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!
Ingredients
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
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