Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

If you love the bright, garlicky, and buttery flavors of classic shrimp scampi but crave something a little heartier, this Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is about to steal your heart. Picture this: juicy, succulent shrimp swimming in a rich, buttery garlic sauce, tossed with perfectly al dente pasta, plenty of Parmesan and mozzarella, and a hint of lemon for brightness all baked until golden and bubbling. Oh, and let’s not forget the crispy, toasty breadcrumb topping that gives every bite the perfect amount of crunch.

This dish is everything: savory, comforting, slightly indulgent, yet still fresh and vibrant. It’s the best of both worlds elegant enough for a dinner party but cozy and easy enough for a weeknight meal. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll be making it on repeat!

Why You’ll Love Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

• All the flavors of shrimp scampi, but extra comforting – It’s garlicky, buttery, cheesy, and baked to perfection.
• Quick and easy to make – No complicated steps, just a simple toss-together and bake!
• Perfect for any occasion – Fancy enough for guests, but easy enough for a lazy Sunday dinner.
• Make-ahead friendly – Assemble in advance and bake when you’re ready!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this irresistible shrimp scampi pasta bake:

• Shrimp – The star of the show! Use fresh or thawed frozen shrimp. Go for medium or large shrimp so they stay juicy.
• Pasta – Choose a sturdy, ridged pasta like penne, rigatoni, or ziti to hold onto all that amazing sauce.
• Butter & Olive Oil – The ultimate combo for rich, garlicky flavor.
• Garlic – Freshly minced for bold, fragrant deliciousness (shrimp and garlic are best friends!).
• Lemon Juice & Zest – Brightens up the dish and balances out the richness.
• White Wine (or Chicken Broth) – Adds depth to the sauce; the alcohol cooks off, leaving behind incredible flavor.
• Parmesan Cheese – Salty, nutty, and absolutely essential for that perfect scampi taste.
• Mozzarella Cheese – For melty, gooey goodness in every bite.
• Red Pepper Flakes – Just a pinch for a little warmth and spice.
• Parsley – Fresh, herby brightness to balance everything out.
• Breadcrumbs – The golden, crispy topping that makes this dish next-level.
• Salt & Black Pepper – To enhance all the flavors.

👉 Note: The full ingredient list with measurements is in the recipe card below!

How to Make Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta just until al dente. It will continue to cook in the oven, so don’t overdo it! Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp

• In a large skillet, melt the butter and add a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat.
• Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant (be careful not to burn it!).
• Toss in the shrimp, season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes, and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until just pink and opaque.
• Pour in the white wine (or chicken broth) and let it simmer for a minute to enhance the flavor.
• Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice and zest for that signature scampi brightness.

Step 3: Assemble the Bake

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shrimp, and sauce.
• Stir in Parmesan and half of the mozzarella until everything is coated in cheesy, garlicky goodness.
• Transfer to a lightly greased baking dish and spread evenly.

Step 4: Add the Topping

• Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the top.
• In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs with a little melted butter and scatter over the dish for a crispy, golden topping.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

• Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
• Remove from the oven and sprinkle with fresh parsley.

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy!

• Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving (if you can resist!).

Pro Tips for Making Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

• Don’t overcook the shrimp! They cook quickly, so take them off the heat as soon as they turn pink. Overcooked shrimp get rubbery!
• Use freshly grated cheese. Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that can make your sauce grainy.
• Want a creamier version? Stir in a little heavy cream or cream cheese before baking.
• For extra crunch, mix some grated Parmesan into the breadcrumbs before topping.

How to Serve Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

This dish is satisfying on its own, but here are a few ways to make it even better:

• Pair it with a crisp green salad – A simple arugula or Caesar salad adds freshness.
• Serve with crusty garlic bread – Because more garlic and carbs = happiness.
• A glass of white wine – A Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio pairs perfectly.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• This dish freezes beautifully! Assemble everything, but don’t bake it. Cover tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
• When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.

Reheating

• Oven: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out.
• Microwave: Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring occasionally.

FAQs about Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

More Delicious Recipes to Try

If you love comforting and hearty pasta dishes like this Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake, here are a few more must-try recipes that will bring warmth and flavor to your table:

• Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna – A simple, hands-off lasagna made in the slow cooker! Layers of cheesy ravioli, savory meat sauce, and melted cheese make this dish an effortless weeknight favorite.
• Ultimate Ditalini Pasta Recipe Guide – Discover the versatility of ditalini pasta! From hearty soups to fresh salads, this guide will help you make the most of this tiny but mighty pasta.
• Italian Meatball Soup – A rich, flavorful soup loaded with tender meatballs, vegetables, and pasta in a deliciously seasoned broth perfect for cozy nights.

Conclusion

There you have it a Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake that’s bursting with garlicky, buttery goodness, rich cheesy flavors, and just the right touch of lemony brightness. It’s the ultimate combination of comfort food and elegance, perfect for any occasion, whether you’re whipping up a weeknight dinner or impressing guests at a dinner party.

This recipe is as easy as it is delicious, with simple ingredients coming together in a way that feels both indulgent and fresh. Plus, with its make-ahead and freezer-friendly options, you can always have a batch ready to pop in the oven whenever the craving strikes.

So, what are you waiting for? Go ahead, grab a fork, and dive into this golden, bubbly masterpiece. I promise one bite, and you’ll be hooked!

Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

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• Author: Ava
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Description

This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake combines all the garlicky, buttery goodness of shrimp scampi with the cozy comfort of baked pasta. Juicy shrimp are sautéed in a lemony garlic butter sauce, then tossed with al dente pasta, gooey mozzarella, and Parmesan before being baked to golden perfection with a crispy breadcrumb topping. It’s rich yet fresh, indulgent yet light perfect for a weeknight dinner or a fancy gathering. One bite, and you’ll be hooked!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta & Protein

• 8 oz (225g) pasta (penne, rigatoni, or ziti)
• 1 lb (450g) shrimp, peeled and deveined (medium or large)

Sauce & Seasoning

• 3 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 cup (60ml) white wine (or chicken broth)
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp lemon zest

Cheese & Toppings

• 1 cup (100g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup (30g) breadcrumbs
• 1 tbsp melted butter
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Sauté the Shrimp

• In a large skillet, melt butter with a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat.
• Add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
• Toss in the shrimp, season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes, and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
• Pour in the white wine (or chicken broth) and let it simmer for about a minute to enhance the flavor.
• Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice and zest.

3. Assemble the Bake

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shrimp, and scampi sauce.
• Stir in Parmesan and half of the mozzarella until well coated.
• Transfer to a greased baking dish and spread evenly.

4. Add the Topping

• Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the dish.
• In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter, then scatter over the top for extra crunch.

5. Bake to Perfection

• Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
• Remove from the oven and sprinkle with fresh parsley.

6. Serve & Enjoy!

Let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy warm!

Notes

• Don’t overcook the shrimp! Shrimp cook quickly, so remove them from heat as soon as they turn pink to avoid a rubbery texture.
• Use freshly grated cheese for better melting and flavor. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that affect texture.
• For a creamier bake, stir in a little heavy cream or cream cheese before baking.
• Want extra crunch? Mix grated Parmesan into the breadcrumbs before adding the topping.
• For a wine-free version, replace the white wine with chicken broth or extra lemon juice.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Pasta, Seafood
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Keywords: shrimp scampi pasta bake, baked shrimp pasta, cheesy shrimp pasta, shrimp pasta dinner, easy seafood pasta, shrimp bake recipe, pasta bake with shrimp, garlicky shrimp pasta