If you’re craving a dish that’s both comforting and bursting with vibrant flavors, this Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a glorious blend of succulent shrimp, al dente pasta, and a luscious lemon garlic sauce baked to cheesy perfection. Every bite delivers a wonderful balance of buttery garlic, zesty lemon, and just the right kick from red pepper flakes, all coming together in a warm, bubbly casserole that feels like a big, satisfying hug. Once you make this recipe, it will quickly become a beloved staple for weeknight dinners and special gatherings alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe relies on a handful of simple but essential ingredients that work harmoniously to create a dish full of flavor, texture, and color. Each component plays a crucial role—from the tender shrimp to the tangy lemon zest and the melty blend of cheeses that bring it all together.
- 12 ounces pasta (penne or linguine): The perfect base that holds onto the sauce beautifully while offering a satisfying bite.
- 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined): Brings a sweet, succulent seafood element that’s the star of the dish.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil: Adds a fruity richness and helps sauté the garlic and shrimp perfectly.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter: Delivers creaminess and depth to the sauce for that classic scampi flavor.
- 4 cloves garlic (minced): Gives the dish its unmistakable aromatic punch that wakes up your taste buds.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Offers a subtle heat that balances the richness without overpowering it.
- 1/2 cup dry white wine or chicken broth: Adds acidity and brightness, elevating the sauce’s complexity.
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon: Injects fresh citrus notes that lighten and brighten every mouthful.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley: Fresh, herbaceous color that adds a hint of earthiness and visual appeal.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors perfectly.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Provides a gentle spice that rounds out the seasoning.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into gooey pockets of comfort throughout the pasta bake.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Sprinkled on top for a sharp, nutty crust that’s irresistible.
- Nonstick cooking spray: Keeps your baking dish clean and helps the pasta bake brown evenly.
How to Make Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Cook the Pasta
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta until just al dente—this ensures it won’t get mushy during baking. Drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the flavorful shrimp and sauce.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Shrimp
Heat the olive oil and butter together in a large skillet over medium heat. Once melted and hot, toss in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about a minute until the garlic is fragrant but not browned—this gives the dish that signature warm, garlicky aroma. Add the shrimp to the pan and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side until they turn a lovely pink and become opaque. Remove the shrimp and set them aside; they’ll finish cooking in the oven.
Step 3: Create the Scampi Sauce
In the same skillet, pour in your wine or chicken broth, scraping up any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Let this simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes so the sauce can reduce and concentrate in flavor. Once ready, take the pan off the heat.
Step 4: Combine and Bake
In a large bowl, toss the cooked pasta, sautéed shrimp, and that luscious scampi sauce together. Mix in half of the chopped fresh parsley and the shredded mozzarella cheese, which will melt into the pasta during baking, creating incredible gooey pockets. Transfer everything to your prepared baking dish, then sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top. Bake uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and just beginning to golden.
How to Serve Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe
Garnishes
Finish off your shrimp scampi pasta bake with an extra sprinkle of fresh parsley. This not only adds a pop of green color but also a fresh, slightly peppery flavor that cuts through the richness of the cheese and butter. For an added zing, you can grate a touch more lemon zest over the top right before serving.
Side Dishes
This dish shines on its own but pairs wonderfully with crisp, refreshing sides. A light mixed greens salad with a lemon vinaigrette complements the seafood and pasta perfectly without overwhelming the palate. Roasted or steamed vegetables like asparagus or green beans also make excellent accompaniments, bringing a needed crunch and balance.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving this for guests or a special meal, consider plating it with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a few whole shrimp arranged artfully on top. Serving in individual ramekins or small cast iron skillets adds charm and makes it feel more personalized. For a festive touch, lay lemon wedges alongside each serving to encourage an extra squeeze of citrus brightness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover shrimp scampi pasta bake tastes just as delicious reheated the next day! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure the pasta has fully cooled before sealing the container to maintain the best texture.
Freezing
If you want to save this dish for a longer time, you can freeze it. Place the unbaked mixture in a freezer-safe baking dish, cover it tightly with foil and plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge before baking as usual, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if needed.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the pasta bake with foil and warm it in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until heated through. For a quicker option, you can microwave individual portions, though the oven method best preserves the bubbly cheese and texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to fully thaw and pat the shrimp dry before cooking to achieve the best texture. Using frozen shrimp can actually save time, especially if you keep them ready for quick weeknight meals.
What if I don’t have white wine? Can I skip it?
No problem at all! Chicken broth is a great substitute and keeps the sauce flavorful. The wine adds acidity and depth, but broth will maintain the essential taste components without changing the dish much.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap the pasta for your favorite gluten-free variety and make sure all other ingredients (like broth) are gluten-free certified. This way, you can enjoy the dish without worry.
Is it possible to add more vegetables to the bake?
Definitely! Chopped spinach, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms can be stirred in before baking for extra nutrition and color. Just make sure to sauté any vegetables that need softening first to avoid excess moisture during baking.
Can I substitute chicken for shrimp?
You can! Cooked chicken pieces make a tasty alternative, especially if you prefer meat or want a milder flavor. Keep in mind the cooking time adjustments since chicken should be cooked through before mixing into the bake.
Final Thoughts
This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe brings cozy comfort and bright, fresh flavors together in such an effortlessly delicious way. Whether you’re feeding family or entertaining friends, this dish is sure to wow with its cheesy, garlicky goodness and bright bursts of lemon. I encourage you to give it a try and make it your own—you might just find your new favorite weeknight meal.
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Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake combines tender shrimp sautéed in garlic, butter, and lemon with perfectly cooked pasta, all baked to bubbly perfection under a layer of melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. A comforting Italian-American main dish that’s easy to prepare and full of bright, savory flavors, ideal for family dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 ounces pasta (such as penne or linguine)
Shrimp and Sauce
- 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Cheese and Miscellaneous
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Nonstick cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and generously spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook Pasta: Boil the pasta in salted water until just al dente, then drain it thoroughly and set aside to avoid overcooking during baking.
- Sauté Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes: In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil and butter. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Cook Shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2–3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Make Sauce: Pour in the white wine or chicken broth, add the lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper into the same skillet. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom and let the sauce simmer gently for 2–3 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cooked shrimp, sauce, half of the chopped fresh parsley, and the shredded mozzarella cheese. Mix everything thoroughly to distribute ingredients evenly.
- Assemble and Bake: Transfer the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese on top has melted and is bubbly and slightly golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and sprinkle with the remaining fresh parsley before serving to add a fresh and vibrant finish.
Notes
- For extra richness and creaminess, stir in a splash of heavy cream into the pasta mixture before baking.
- You can substitute cooked chicken for shrimp if you prefer a different protein or want a milder flavor.
- Be careful not to overcook the shrimp during the sauté step to prevent toughness.
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best bright citrus flavor.
