The beauty of this Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake lies in its perfect blend of luxury and comfort. The tender shrimp are sautéed in buttery garlic, kissed with fresh lemon, and folded into a velvety cream sauce. Everything is layered with love and crowned with golden, bubbly cheese for a dish that looks impressive and tastes even better.
Whether you’re serving it for a cozy family dinner or dazzling your guests at a gathering, this baked pasta hits all the right notes. The creamy sauce clings to the pasta just right, the citrus adds brightness, and that cheesy crust—oh my! This is the kind of recipe that creates memories around the table.
Full Recipe:
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12 oz linguine or spaghetti
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1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
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4 tablespoons butter
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
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1/2 cup white wine or chicken broth
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1 lemon, juiced and zested
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1 cup heavy cream
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1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
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Salt and pepper to taste
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2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
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Add shrimp and cook for 3–4 minutes until pink and opaque. Remove from skillet and set aside.
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Pour white wine or chicken broth into the skillet, scraping up the browned bits. Simmer for 2 minutes.
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Stir in lemon juice, zest, and heavy cream. Simmer gently for a few minutes.
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Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce, season with salt and pepper.
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Transfer the pasta mixture to a baking dish and arrange shrimp on top.
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Sprinkle Parmesan and mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
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Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
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Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 525 kcal | Servings: 4
The Cozy Elegance of Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake
Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is the delicious result of combining two universally loved comfort foods: the bright, garlicky charm of shrimp scampi and the cozy, melty goodness of a baked pasta casserole. It’s a dish that feels equally at home on a casual Tuesday night dinner table or as the centerpiece of a special occasion meal. With its rich yet balanced flavors, velvety sauce, and irresistible cheesy topping, this dish has quickly become a go-to favorite for seafood and pasta lovers alike.
A Fusion of Classic and Comfort
Traditional shrimp scampi is a beloved Italian-American dish typically made with sautéed shrimp, garlic, lemon juice, butter, and white wine. It’s often served over pasta and celebrated for its quick cooking time and fresh, zingy flavor. The Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake takes that foundation and builds on it—elevating the simple scampi experience with the added depth of a baked, creamy pasta casserole. The result is not only more filling but more texturally dynamic thanks to its golden cheesy top and tender shrimp nestled in saucy, al dente noodles.
This fusion satisfies on multiple sensory levels: the creaminess of the sauce, the crunch from the baked cheese, the tenderness of the shrimp, and the brightness of the citrus. It’s one of those dishes that gets better with every bite.
Why This Dish Works So Well
There are a few key elements that make this dish such a crowd-pleaser. First is the harmony of flavors. The briny, slightly sweet shrimp are naturally complemented by the garlic-butter base. Adding lemon brings a much-needed acidity that cuts through the richness of the cream and cheese, ensuring the dish never feels too heavy. Red pepper flakes, while optional, bring just enough heat to balance the creamy sauce without overwhelming the palate.
Second is the texture. Baked pasta dishes often fall into the trap of being too dry or too mushy. This version strikes the perfect balance with its luscious sauce that clings to the pasta while still offering that classic baked cheese crust on top. The shrimp are added in at just the right time, ensuring they remain juicy and tender rather than rubbery.
Lastly, it’s the versatility of the bake that makes it shine. Whether you’re serving picky eaters, pescatarians, or fans of bold flavors, this dish can be customized to fit your needs. Add vegetables like spinach, asparagus, or cherry tomatoes for a nutritional boost, or swap the pasta type to suit gluten-free diets.
Perfect for Make-Ahead and Meal Prep
One of the most convenient features of the Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is its make-ahead friendliness. You can prepare the dish in full, refrigerate it, and then simply bake it off when ready to serve. This makes it ideal for busy households, entertaining guests, or hosting gatherings where cooking everything last-minute is not an option.
For meal preppers, the bake stores beautifully in the fridge for up to three days and reheats well either in the oven or microwave. It also freezes nicely—just wrap it tightly in foil and store it in a freezer-safe dish. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.
It’s meals like this that make weeknight dinners feel less like a chore and more like a small celebration.
Tips for the Best Pasta Bake Experience
Even though this recipe is simple and forgiving, a few pro tips can take it from great to absolutely unforgettable:
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Use good-quality shrimp. Fresh or properly thawed frozen shrimp work well. Make sure they’re peeled and deveined for ease.
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Cook the pasta just to al dente. It will continue cooking in the oven, and overcooked pasta can become mushy.
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Don’t skimp on the garlic. It’s the aromatic backbone of the dish and essential for that classic scampi flavor.
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Layer your cheeses. Use a combination of mozzarella for meltiness and Parmesan for that salty, umami punch.
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Let it rest after baking. Just 5 minutes of resting allows the cheese to set slightly and the sauce to thicken for the perfect bite.
These little touches may seem minor, but they add up to a restaurant-quality experience at your dinner table.
Variations to Try
One of the joys of this recipe is how adaptable it is. If shrimp isn’t your thing or you’re just looking to mix it up, there are plenty of alternatives and additions you can try.
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Protein swaps: Chicken, scallops, or crab meat can replace shrimp for a slightly different but equally delicious result.
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Vegetarian twist: Omit the shrimp entirely and bulk up with mushrooms, spinach, or artichokes.
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Herb upgrades: While parsley is classic, try basil, dill, or tarragon for a different aromatic profile.
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Spicy version: Amp up the red pepper flakes or stir in a bit of Cajun seasoning for a southern-style kick.
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Wine substitute: If you don’t cook with alcohol, chicken broth and a little extra lemon juice are perfect non-alcoholic substitutes.
Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters or adventurous foodies, there’s room to make this dish your own.
Pairing Suggestions for a Full Meal
To complete the meal, pair your Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake with sides that complement its richness and brightness:
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Salad: A crisp green salad with arugula, cherry tomatoes, and a lemon vinaigrette adds freshness.
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Bread: Crusty garlic bread or focaccia is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce.
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Vegetables: Roasted asparagus or steamed green beans bring a light, vegetal balance.
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Wine: A chilled Sauvignon Blanc or a crisp Pinot Grigio pairs beautifully with the lemon and seafood flavors.
These thoughtful additions turn a simple pasta bake into a full dining experience.
Why Families Love It
Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is a hit with families because it delivers gourmet flavor without complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients. Kids love the cheesy, creamy noodles, while adults appreciate the elegance and brightness that the shrimp and lemon bring. It’s also incredibly satisfying and filling, making it ideal for feeding a crowd without doubling your workload.
It’s a fantastic dish to teach beginner cooks as well—it introduces essential kitchen skills like sautéing, deglazing, and balancing flavors, but without being intimidating. Plus, it’s visually stunning when pulled hot from the oven, with its bubbling golden cheese and flecks of green parsley on top.
The Magic of One-Pan Meals
There’s something inherently comforting and practical about one-pan or one-dish meals. Fewer dishes to clean, less mess in the kitchen, and more time spent enjoying the food rather than worrying about prep and cleanup. Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake fits perfectly into this category. By building your sauce in the same pan you cooked your shrimp in, and then transferring everything into a baking dish, you’re maximizing flavor and minimizing hassle.
For home cooks who appreciate efficiency without sacrificing taste, this dish is a lifesaver.
Conclusion: A Dish Worth Repeating
Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is more than just another pasta recipe—it’s a delightful fusion of classic coastal flavors and soul-warming comfort food. It invites you to sit down, slow down, and enjoy a well-prepared meal with your loved ones. It’s elegant without being fussy, rich without being overwhelming, and customizable to whatever your pantry or palate requires.
Whether you’re trying it for the first time or it’s already part of your family’s rotation, this dish has a way of making ordinary dinners feel like special occasions. So light a candle, pour a glass of white wine, and dig in. Because meals like this are what food memories are made of.