Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe
If you love the zesty, buttery flavors of classic shrimp scampi but crave a cozy, family-style meal, this Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe will quickly become your new favorite. Imagine tender pasta twirled with juicy shrimp, garlic-infused sauce, and plenty of golden, bubbling cheese—all baked together for a dinner that’s equal parts impressive and comforting. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want leftovers for tomorrow’s lunch, this dish is the ultimate way to bring restaurant-quality seafood pasta to your own table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe pulls its weight, delivering bright flavors, creamy richness, and irresistible texture. Don’t be intimidated by the list—these are all pantry staples and fresh picks that make the final dish truly special.
- Pasta (12 oz linguine or penne): Choose your favorite shape; penne holds sauce beautifully, while linguine offers a classic, twirl-worthy strand.
- Large shrimp (1 lb, peeled and deveined): Fresh or frozen shrimp work; just make sure they’re cleaned for quick prep.
- Unsalted butter (4 tbsp): Adds richness and helps carry all the garlicky, lemony flavors through the pasta.
- Olive oil (2 tbsp): A splash of olive oil gives the sauce a silky finish and prevents the butter from burning.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): The star aromatic—don’t skimp!
- Red pepper flakes (1/4 tsp): Just a hint brings a pleasant warmth without overpowering the dish.
- Dry white wine (1/2 cup, or chicken broth): Deglazes the pan and adds a bright, subtle acidity; substitute broth if you prefer no alcohol.
- Lemon (zested and juiced): The zest and juice wake up the whole dish with fresh, citrusy notes.
- Fresh parsley (1/4 cup, chopped): Brings color and a pop of herbal brightness.
- Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup, grated): For that classic, nutty depth and a touch of saltiness.
- Mozzarella cheese (1 cup, shredded): Melts to a gooey, bubbling topping everyone loves.
- Salt and black pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning every layer just right.
How to Make Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pasta
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta until it’s just al dente—remember, it’ll finish cooking in the oven. Drain well and set aside; you want the noodles to have a bit of bite so they don’t get mushy later.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Spices
In a large skillet, melt the butter with olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, letting them sizzle for about a minute. This step is where the kitchen starts to smell absolutely heavenly—be sure not to let the garlic brown, just until it’s fragrant.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Add your cleaned shrimp to the garlicky butter and cook for 2–3 minutes, flipping once, until they’re just pink and opaque. Don’t overcook—they’ll finish in the oven. Scoop the shrimp out and set them aside to keep them juicy.
Step 4: Build the Sauce
Pour in the white wine (or chicken broth) and lemon juice, scraping up any flavorful bits stuck to the pan. Let it simmer for about 2 minutes so the alcohol cooks off and the sauce reduces slightly. Stir in the lemon zest and chopped parsley for that signature Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe brightness.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add your cooked pasta directly into the skillet and gently toss it to coat every strand in the aromatic sauce. Fold in the cooked shrimp and the grated Parmesan cheese, making sure everything is evenly distributed and deliciously coated.
Step 6: Assemble and Bake
Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the top for that classic, melty finish. Bake for 12–15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. The aroma will have everyone gathering in the kitchen!
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Finish with a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley. Serve your Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe straight from the oven, piping hot and bursting with flavor—a true showstopper for any meal.
How to Serve Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe
Garnishes
The finishing touch is a sprinkle of extra fresh parsley for a burst of green, plus a few extra curls of lemon zest if you like a citrusy kick. For a little extra luxury, you might even dust the top with additional Parmesan just before serving.
Side Dishes
This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe is hearty on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad, a loaf of crusty garlic bread, or even a simple roasted vegetable medley. The freshness and crunch of sides help balance the creamy, cheesy pasta.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, portion the bake into individual ramekins before topping with cheese and baking—everyone gets their own bubbling mini casserole! Or, serve family-style in a large, colorful baking dish at the center of the table for a cozy, communal feel.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftovers cool to room temperature, then transfer them to an airtight container. This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it perfect for next-day lunches or a speedy dinner.
Freezing
To freeze, assemble the bake right up to the point before baking. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and store in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.
Reheating
Warm leftovers in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or microwave individual portions for a speedy meal. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream if needed to revive any lost creaminess from the sauce.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely! Just make sure to fully thaw and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture in your Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe.
What’s the best pasta shape for this bake?
You can’t go wrong with linguine or penne, but any sturdy pasta that holds sauce well will work. Fusilli, rigatoni, or even fettuccine are all delicious options.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta and check that your cheeses and other ingredients are certified gluten-free. The dish is just as tasty and satisfying with these substitutions.
How can I make this recipe creamier?
For a richer, creamier version, stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream with the pasta and sauce before baking. This adds a luscious, velvety texture without overpowering the bright flavors.
Can I add vegetables to the bake?
Definitely—sautéed spinach, roasted cherry tomatoes, or steamed broccoli can all be folded in with the pasta and shrimp for extra color, nutrition, and flavor. Just be sure to cook any add-ins ahead of time so they blend seamlessly into your Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing, easy-to-make seafood pasta dish that delivers big on both comfort and flavor, this Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe is a must-try. Give it a whirl for your next family dinner or special occasion—you’ll be amazed at just how quickly it disappears!
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Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A flavorful and comforting Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake combining tender linguine with succulent shrimp in a garlicky lemon butter sauce, topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, perfect for an easy family dinner with Italian-American flair.
Ingredients
Pasta and Seafood
- 12 oz linguine or penne pasta
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Sauce and Seasoning
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Cheeses
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the dish.
- Cook Pasta: Boil the pasta in salted water until al dente, about 9-11 minutes depending on pasta type, then drain and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Shrimp: In a large skillet, melt butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes; sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Add shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes until they turn pink and opaque; then remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
- Make Sauce: Pour white wine and lemon juice into the skillet, scraping any browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly, then stir in lemon zest and chopped parsley for freshness.
- Toss Pasta and Shrimp: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss well to coat in the sauce. Gently fold in the cooked shrimp and Parmesan cheese to combine the flavors evenly.
- Assemble and Bake: Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top. Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, garnish with additional fresh parsley, and serve warm for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Notes
- For a creamier texture, add 1/2 cup heavy cream to the sauce before transferring to the baking dish.
- To make this dish gluten-free, substitute regular pasta with gluten-free pasta and avoid breadcrumbs.
- Adjust red pepper flakes for desired spiciness.
- Use fresh shrimp for best flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 470
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 155mg
