Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is a comforting twist on the classic shrimp scampi you love. It combines juicy shrimp, tender pasta, and a rich, garlicky cream sauce, all topped with melted cheese and baked until bubbly and golden. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings, this easy baked pasta dish delivers big flavor with simple ingredients.

If you’re searching for a crowd-pleasing dinner that feels indulgent but is surprisingly easy to prepare, this Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake deserves a permanent spot in your recipe rotation. It takes everything you love about traditional shrimp scampi—garlic, butter, lemon, and succulent shrimp—and transforms it into a hearty casserole-style meal that feeds a family with minimal effort.

In this in-depth guide, you’ll discover exactly why this dish works so well, how to customize it to your tastes, tips for perfect results every time, and plenty of helpful insights to make this recipe your own.

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Why You’ll Love This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

There are countless reasons this recipe has become a favorite for so many home cooks:

• Comforting and hearty: Creamy pasta bakes are the ultimate comfort food.

• Big flavor with simple ingredients: Nothing fancy or hard to find.

• Great for meal prep: Assemble ahead of time and bake when needed.

• Family-friendly: Mild enough for kids, but easy to spice up for adults.

• Perfect for leftovers: Tastes even better the next day.

Whether you’re cooking for a cozy family dinner or hosting friends, this Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake strikes the perfect balance between impressive and effortless.

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What Is Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake?

Classic shrimp scampi is traditionally made with shrimp sautéed in butter, garlic, white wine, and lemon, then served over pasta. This baked version takes those same flavors and layers them into a casserole dish with a creamy sauce and melted cheese.

Instead of serving shrimp scampi straight from the skillet, everything is combined, topped with cheese, and baked until bubbly. The result is a rich, satisfying dish that feels like a special occasion meal but comes together quickly.

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Recipe Details

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 6

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Ingredients

• 12 oz linguine or spaghetti

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 4 tablespoons butter

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes

• ½ cup white wine or chicken broth

• 1 lemon, juiced and zested

• 1 cup heavy cream

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

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Ingredient Breakdown and Tips

Pasta

Linguine and spaghetti are classic choices, but you can also use:

• Fettuccine

• Penne

• Rotini

• Rigatoni

Shorter pasta shapes hold sauce well and make serving easier.

Shrimp

Large or extra-large shrimp work best. Fresh or frozen shrimp are both fine—just be sure frozen shrimp are fully thawed and patted dry.

Butter and Garlic

These form the foundation of classic scampi flavor. Use real butter for richness and fresh garlic for maximum aroma.

White Wine or Chicken Broth

White wine adds depth and acidity, but chicken broth is an excellent non-alcoholic substitute.

Lemon Juice and Zest

Lemon brightens the dish and balances the creaminess. Don’t skip the zest—it adds intense citrus flavor.

Cheese

Parmesan adds saltiness and depth, while mozzarella provides that irresistible melted, stretchy topping.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a large baking dish.

2. Cook Pasta

Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

3. Sauté Aromatics

In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant.

4. Cook Shrimp

Add shrimp to the skillet and cook for 3–4 minutes, until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.

5. Prepare Sauce

Pour white wine (or chicken broth) into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits. Simmer for 2 minutes.

6. Add Cream and Lemon

Stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, and heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer.

7. Combine Pasta

Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper.

8. Assemble

Transfer pasta to the prepared baking dish. Arrange shrimp evenly on top.

9. Add Cheese

Sprinkle Parmesan and mozzarella evenly over the dish.

10. Bake

Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.

11. Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve hot.

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Tips for Best Results

• Don’t overcook shrimp: They finish cooking in the oven.

• Season in layers: Taste the sauce before assembling.

• Use freshly grated cheese: It melts better than pre-shredded.

• Let it rest: Allow the bake to sit for 5 minutes before serving.

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Flavor Variations

Garlic Lovers

Add 1–2 extra cloves of garlic or stir in roasted garlic for deeper flavor.

Spicy Version

Increase red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne.

Veggie-Packed

Stir in sautéed spinach, mushrooms, asparagus, or broccoli.

Lemon Herb

Add fresh thyme, basil, or oregano.

Cheesy Upgrade

Mix in fontina, provolone, or Gruyère for extra richness.

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Make-Ahead Instructions

Assemble the dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Bake as directed, adding 5–10 extra minutes if cold.

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Freezer-Friendly Option

Assemble and freeze before baking. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake until hot and bubbly.

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What to Serve with Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

• Garlic bread or breadsticks

• Caesar salad

• Roasted vegetables

• Steamed green beans

• Simple arugula salad

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Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F or microwave until heated through.

Print

Estimated Nutrition (per serving)

• Calories: ~520

• Protein: 32 g

• Fat: 28 g

• Carbohydrates: 40 g

• Fiber: 2 g

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use cooked shrimp?

Yes, but add them just before baking so they don’t overcook.

Can I make this without cream?

You can substitute half-and-half or a mixture of milk and cream cheese.

Can I use gluten-free pasta?

Absolutely. Cook according to package directions.

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Why This Recipe Works

The combination of butter, garlic, lemon, and cream creates a sauce that is rich yet balanced. Baking everything together allows the flavors to meld, while the melted cheese creates a comforting finish. It’s simple, reliable, and endlessly customizable.

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Final Thoughts

This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is everything you want in a weeknight dinner: comforting, flavorful, and easy to make. It brings the elegance of classic shrimp scampi into a cozy, casserole-style dish that’s perfect for sharing. Whether you’re cooking for your family or entertaining guests, this recipe delivers big on flavor without requiring complicated techniques.

If you’re looking for a dependable, crowd-pleasing meal that feels special yet approachable, this Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is a must-try. Once you make it, it’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.