Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe

Seafood lovers know there’s nothing quite like the combination of tender shrimp, garlicky butter, and creamy pasta. With this Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake, you get all the bright, tangy flavors of traditional shrimp scampi, but in a comforting, baked casserole form. This recipe transforms a classic Italian favorite into a cozy dish perfect for weeknight dinners, family meals, or special occasions.

Unlike traditional stovetop shrimp scampi served over spaghetti, this bake brings together shrimp, pasta, and a rich, creamy sauce with garlic, lemon, and Parmesan cheese—all cooked together in the oven. The result is a luscious, cheesy, and slightly tangy pasta dish with tender shrimp and perfectly baked edges.

This article will guide you through the recipe from start to finish, including ingredient tips, step-by-step preparation, variations, and answers to frequently asked questions so you can create a shrimp pasta bake that will impress anyone at your table.

Why This Recipe Works

What makes this Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake exceptional is the balance of flavors and textures. The shrimp remain tender and juicy, while the pasta absorbs the buttery garlic sauce. The addition of heavy cream and Parmesan cheese adds richness, while lemon juice brightens the overall flavor, cutting through the creaminess and enhancing the seafood. Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and herbal freshness, making this dish visually appealing as well as delicious.

Baking the pasta with the shrimp ensures even cooking and allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. It’s also convenient because the dish can be prepared ahead of time, assembled, and then baked just before serving.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this shrimp scampi pasta bake, gather the following ingredients:

• 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined – Use fresh or thawed frozen shrimp. Medium-sized shrimp work best for even cooking.
• 8 oz penne pasta – Penne holds the sauce well, but other short pasta like rigatoni or ziti also works.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced – Garlic is key to achieving that classic scampi flavor.
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter – Butter gives the sauce richness and a silky texture.
• 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice – Adds brightness and balances the richness of the cream and butter.
• 1 cup heavy cream – Creates the luxurious creamy base for the sauce.
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese – Provides saltiness and depth while helping the bake set.
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped – Adds color and a fresh herbal note.
• Salt and pepper to taste – Essential for seasoning the shrimp, sauce, and pasta.

Optional additions include red pepper flakes for a subtle heat, extra garlic for bolder flavor, or breadcrumbs on top for a crunchy finish.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

This shrimp pasta bake is straightforward but involves a few steps to ensure perfectly cooked shrimp and a flavorful, creamy pasta.

Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta until just al dente, about 1–2 minutes less than the package instructions recommend. The pasta will finish cooking in the oven, absorbing the creamy sauce. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30–60 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook the shrimp for about 2 minutes per side until pink and just cooked through. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the heavy cream and lemon juice, whisking to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer, then stir in 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. This sauce will coat the pasta and shrimp perfectly.

Step 4: Combine Pasta, Shrimp, and Sauce
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, sautéed shrimp, and creamy sauce. Stir gently to ensure everything is evenly coated. Add fresh parsley for a burst of color and mild herbal flavor.

Step 5: Assemble in Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Transfer the pasta and shrimp mixture into the dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese over the top for a golden, cheesy crust. Optional: For added texture, sprinkle breadcrumbs or panko over the top before baking.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes, until the top is golden, bubbly, and slightly crisp around the edges. Baking allows the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly while keeping the shrimp tender.

Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the sauce set slightly and makes it easier to serve.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Serve the pasta bake warm, garnished with additional fresh parsley or a light drizzle of lemon juice for extra brightness. Pair it with a side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Tips for the Perfect Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

Do not overcook the shrimp. Shrimp cook quickly and will become rubbery if overdone. Remove them from the skillet as soon as they turn pink.

Use freshly grated Parmesan. Pre-grated cheese contains additives that can affect melting and texture. Freshly grated Parmesan ensures a creamier sauce and better crust.

Don’t skip the lemon juice. Lemon brightens the dish and balances the richness of butter and cream.

Pasta timing is important. Cook pasta slightly under al dente to ensure it absorbs the sauce while baking without becoming mushy.

Optional crunchy topping. A light sprinkle of panko or breadcrumbs on top adds a satisfying crunch to contrast the creamy pasta.

Flavor Variations

Shrimp scampi pasta bake is versatile, allowing you to experiment with flavors and textures:

Garlic Lovers’ Version: Increase the garlic to 6–8 cloves for a bold, intense flavor.

Spicy Scampi: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the creamy sauce for a subtle kick.

Cheesy Overload: Combine mozzarella, provolone, or fontina with Parmesan for an extra cheesy bake.

Veggie Addition: Toss in spinach, cherry tomatoes, or zucchini for added color, nutrition, and freshness.

White Wine Upgrade: Replace 1/4 cup of heavy cream with white wine for a more traditional scampi flavor and subtle acidity.

Serving Suggestions

This pasta bake works wonderfully as a main course. Complement it with a crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness, garlic bread or warm baguette slices for dipping into the creamy sauce, roasted asparagus or broccoli for a simple, flavorful vegetable side, or a light white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to enhance the seafood notes.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Make-Ahead: Assemble the bake up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and store in the refrigerator, then bake just before serving.

Freezing: You can freeze the unbaked pasta bake for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly with foil and bake from frozen, adding 10–15 minutes to the baking time.

Leftovers: Store leftover portions in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)

Calories: 550
Protein: 35g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fat: 28g
Fiber: 2g
Sodium: 620mg

Values may vary depending on the exact brands of ingredients used and portion sizes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen shrimp? Yes, just thaw them completely before cooking to ensure even cooking and prevent excess water in the sauce.

Can I make this dish gluten-free? Absolutely. Use gluten-free pasta and ensure any additional toppings like breadcrumbs are gluten-free.

Can I use other pasta types? Yes. Short pasta like rigatoni, ziti, or farfalle works well. Avoid long pasta as it may become tangled when baked.

How can I make it lighter? Substitute half-and-half or whole milk for the heavy cream and reduce butter slightly. You can also skip the cheese on top or use a reduced-fat variety.

Can this be made ahead and refrigerated? Yes. Prepare and assemble the dish, then refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Can I add vegetables? Absolutely. Spinach, broccoli, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes complement the shrimp and sauce beautifully.

How do I prevent the pasta from becoming mushy? Cook it slightly under al dente and avoid overcooking during baking. The sauce will finish cooking the pasta perfectly.

Can I use pre-cooked shrimp? Yes, but add them toward the end of baking just to warm through. Pre-cooked shrimp can overcook quickly in the oven.

Can I add extra cheese? Yes. Mix shredded mozzarella or provolone with Parmesan for a gooey, cheesy top layer.

Can this be served cold? This dish is best served hot. Cold pasta bake can become dense and loses the creamy texture.

Conclusion

This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake combines the best of two worlds: the bright, zesty flavors of traditional shrimp scampi with the cozy, comforting appeal of a baked pasta dish. With tender shrimp, creamy lemon-butter sauce, and perfectly baked pasta, it’s a dish that’s impressive enough for dinner parties yet easy enough for weeknight dinners.

The combination of garlic, butter, lemon, and Parmesan cheese creates layers of flavor that complement the natural sweetness of shrimp. Fresh parsley adds a final touch of color and freshness, making the dish visually appealing and satisfying to the palate.

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Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or simply treating yourself, this pasta bake is guaranteed to impress. It’s versatile, make-ahead friendly, and endlessly customizable—a perfect recipe to keep in your rotation for easy yet elegant dinners.