This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is a bold, comforting twist on the classic dish — packed with garlicky shrimp, tender pasta, lemony butter sauce, and melty cheese all baked to golden perfection.
It’s the ultimate fusion of elegance and ease for a satisfying family dinner!
Why You’ll Love Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake
Easy Yet Impressive: All the flavors of shrimp scampi in cozy casserole form.
Full of Flavor: Garlic, butter, lemon, herbs, and cheese create a crave-worthy combo.
Perfect for Weeknights or Guests: Quick to prep, impressive to serve.
One Dish Wonder: Less cleanup and more flavor.
Customizable: Works with different pasta shapes and cheese blends.
What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)
Shrimp: Peeled and deveined; medium or large.
Pasta: Penne, rotini, or linguine — your favorite will work.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic for bold scampi flavor.
Lemon Juice & Zest: Brightens and elevates the dish.
White Wine: Adds depth (or substitute broth).
Mozzarella & Parmesan: For melty, cheesy deliciousness.
Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For a little heat.
Pro Tips Before You Start
Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Sauté just until pink.
Cook Pasta Al Dente: It will finish cooking in the oven.
Use Fresh Lemon Juice: For the best flavor.
Save Pasta Water: You can use a splash to loosen the sauce if needed.
Bake Uncovered: For a golden, bubbly top.
How to Make Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Boil pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté Shrimp
In a large skillet, heat butter and olive oil.
Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
Add shrimp and cook just until pink, about 2–3 minutes.
Remove shrimp and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
In the same skillet, add more butter, lemon juice, zest, white wine (or broth), and seasonings.
Simmer for a few minutes.
Step 4: Combine
Toss cooked pasta in the sauce.
Stir in shrimp, mozzarella, and half the Parmesan.
Step 5: Assemble & Bake
Transfer to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Top with remaining Parmesan and extra mozzarella if desired.
Bake at 375°F for 15–20 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve hot with lemon wedges or crusty bread.
What to Serve It With
Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks
Caesar salad or mixed greens
Roasted asparagus or steamed broccoli
A crisp glass of white wine
Variations / Substitutions
Use Chicken: Substitute shrimp with cooked chicken.
Gluten-Free: Use GF pasta and breadcrumbs.
Add Spinach: Stir in baby spinach before baking.
Spicy Version: Increase red pepper flakes.
Cheese Swap: Try fontina, Gruyère, or Monterey Jack.
Storage & Leftovers
Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F or microwave until hot.
Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 2 months.
Thaw overnight before reheating.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead?
Yes! Assemble ahead and bake just before serving.
What kind of pasta works best?
Short shapes like penne or rotini hold the sauce well.
Do I need to use wine?
Nope! Chicken broth is a great substitute.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just thaw and pat dry first.
Can I bake it covered?
For a gooey top, yes. For crispy cheese, bake uncovered.
Final Thoughts
Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is everything you love about scampi — buttery, garlicky, lemony — made even more irresistible with pasta and bubbling cheese.
It’s comforting, flavorful, and comes together with ease.
Perfect for busy nights or when you want something special without the fuss.
Full Recipe Card
Ingredients
1 lb medium or large shrimp, peeled and deveined
12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, etc.)
4 tbsp butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
Juice and zest of 1 lemon
1/2 cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Cook pasta al dente. Drain and set aside.
Sauté garlic in butter and oil, add shrimp, cook until pink.
Remove shrimp. Add lemon juice, zest, wine, seasoning.
Toss pasta in sauce.
Stir in shrimp, mozzarella, and half the Parmesan.
Transfer to baking dish.
Top with remaining cheese.
Bake at 375°F for 15–20 minutes until bubbly.
Garnish with parsley and serve.
