Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe

There's nothing quite like the comforting aroma of garlic, butter, and shrimp filling your kitchen as you prepare a hearty meal. This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake takes all the flavors of the classic dish and transforms them into a creamy, cheesy, oven-baked delight the whole family will love.

I first made this dish when I wanted to elevate a simple shrimp scampi into something a bit more indulgent. By adding pasta, a luscious sauce, and a golden, bubbling cheese topping, this dish quickly became a favorite in my home. It’s the perfect balance of elegance and comfort, ideal for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

Get ready to add a new go-to recipe to your collection. This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake has everything you love about shrimp scampi, with a creamy, baked twist that makes it even more irresistible.

First, it’s quick and easy to make. While it looks and tastes like a gourmet dish, it comes together in just about 40 minutes—perfect for a stress-free meal.

It’s also incredibly satisfying. The combination of tender shrimp, al dente pasta, and a rich, buttery sauce topped with golden, melty cheese makes every bite a dream.

If you love versatility, this recipe is for you. You can customize it with different pasta shapes, cheeses, or even extra veggies to make it suit your taste and pantry staples.

And let’s not forget how perfectly it reheats. Whether you’re making it ahead or enjoying leftovers, this pasta bake stays delicious even the next day.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this dish comes from using simple, fresh ingredients that pack a punch of flavor.

Shrimp – Opt for large or jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined. Fresh shrimp work best, but if using frozen, make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry to prevent excess moisture in the sauce.

Pasta – Short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or rotini holds onto the sauce beautifully. If you prefer a more traditional scampi feel, linguine or spaghetti also work well.

Garlic and Butter – The heart of any scampi dish! Use fresh minced garlic and unsalted butter for the best flavor.

Lemon Juice and White Wine – Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens up the dish, while dry white wine enhances the depth of flavor. If you prefer to skip the alcohol, substitute it with chicken broth.

Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese – A mix of freshly grated Parmesan for a nutty bite and mozzarella for gooey, melty goodness creates the perfect baked topping.

For best results, you’ll need a large oven-safe skillet or casserole dish to seamlessly go from stovetop to oven.

How to Make This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

This dish comes together in just a few simple steps, and the result is a baked pasta that’s creamy, cheesy, and bursting with garlicky shrimp flavor.

Start by cooking your pasta in well-salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside while you prepare the sauce.

In a large oven-safe skillet, melt butter over medium heat, then add minced garlic and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant—be careful not to burn the garlic.

Add the shrimp, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook for about 2 minutes per side, just until they turn pink. Remove them from the skillet and set aside to prevent overcooking.

Deglaze the pan with white wine (or chicken broth), scraping up any flavorful bits from the bottom. Stir in lemon juice, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese, letting everything simmer for a couple of minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

Toss in the cooked pasta and shrimp, stirring to coat everything evenly. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top. Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 375°F and bake for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Let it rest for a few minutes before serving, garnished with fresh parsley and an extra squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.

Storage Options

This pasta bake is just as delicious the next day, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers.

To store leftovers, transfer the pasta to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

For freezing, let the pasta cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It will keep well for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

To reheat, warm it in a 350°F oven, covered with foil, for about 15 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, adding a splash of broth or cream to keep the pasta from drying out.

Variations and Substitutions

This dish is endlessly adaptable, so feel free to get creative with these delicious variations!

Make it extra creamy – Stir in an extra splash of heavy cream or mascarpone cheese for a richer sauce.

Add veggies – Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted cherry tomatoes make fantastic additions to balance the richness.

Go gluten-free – Use gluten-free pasta and swap the all-purpose flour (if using as a thickener) for a gluten-free alternative like cornstarch.

Try a different protein – Not a fan of shrimp? Use diced chicken, scallops, or even lobster for an indulgent twist.

Spice it up – Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a bolder kick.

No matter how you customize it, this Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy!

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