Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

Shrimp scampi pasta is the kind of dish that instantly transports you to a cozy kitchen filled with the smell of garlic and butter. This baked version adds a creamy twist and golden cheesy topping, making it a full-on comfort food classic. Whether you’re serving a weeknight family dinner or a casual gathering with friends, this shrimp scampi pasta bake is sure to be the highlight of your table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

this recipe

• Combines classic shrimp scampi flavors with cheesy pasta bake comfort
• Quick and easy—just 40 minutes from prep to plate
• Great for meal prep or make-ahead dinners
• Packed with protein, flavor, and creamy texture
• Easily customizable with seasonal veggies or dietary swaps

Ingredients

• 12 oz penne or linguine pasta
• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• 1/2 cup dry white wine or seafood broth
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

1. Prep oven and dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
2. Cook pasta: Boil pasta until just al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water, then drain.
3. Sauté aromatics: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Cook shrimp: Add shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and sauté until pink (2–3 minutes). Remove shrimp and set aside.
5. Make sauce: Deglaze skillet with wine or broth. Add cream, lemon zest and juice, Parmesan, and reserved pasta water. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
6. Combine: Toss in cooked pasta and mix until fully coated. Fold in shrimp gently.
7. Bake: Pour mixture into the baking dish. Top with mozzarella and bake for 15–20 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
8. Finish & serve: Sprinkle with parsley. Let rest 2 minutes before serving hot.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Skill Level: Easy
Method: Baked

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 580
Protein: 36g
Carbs: 35g
Fat: 32g
Sodium: 720mg
Cholesterol: 210mg
Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 3g

Tips & Variations

Make It Lighter

• Use half-and-half or Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream
• Try whole wheat or chickpea pasta
• Add greens like spinach or kale

Ingredient Swaps

• Mozzarella → Gruyère or Fontina
• Shrimp → Chicken, tofu, or scallops
• Broth → Dry white wine or veggie broth

Storage Tips

• Store leftovers in fridge up to 3 days
• Reheat with a splash of cream to keep it saucy
• Assemble ahead, bake later

Flavor Boosts

• Add sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers
• Sprinkle red chili flakes before serving for heat
• Garnish with toasted breadcrumbs for extra crunch

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes—just thaw them fully and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture.

What if I don’t have heavy cream?
Use half-and-half, evaporated milk, or unsweetened Greek yogurt for a lighter base.

Can this be made ahead?
Absolutely! Assemble everything in the baking dish and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake.

Is this gluten-free?
It can be! Use gluten-free pasta and check labels on cheese and broth.

Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

Creamy shrimp scampi pasta meets baked cheesy goodness in this quick and comforting dinner favorite.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 580

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• – 12 oz penne or linguine pasta
• – 1 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined
• – 4 tbsp butter
• – 4 garlic cloves minced
• – 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes optional
• – 1 cup heavy cream
• – 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
• – 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• – Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• – 1/2 cup white wine or seafood broth
• – Salt & black pepper to taste
• – 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Equipment

• Large skillet
• Saucepan
• – 9×13″ baking dish
• Mixing spoon
• – Grater

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease baking dish.
2. Cook pasta until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water. Drain.
3. In a skillet, melt butter. Sauté garlic and pepper flakes for 1 min.
4. Add shrimp, season, and cook until pink. Remove shrimp.
5. Deglaze with wine/broth. Add cream, lemon juice/zest, Parmesan, and pasta water. Simmer.
6. Add pasta, stir to coat. Gently fold in shrimp.
7. Pour into baking dish. Top with mozzarella.
8. Bake for 15–20 minutes or until golden and bubbly.
9. Garnish with parsley. Rest 2 minutes. Serve hot.

Notes

– Assemble ahead and refrigerate until ready to bake
– Reheat with a splash of broth or cream to maintain creaminess

Conclusion

This shrimp scampi pasta bake is the ultimate comfort meal—juicy shrimp, a garlicky lemon cream sauce, and a bubbling layer of mozzarella. It’s a dish that satisfies all the cravings, and it’s as easy to make as it is to love. Keep it in your rotation for cozy nights, dinner guests, or any time you want to treat yourself to something indulgent yet easy.