If you’re craving a comforting meal that’s easy to pull together but impressive enough for a dinner party, this Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe will become your new go-to favorite. Imagine tender linguine swirled with juicy, garlicky shrimp, all tossed in a buttery lemon sauce and baked under a bubbly blanket of cheese—this dish checks every box for flavor, texture, and satisfaction. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight treat or a showstopping meal to share, this pasta bake is sure to delight!

Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You don’t need a mile-long grocery list to create something memorable—just simple, quality ingredients that each play a crucial role. For the Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe, every component adds color, punch, or luscious creaminess to make the whole thing sing.

Pasta: Use 12 oz of linguine or spaghetti; al dente strands soak up the sauce without turning mushy when baked.
Shrimp: 1 lb large, peeled, deveined, and tails-off shrimp bring succulence and sweetness—fresh or thawed works perfectly.
Olive Oil: Three tablespoons start the flavor party and help sauté everything to perfection.
Butter: Four tablespoons make the sauce impossibly velvety and amp up the richness.
Garlic: Five cloves, minced, are the secret to that signature scampi fragrance and depth.
Red Pepper Flakes (optional): A quarter teaspoon adds a gentle heat—use more if you like a little kick!
Dry White Wine or Chicken Broth: Half a cup deglazes the pan and adds a bright, tangy acidity to balance the richness.
Lemon Juice: Fresh juice from one lemon: the secret to bringing all the flavors alive with brightness.
Lemon Zest: One teaspoon of zest for an aromatic, sunny pop that lingers with every bite.
Parsley: A quarter cup chopped for color, freshness, and a subtle earthy lift.
Parmesan Cheese: Half a cup, grated, melds into the sauce for salty, umami depth.
Mozzarella Cheese: Half a cup shredded, melts on top for that irresistible golden finish.
Salt and Black Pepper: Add to taste to ensure every ingredient shines at its best.

How to Make Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the linguine or spaghetti until it’s just shy of al dente, about one or two minutes less than the package directions suggest. You want the pasta to finish softening as it bakes, soaking up all that luscious sauce without losing its bite. Drain and set the cooked pasta aside while you prepare the shrimp.

Step 2: Sauté Shrimp and Aromatics

Warm up a large skillet over medium heat. Drizzle in the olive oil and add two tablespoons of butter, letting it get nice and melty. Toss in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if you’re using them) for a fragrant, slightly spicy base—just one to two minutes will do. Then, add your shrimp in a single layer. Cook for two to three minutes until the shrimp turn pink and opaque, making sure to flip halfway through. Scoop the shrimp out and set aside so they stay perfectly tender.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Next, deglaze your skillet with the wine or broth, scraping up any golden bits stuck to the pan (they’re flavor gold!). Now squeeze in the lemon juice, add the zest, and drop in the remaining butter. Let everything simmer for two to three minutes so the sauce thickens and becomes glossy, infusing every swirl with buttery-lemony goodness.

Step 4: Toss and Combine

Add the cooked pasta into the skillet with the sauce. Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese and half of your chopped parsley, tossing everything together until the noodles are glossy and coated in every last drop. This is where it gets so hard not to sneak a forkful!

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Transfer your sauced pasta to a lightly greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Arrange the cooked shrimp on top so you get a little shrimp in every bite. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella all over, then pop the dish into a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven. Let it bake for ten to twelve minutes, just until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and ever-so-slightly golden at the edges.

How to Serve Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe

Garnishes

Right before serving, shower your Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe with the rest of your fresh parsley for a final flash of color and flavor. If you love extra zest, a little more fresh lemon grated over the top can make the herbs and shrimp taste even brighter. A dash of black pepper offers a fragrant finish—simple, yet totally mouthwatering!

Side Dishes

This comforting casserole pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad—think arugula, spinach, or mixed greens tossed in a lemony vinaigrette. Want something a bit heartier? Serve it alongside roasted asparagus or broccolini for a pop of green. Of course, a big basket of crusty garlic bread is a must for mopping up the buttery sauce left behind!

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to get a little fancy, serve individual portions of this Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe in wide bowls or gratin dishes, twirling the pasta with tongs for that restaurant-style flourish. For dinner parties, sprinkle toasted breadcrumbs or a tiny drizzle of flavored olive oil atop each serving. You can even nestle a wedge of lemon and a fresh shrimp on each serving for a truly showstopping presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’ll keep well for up to three days, making it a fantastic option for next-day lunches or a quick dinner that’s just as tasty reheated.

Freezing

If you want to freeze a portion (or the whole dish), allow it to cool completely before wrapping tightly in foil or storing it in a freezer-safe container. It will keep in the freezer for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for the best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, cover the dish with foil and warm it in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through (about 20 minutes). For single servings, a couple of minutes in the microwave, covered, works just fine—add a splash of broth or water if the pasta looks a bit dry to revive the saucy texture.

FAQs

Can I substitute another type Main Course

Absolutely! While linguine and spaghetti are classic for the Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe, you can use penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine if that’s what you have. Just watch the cooking time—short shapes tend to bake a bit faster.

What can I use instead of wine?

If you’d rather skip the wine, chicken broth (or veggie broth) makes a fantastic alternative. It still creates a beautifully flavorful sauce without any alcohol.

How do I avoid overcooking the shrimp?

Shrimp cook incredibly fast! Watch for them to turn pink and opaque—once that happens, pull them off the heat right away. Since they finish cooking as the pasta bake heats in the oven, a little underdone is better than overdone at this stage.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

You can, with a few tweaks! Use your favorite dairy-free butter alternative, skip the Parmesan and mozzarella, or use dairy-free cheese shreds. The flavors from the garlic, lemon, and shrimp still shine through beautifully.

Is this Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely—it reheats well and stays delicious for several days. Just assemble everything up to the baking step, cover and refrigerate, then bake it fresh when you’re ready to eat. Perfect for busy weeks or easy entertaining!

Final Thoughts

You’re going to love how this Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe delivers big flavors with so little fuss. It’s cozy yet elegant, simple enough for beginners, but special enough for guests. Gather your favorite people, pour a glass of wine, and let this recipe shine at your next dinner—it’s bound to become a new tradition.

Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe

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4.8 from 15 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in this delicious Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake recipe that combines succulent shrimp, pasta, and a flavorful blend of garlic, butter, and cheeses. A perfect dish for seafood lovers and pasta enthusiasts alike!