Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is a delicious twist on the classic shrimp scampi dish, combining the bold flavors of garlic, butter, lemon, and white wine with the comfort of baked pasta and melted cheese. Traditionally, shrimp scampi is served over linguine or spaghetti, but this baked version transforms it into a rich, creamy, and satisfying casserole-style meal that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, and special occasions.

This dish brings together the best of both worlds—the bright, garlicky essence of shrimp scampi and the cheesy, oven-baked goodness of a pasta bake. The shrimp is sautéed in a fragrant butter-garlic sauce, then combined with al dente pasta and a creamy, cheesy mixture before being baked to perfection with a crispy, golden breadcrumb topping.

One of the best aspects of Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is its versatility. It can be customized to suit different tastes—whether you want a lighter version with less cheese and cream, a spicy kick with red pepper flakes, or an extra indulgent version with extra layers of cheese. You can also make it healthier by swapping traditional pasta for whole wheat or gluten-free options, and it can even be turned into a low-carb dish by using zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.

Why You’ll Love This Dish:

Rich & Flavorful: The garlic butter sauce and Parmesan cheese create a mouthwatering combination.
Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and a step-by-step process make this dish beginner-friendly.

Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for gatherings, family dinners, and meal prepping.
Customizable: Adaptable to various dietary needs and preferences.

Ingredients for Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

To make the ultimate Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake, you’ll need a combination of classic shrimp scampi ingredients along with pasta and baking essentials.

Main Ingredients:

1. Shrimp (1 lb or 450g)

Use large or jumbo shrimp for the best texture.
Fresh vs. Frozen: Fresh shrimp has better flavor, but frozen works well when thawed properly.
Peeled & Deveined: Saves time and effort.

2. Pasta (12 oz or 340g)

Best choices:
- Linguine, spaghetti, or fettuccine for a traditional scampi feel.
- Penne or rigatoni for a sturdier baked dish.
- Gluten-free pasta if needed.
Cook until al dente to prevent mushy pasta after baking.

3. Garlic (5-6 cloves, minced)

The key ingredient for bold, aromatic flavor.

Fresh garlic is recommended over garlic powder.

4. Butter & Olive Oil (4 tbsp butter, 2 tbsp olive oil)

Butter provides richness, while olive oil balances the flavor.

5. Lemon Juice (2 tbsp, freshly squeezed)

Adds a bright, tangy contrast to the rich sauce.

6. White Wine (½ cup, optional)

Enhances the depth of flavor.
Substitute with chicken broth for an alcohol-free version.

7. Heavy Cream or Half-and-Half (1 cup)

Gives the dish a creamy, luscious texture.

Substitute with coconut cream for a dairy-free option.

8. Parmesan & Mozzarella Cheese (1 cup each, shredded)

Parmesan adds nuttiness and umami flavor.
Mozzarella makes the dish gooey and cheesy.

9. Red Pepper Flakes (½ tsp, optional)

Adds a mild spicy kick to balance the richness.

10. Breadcrumbs (½ cup, for topping)

Creates a golden, crispy crust when baked.

11. Fresh Parsley (¼ cup, chopped)

Adds color and freshness to the finished dish.

Optional Additions & Variations:

Extra veggies: Spinach, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes.
Protein boost: Add crab meat or scallops.
Lighter version: Use Greek yogurt instead of cream.

How to Prepare Shrimp for the Dish

Shrimp is the star ingredient of this dish, and preparing it correctly ensures the best flavor and texture.

Step 1: Choosing the Right Shrimp

Fresh shrimp is ideal but can be expensive or unavailable. Look for firm, translucent shrimp with a mild ocean smell.

Frozen shrimp is a great alternative. Buy peeled and deveined shrimp for convenience.
Avoid pre-cooked shrimp since they can become rubbery when baked.

Step 2: Thawing Frozen Shrimp

If using frozen shrimp, proper thawing is crucial:

Overnight Method (Best Option): Place shrimp in the fridge in a bowl covered with plastic wrap.
Quick Thaw Method: Place shrimp in a colander under cold running water for 10-15 minutes.

Step 3: Peeling & Deveining Shrimp

If you bought unpeeled shrimp, follow these steps:

Peeling: Gently pull off the shell, starting from the legs.
Deveining:
- Use a small knife to make a shallow cut along the shrimp’s back.
- Remove the dark vein (digestive tract) with the tip of the knife or a toothpick.
Rinsing: Rinse shrimp under cold water to remove any remaining debris.

Step 4: Marinating the Shrimp (Optional)

For extra flavor, marinate the shrimp for 10-15 minutes in:

Olive oil (1 tbsp)
Minced garlic (1 clove)
Lemon juice (1 tbsp)

Red pepper flakes (¼ tsp)

Step 5: Pre-Cooking the Shrimp

Sautéing: Heat butter and olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
Cooking time:
- Cook shrimp for 1-2 minutes per side until they turn pink.
- Avoid overcooking, as they will bake further in the pasta dish.

Step-by-Step Cooking Process (500 words)

Making Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is a straightforward process that involves cooking the pasta, preparing the shrimp scampi sauce, assembling the dish, and baking it to golden perfection.

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Boil water in a large pot and add a generous amount of salt.
Cook pasta according to the package directions until al dente (firm to the bite). This ensures it doesn’t become mushy when baked.
Drain the pasta and toss it with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Make the Shrimp Scampi Sauce

Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Sauté minced garlic for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
Add shrimp and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp and set them aside.

Deglaze the pan with white wine or chicken broth, scraping up any flavorful bits.
Stir in lemon juice, red pepper flakes, and heavy cream. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
Add Parmesan cheese and stir until melted.

Step 3: Assemble the Pasta Bake

Combine the cooked pasta with the sauce in a large mixing bowl.
Fold in the shrimp to evenly distribute them throughout the dish.
Transfer to a greased baking dish and spread evenly.

Top with shredded mozzarella cheese for a gooey, cheesy finish.
Sprinkle breadcrumbs for a crispy golden topping.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
Garnish with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.

Variations of Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

This dish is incredibly versatile! Here are some creative variations:

1. Spicy Cajun Shrimp Scampi Bake

Add 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning to the shrimp before cooking.
Use pepper jack cheese instead of mozzarella for extra heat.

2. Healthier Version

Use whole wheat pasta or gluten-free pasta.
Swap heavy cream for Greek yogurt or cashew cream.
Use low-fat mozzarella and reduce the butter.

3. Low-Carb/Keto Shrimp Scampi Bake

Replace pasta with zucchini noodles, spaghetti squash, or cauliflower rice.
Use almond flour or crushed pork rinds instead of breadcrumbs.

4. Extra Cheesy Shrimp Scampi Bake

Add ricotta cheese to the pasta mixture.

Use a mix of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Gouda for a richer flavor.

5. Mediterranean-Style Shrimp Scampi Bake

Add cherry tomatoes, spinach, and olives.
Use feta cheese instead of mozzarella.

Serving Suggestions and Side Dishes

Best Side Dishes to Serve with Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

Garlic Bread or Breadsticks
- The buttery, garlicky flavors pair perfectly with the creamy pasta.

Light Salads
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce with Parmesan and croutons.
- Arugula Salad: Tossed with lemon vinaigrette for a fresh contrast.
Roasted Vegetables
- Asparagus, zucchini, or Brussels sprouts roasted with olive oil and garlic.
Steamed or Sautéed Greens
- Spinach or kale with a squeeze of lemon juice.

Wine Pairings

Best white wines:
- Chardonnay (rich and buttery)
- Sauvignon Blanc (crisp and citrusy)
- Pinot Grigio (light and refreshing)

Storage and Reheating Tips

How to Store Leftovers

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer: Wrap tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months.

Best Reheating Methods

Oven (Best for Keeping Texture Crisp)
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cover with foil and bake for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
Microwave (Quick Option)
- Place a portion on a microwave-safe plate.
- Cover with a damp paper towel and heat in 30-second intervals.

Stovetop (Best for Individual Servings)
- Heat in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth.

FAQs – Answering Common Questions

1. Can I use frozen shrimp for Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake?

Yes! Just thaw them properly before cooking. Run cold water over frozen shrimp for 10-15 minutes or thaw overnight in the fridge.

2. What is the best pasta shape for this dish?

For a traditional feel: Linguine or fettuccine.
For a sturdy bake: Penne or rigatoni.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble everything, cover with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. If baking from cold, add 5-10 extra minutes.

4. How can I make it less rich and heavy?

Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
Reduce the amount of cheese.

Add more lemon juice and white wine for a lighter feel.

5. What can I use instead of white wine?

Chicken broth is a great substitute.
Vegetable broth or extra lemon juice can also work.

Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is the ultimate combination of elegance and comfort, bringing together the bold flavors of garlic butter shrimp with the rich, cheesy goodness of a baked pasta dish. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or impressing guests at a gathering, this dish delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort.

One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. You can customize it to suit your preferences—spice it up with Cajun seasoning, lighten it with Greek yogurt, or go low-carb with zucchini noodles. No matter how you tweak it, the creamy, garlicky, and cheesy layers ensure every bite is satisfying and delicious.

Pair it with garlic bread, a crisp salad, or a glass of white wine for a well-rounded meal that’s both indulgent and comforting. Plus, with easy make-ahead, storage, and reheating options, you can enjoy this dish anytime with minimal hassle.

Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

Author: Hamza

Print Recipe

Description

Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful twist on classic shrimp scampi. This dish features succulent shrimp sautéed in a buttery garlic sauce, tossed with pasta, a rich cream-based scampi sauce, and finished with a golden, cheesy breadcrumb topping. Baked until bubbly and crisp, this casserole-style dish is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, and special occasions.

The garlic, lemon, and white wine bring a fresh, zesty contrast to the creamy, cheesy layers, making every bite balanced and satisfying. Serve it with garlic bread, a side salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. Plus, it’s easy to customize—make it spicy, low-carb, or extra cheesy to fit your preferences!

Ingredients

Scale

12 oz linguine or spaghetti
1 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined
4 tablespoons butter

4 cloves garlic minced
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/2 cup white wine or chicken broth

1 lemon juiced and zested
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook Pasta: Prepare the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant.

Cook Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp and set them aside.
Prepare Sauce: Pour the white wine (or chicken broth) into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for 2 minutes.
Combine Flavors: Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Toss Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Assemble Dish: Transfer the pasta to a large baking dish, spreading it evenly. Arrange the cooked shrimp on top.
Add Cheese: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella over the pasta and shrimp.

Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve immediately.

Notes

Use Fresh or Frozen Shrimp – Thaw frozen shrimp properly before cooking.

Cook Pasta Al Dente – Slightly undercook pasta so it doesn’t get mushy when baked.

Substitutes for White Wine – Use chicken broth or vegetable broth if you prefer no alcohol.

Make Ahead Option – Assemble the dish up to 24 hours in advance, refrigerate, then bake when ready.

Storage & Reheating:

Fridge: Store leftovers for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheat: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or microwave with a splash of cream.

Customize It!

Spicy? Add red pepper flakes or Cajun seasoning.
Low-Carb? Use zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
Lighter? Swap heavy cream for Greek yogurt or half-and-half.