Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake combines the elegance of shrimp scampi with the comfort of a cheesy baked pasta. Loaded with garlic butter shrimp, pasta, lemon, herbs, and a golden breadcrumb topping, this dish is a satisfying and flavorful meal perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.

ingredients

Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.

shrimp (peeled and deveined)
pasta (penne or ziti works well)
butter
olive oil
garlic (minced)
white wine or chicken broth
lemon juice and zest
red pepper flakes (optional)
parsley (chopped)
Parmesan cheese (grated)
mozzarella cheese (shredded)
salt
pepper
breadcrumbs

directions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Cook the pasta in salted water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.

In a large skillet, melt butter with olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.

Add shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and sauté until pink and cooked through. Remove shrimp and set aside.

Deglaze the pan with white wine or broth, then add lemon juice, zest, red pepper flakes, and chopped parsley.

Stir in the cooked pasta, mozzarella, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Fold in the shrimp.

Transfer the mixture to the baking dish. Sprinkle remaining Parmesan and breadcrumbs on top.

Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.

Garnish with additional parsley and serve warm.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 6 servings.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 15-20 minutes
Total time: 35-40 minutes

Variations

Use cooked crab or scallops instead of shrimp for a seafood twist.
Add spinach or chopped sun-dried tomatoes for extra color and flavor.
Swap mozzarella for fontina or provolone for a different cheesy finish.
Use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for 15 minutes, or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes.
You can freeze the unbaked dish for up to 2 months—thaw before baking.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just thaw and pat dry before cooking.

What pasta works best?
Short pastas like penne, ziti, or rotini hold the sauce well.

Can I skip the wine?
Yes, substitute with chicken broth or seafood stock.

Is it spicy?
Only if you add red pepper flakes—adjust to your taste.

Can I prepare this in advance?
Yes, assemble it ahead of time and refrigerate. Bake when ready.

Can I make it without cheese?
You can omit or reduce the cheese, but it adds richness and binding.

Do I have to bake it?
No, you can serve it as a skillet dish if preferred.

Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely, mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach are great additions.

What can I serve with it?
Serve with garlic bread, salad, or steamed vegetables.

Can I use precooked shrimp?
Yes, just add them at the end to avoid overcooking.

Conclusion

Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is a luxurious yet easy-to-make dish that blends zesty seafood flavors with creamy, cheesy comfort. Ideal for any night of the week or a special dinner, it’s a recipe that delivers both elegance and heartiness in every bite.

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