Zesty Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe: Comfort in Every Bite

Pasta nights take an unexpected twist with this delectable shrimp scampi pasta bake that promises pure comfort.

Creamy textures blend seamlessly with succulent seafood and aromatic herbs.

Mediterranean influences shine through every delightful bite of this dish.

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this recipe delivers incredible flavor without complicated techniques.

Quick preparation meets restaurant-quality results in a casserole that feels luxurious yet simple.

Marinara and garlic create a harmonious backdrop for tender shrimp nestled among perfectly cooked noodles.

Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake: Creamy Seafood Pasta Worth Making

• Savor Quick Weeknight Comfort: Perfect for busy families needing delicious meals in under 30 minutes.
• Customize with Ease: Swap shrimp for chicken or use gluten-free pasta to suit dietary preferences and ingredient availability.
• Restaurant-Quality Flavor at Home: Creamy, cheesy pasta with garlicky shrimp delivers gourmet taste without expensive restaurant prices.
• Minimal Cleanup Hero: One-pan cooking method and simple ingredients mean less time washing dishes and more time enjoying dinner together.

Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Essentials

• Shrimp: Sweet and tender seafood that provides the primary protein for the dish, best when fresh and deveined.
• Pasta: Classic penne or ziti serves as the hearty base of the casserole, holds sauce well.

• Butter: Adds rich flavor and helps create a smooth sauce base.
• Heavy Cream, Parmesan Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Create a creamy, luxurious texture with deep, complex cheese flavors, great for melting and binding the dish.

• Garlic: Provides a robust, aromatic foundation for the sauce, essential for authentic scampi flavor.
• White Wine (or Chicken Broth): Adds depth and subtle complexity to the sauce, helps deglaze the pan.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens the entire dish with a fresh, tangy note.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces a gentle heat and subtle spiciness.
• Parsley: Fresh herb that adds color and a light, clean finish.
• Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings to balance and enhance all other flavors.

Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake in Simple Steps

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Set your oven to a toasty 375°F.

Grab a baking dish and give it a light coating of cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Boil Perfect Pasta

Cook your pasta until it’s perfectly tender but still has a slight bite.

Drain and set aside, ready for its flavor transformation.

Step 3: Sizzle Garlic in Butter

Melt butter in a large skillet, then add minced garlic.

Let it dance and release its aromatic magic until fragrant and golden.

Step 4: Bring Shrimp to Life

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Red pepper flakes

Cook until the shrimp turn a beautiful pink and curl up slightly.

Step 5: Create a Magical Sauce

Pour in white wine and fresh lemon juice.

Let the liquid bubble and reduce for a couple of minutes, concentrating those incredible flavors.

Step 6: Add Creamy Richness

Stir in heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese.

Watch the sauce transform into a luxurious, velvety coating.

Step 7: Combine Pasta and Shrimp

Mix the cooked pasta into the creamy shrimp sauce, ensuring every strand gets a delicious coating.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Transfer the entire mixture to your prepared baking dish.

Sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top for a golden, melty finish.

Bake for 15 minutes until everything is heated through.

Step 9: Create a Golden Crust

Switch your oven to broil.

Let the top turn a gorgeous golden brown for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.

Step 10: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top.

Serve immediately while hot and bubbling, ready to wow your dinner guests.

Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake With Creamy Oven-Bake Guidance

• Boil pasta just until al dente to maintain perfect texture, as it will continue cooking in the oven during baking.
• Adjust red pepper flakes according to your heat preference, starting with a small amount and adding more gradually.
• Use fresh, high-quality shrimp and remove tails before cooking for easier eating and more elegant presentation.
• Stir Parmesan cheese slowly into the sauce to prevent clumping and ensure smooth, silky texture.
• Swap mozzarella with provolone or gruyère for different flavor profiles and exciting taste variations.

Warm Shrimp Pasta Bake Without Overbaking

• Store leftover shrimp scampi pasta bake in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap tightly in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil, preserving the dish for up to 2 months without compromising flavor.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, cover with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through, maintaining creamy texture.
• Place portion on microwave-safe plate, cover with damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute warmth evenly.

Pasta Side Pairings for Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

• Crisp Sauvignon Blanc Pairing: Elevate the shrimp scampi pasta bake with a chilled Sauvignon Blanc, whose bright acidity and citrus notes beautifully complement the lemony, garlicky shrimp and cut through the creamy richness.
• Herbaceous Salad Companion: Serve a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette alongside the dish, adding a fresh, peppery counterpoint to the rich, creamy pasta that cleanses the palate between bites.
• Crusty Garlic Bread Sidekick: Pair with warm, toasted garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce, providing a crunchy texture that contrasts with the tender shrimp and creamy pasta.
• Chardonnay Alternative Beverage: For wine lovers preferring a fuller-bodied option, an oaked Chardonnay offers buttery undertones that harmonize perfectly with the dish's creamy Parmesan and butter elements.

Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake with Cheesy Layers

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace regular pasta with gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles. Use cornstarch instead of flour for thickening sauce.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese. Choose dairy-free mozzarella for topping.
• Lighter Seafood Option: Substitute shrimp with scallops or crab meat. Reduce butter quantity and use olive oil. Add extra herbs like basil or dill for flavor boost.
• Vegetarian Adaptation: Replace shrimp with roasted vegetables like asparagus, mushrooms, and bell peppers. Use plant-based cheese alternatives and maintain creamy sauce consistency.

FAQs

• What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

Linguine or spaghetti are perfect choices because they absorb the creamy sauce well and create a delicious texture that complements the shrimp perfectly.

• Can I use frozen shrimp for this dish?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking to prevent excess moisture that could make the dish watery.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The red pepper flakes add a mild kick, but you can easily adjust the heat by reducing or increasing the amount to suit your personal taste preference.

• How do I know when the shrimp are cooked properly?

Shrimp are done when they turn pink and curl into a loose “C” shape, which typically takes about 2-3 minutes per side in the skillet.

Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe

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4.8 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent shrimp scampi pasta bake delivers Mediterranean coastal comfort with garlic-kissed noodles and plump seafood. Creamy parmesan and herbs create a luxurious dinner perfect for gathering loved ones around the table.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 1 pound (1 lb) shrimp, peeled and deveined

Starches:

• 12 ounces (12 oz) pasta (penne or ziti)

Dairy and Cheese:

• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 4 tablespoons (4 tbsp) butter
• 1 cup heavy cream

Seasonings and Herbs:

• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon (1 tbsp) chopped parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon (1/2 tsp) red pepper flakes
• 1 tablespoon (1 tbsp) lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Liquid:

• 1/2 cup white wine (or chicken broth)

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Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 375°F and prepare a baking dish with a light coating of oil or butter to prevent sticking.
2. Boil pasta in salted water until it reaches a tender yet firm consistency, then carefully drain and set aside.
3. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat, introducing minced garlic and sautéing until its aromatic qualities release.
4. Introduce raw shrimp to the skillet, seasoning generously with salt, cracked black pepper, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for subtle heat.
5. Cook shrimp until they transform into a vibrant pink color and curl slightly, indicating they are perfectly cooked.
6. Deglaze the pan by pouring white wine and fresh lemon juice, allowing the liquid to simmer and reduce for approximately two minutes.
7. Incorporate heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, creating a luxurious sauce that coats the shrimp and skillet.
8. Gently fold the cooked pasta into the creamy seafood mixture, ensuring every strand is thoroughly coated.
9. Transfer the entire mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly and topping with shredded mozzarella cheese.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes until the cheese melts and begins to turn golden.
11. Switch the oven to broil and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to achieve a crispy, bubbling cheese topping.
12. Remove from oven, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve immediately while warm and inviting.

Notes

• Swap shrimp with chicken or tofu for a versatile protein alternative that keeps the dish exciting for different dietary preferences.
• Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe completely celiac-friendly without compromising the rich, creamy texture.
• Reserve some pasta water before draining to help create a silkier sauce if the mixture seems too dry during mixing.
• For a lighter version, replace heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half to reduce calories while maintaining a luxurious consistency.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 680
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 550 mg
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 58 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 31 g
• Cholesterol: 220 mg