If you are craving a dish that brings the bright, irresistible flavors of the coast right into your kitchen, then this Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe is your new best friend. It combines tender shrimp sautéed in a garlicky, buttery sauce with perfectly cooked pasta, all baked under a blanket of melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. This easy yet indulgent recipe balances rich creaminess with zesty lemon notes and just the right touch of spice, making it a joyful centerpiece for any weeknight dinner or special occasion. You’ll find yourself reaching for seconds, and maybe even thirds, because this Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe delivers comfort and sophistication in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this dish just right is all about simple, fresh ingredients that work together beautifully. Each one—from fresh shrimp to sharp Parmesan—adds layers of flavor, texture, or color that bring the Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe alive.
- 12 oz linguine or spaghetti: Choose linguine if you want a broader noodle to catch every bit of sauce.
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined: The star protein that cooks quickly and stays juicy.
- 4 tbsp butter: Adds richness and helps build the fragrant base of the sauce.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses every bite with bold, aromatic flavor.
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes: Brings just a hint of heat for excitement.
- 1/2 cup white wine or chicken broth: Deglazes the pan and adds a subtle tanginess.
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested: Lemon brightens and balances the creamy sauce beautifully.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates that luxuriously smooth and velvety texture.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty kick that enhances the dish’s depth.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into a gooey topping that invites smiles.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings that bring everything together.
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped: A fresh, herbaceous finish that brightens the final presentation.
How to Make Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly greasing a large baking dish. This ensures the pasta bake will cook evenly without sticking, setting you up for a flawless finish.
Step 2: Boil the Pasta
Cook your linguine or spaghetti in plenty of salted boiling water until it reaches an al dente texture—firm yet tender. Once done, drain and set the pasta aside to keep warm while you focus on the sauce and shrimp.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics
Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic alongside red pepper flakes and sauté until they release a mouthwatering aroma, about a minute or two. This step is where the flavor foundation of your Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe really starts to build.
Step 4: Cook the Shrimp
Next, add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Cook them until they turn pink and opaque, which typically takes just a few minutes on each side. Once perfectly cooked, remove the shrimp and set them aside—keeping the flavorful butter and garlic in the skillet.
Step 5: Deglaze and Create the Sauce
Pour in the white wine or chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to release those glamorized browned bits full of flavor. Allow the liquid to simmer and reduce slightly. Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and heavy cream, letting the sauce gently thicken to a luscious consistency that will cling to every strand of pasta.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Toss the cooked pasta into the creamy sauce, making sure each noodle is coated in that garlicky, lemon-kissed goodness. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to balance all the flavors perfectly.
Step 7: Assemble the Bake and Bake
Transfer your coated pasta into the prepared baking dish. Evenly distribute the cooked shrimp over the top, then sprinkle with grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella cheeses. Pop the dish into the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and teasing you from the oven window.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, sprinkle the freshly chopped parsley across the top to add a pop of vibrant green and a burst of fresh flavor. Serve your Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe hot and enjoy every gooey, garlicky, zesty mouthful.
How to Serve Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is the classic choice, adding color and a mild herbaceous note that pairs beautifully with the garlic and lemon flavors. You might also consider a sprinkle of extra grated Parmesan or a few lemon wedges on the side for guests to add their own zesty twist.
Side Dishes
This pasta bake is rich and filling, so lighter sides work best. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette, roasted seasonal vegetables, or even a simple garlic bread make fantastic companions without overpowering the star of the show.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fancy twist, serve individual portions in small ramekins topped with a fresh herb sprig or edible flowers. Alternatively, try layering some sautéed spinach or sun-dried tomatoes right into the bake for added color and flavor dimension that will wow your dinner guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to meld beautifully overnight, so leftovers often taste even better the next day.
Freezing
While you can freeze this dish, keep in mind the texture of the shrimp may change slightly after thawing. To freeze, wrap the bake tightly in foil and place in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your pasta bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15 minutes. This method keeps the cheese melty and the shrimp tender. You can also microwave individual portions, but be cautious not to overcook the shrimp.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for the Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe?
Absolutely! While linguine or spaghetti are traditional for this recipe, feel free to swap in penne, rigatoni, or even a gluten-free variety. The sauce clings beautifully to almost any pasta shape.
Is it okay to substitute heavy cream with something lighter?
You can try using half-and-half or whole milk, but expect a less creamy texture and thinner sauce. To maintain richness, you may want to reduce the amount slightly or add a bit more cheese.
What if I don’t want to use wine in the recipe?
No problem at all! Chicken broth is a great substitution that still contributes depth and flavor without the alcohol. Just choose a good-quality broth for best results.
Can I prepare the sauce and shrimp ahead of time?
Yes, making the sauce and cooking the shrimp a few hours beforehand can save time on busy days. Just store them separately in the fridge and assemble the bake right before cooking to keep everything fresh.
How spicy is this Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe?
The red pepper flakes add a gentle kick but nothing too fiery. If you prefer more heat, feel free to increase the amount or add a dash of hot sauce when serving.
Final Thoughts
This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe is one of those magical dishes that feels both special and comforting at the same time. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly easy to pull together, with every ingredient playing a thoughtful role. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, or simply treating yourself, this bake will fill your kitchen with inviting aromas and your dinner plates with pure joy. Go ahead, give it a try—you’ll be so glad you did.
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Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Pasta Bake
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is a comforting and flavorful Italian-American dish featuring linguine tossed in a garlic butter lemon cream sauce with succulent shrimp, baked to golden perfection under a layer of melted mozzarella and parmesan cheese. It’s a delightful twist on classic shrimp scampi, ideal for easy weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz (340 g) linguine or spaghetti
Shrimp and Aromatics
- 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
Liquids and Sauce
- 1/2 cup white wine or chicken broth
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
- 1 cup heavy cream
Cheeses
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Seasoning and Garnish
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a large baking dish to prepare for baking the pasta.
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the linguine or spaghetti until al dente as per package instructions. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Cook Shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet and sauté until they turn pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the cooked shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Deglaze Pan: Pour in the white wine or chicken broth to the skillet to deglaze it. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan and let the liquid simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Prepare Sauce: Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and heavy cream into the skillet. Continue to simmer the sauce until it thickens slightly, about 3-5 minutes.
- Combine Pasta & Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss it well to coat with the creamy lemon garlic sauce. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Assemble Bake: Transfer the sauced pasta into the prepared baking dish. Arrange the cooked shrimp evenly over the top. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella cheeses evenly over the shrimp and pasta.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and slightly golden on top.
- Serve: Remove from the oven, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve immediately while hot and creamy.
Notes
- You can substitute white wine with chicken broth for a non-alcoholic option.
- Make sure not to overcook the shrimp to avoid rubbery texture.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melt and flavor.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a lighter cream alternative.
- Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes for added color and nutrition.
