Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy, crowd-pleasing dinner that tastes straight out of a restaurant kitchen but is simple enough for a weeknight, this Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake absolutely delivers. It’s that glorious combination of garlicky shrimp, creamy sauce, and bubbly golden cheese—all tangled up in pasta and baked to perfection!

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake plays a flavor-boosting role—and you won’t need anything fancy. From pantry staples to fresh shrimp and cheese, you’ll love how each one adds its own punch of taste, texture, or cheesy goodness.

• Rigatoni or Penne Pasta: Both shapes hold sauce beautifully and bake up perfectly tender.
• Shrimp: Fresh or thawed, peeled, and deveined—quick to cook and the star of the dish.
• Butter: Forms the rich, flavorful foundation for both the shrimp and creamy sauce.
• Garlic: The essential aromatic that makes shrimp scampi unmistakable.
• Heavy Cream: Lends luxurious silkiness and helps everything come together in the oven.
• Chicken Broth: Balances the richness, providing depth without making the dish heavy.
• Parmesan Cheese: For that signature salty, nutty undertone that melds into the sauce.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts into irresistible stretchy bites on top.
• Red Pepper Flakes (optional): A hint of heat to brighten and balance all the creamy goodness.
• Italian Seasoning: Brings familiar herby warmth to the entire bake.
• Salt and Pepper: Make every element of the dish sing—add to taste.
• Fresh Parsley: An herby, fresh contrast sprinkled on at the end.
• Panko Breadcrumbs (optional): Adds a crunchy, golden topping for the perfect finish.

Variations

This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is wonderfully versatile—think of it as your friendly blank canvas! Whether you’re cooking for a crowd with allergies or using up what’s in the fridge, there are endless ways to make it your own.

• Swap the Protein: Use chicken, scallops, or even a medley of seafood instead of shrimp for a twist.
• Lighter Version: Sub half-and-half for heavy cream and use part-skim mozzarella for a lighter bake.
• Low-Carb Option: Replace the pasta with spiralized zucchini or cooked spaghetti squash for a gluten-free version.
• Add More Veggies: Sneak in baby spinach, halved cherry tomatoes, or steamed broccoli for a beautiful color (and extra nutrition) boost.

How to Make Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by boiling your rigatoni or penne until just al dente—it should still have a little bite to it. Since the pasta will bake further in the oven, undercooking it slightly helps prevent it from turning mushy. Once it’s done, drain and set aside, tossing lightly with a dash of olive oil if you like to keep it from sticking together.

Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp

Season the shrimp generously with salt, pepper, and, if you love a little zip, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. In your largest skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Sauté the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes per side, just until they’re pink and cooked through—don’t overdo it, as they’ll finish cooking in the oven later. Transfer shrimp to a plate and set aside for now.

Step 3: Make the Garlicky Cream Sauce

Add the remaining butter to the same skillet (so you get all those shrimp-flavored bits!). Drop in the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute—it’ll smell incredible. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, whisking to combine, and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. The sauce will look thin at first, but just wait—it’s rich, glossy, and ready for all that pasta to soak up.

Step 4: Stir in Cheese and Seasonings

Reduce the heat and stir in the Parmesan and Italian seasoning until the cheese has melted smoothly into the sauce. Taste the sauce and adjust with a little extra salt and pepper if needed—this is where those classic shrimp scampi flavors really shine. The sauce should be creamy, fragrant, and lush!

Step 5: Toss Everything Together

Now, add your cooked pasta and sautéed shrimp directly into the skillet of sauce. Toss gently so every piece of pasta and shrimp is generously coated. This step brings all the flavor together and ensures every bite is as delicious as the next!

Step 6: Assemble and Bake

Pour the creamy shrimp pasta into a lightly greased baking dish. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over the top, and for extra crunch, finish with a layer of panko breadcrumbs. Bake in a preheated 375°F oven for 15-20 minutes, until the top is golden and the sauce is bubbling away and calling your name.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Let the Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake cool for just a few minutes, then shower it with fresh chopped parsley. Serve straight from the casserole while it’s steamy and gooey—the best part is seeing everyone dive in!

How to Serve Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

Garnishes

Brighten up the rich creaminess of your Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake with a generous sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley. Don’t hesitate to add a grating of extra Parmesan or a twist of lemon zest right before serving—these little touches heighten all the flavors and make your bake look extra inviting.

Side Dishes

This dish is absolute heaven with crisp garlic bread (perfect for mopping up extra sauce!), or a simple green salad tossed with vinaigrette to balance the richness. Roasted asparagus, broccolini, or any vibrant green veggie would also pair beautifully alongside the bake.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun family dinner, bring the piping hot casserole straight to the table so everyone can serve themselves. Hosting friends? Try spooning individual portions into small ramekins for an elegant touch. For a casual gathering, set up a “pasta bar” with lemon wedges, extra herbs, and chili flakes for guests to garnish their own plates!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, let your Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps wonderfully for up to 3 days, which means tomorrow’s lunch just got a little more exciting!

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze this bake if you want to prep in advance. For best results, assemble everything but hold off on baking and garnishing—just wrap your unbaked casserole tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as usual.

Reheating

To reheat, cover the pasta bake loosely with foil and warm it in a 350°F oven until bubbly, about 20 minutes. For a quick fix, individual servings can be microwaved—just add a splash of water or cream to keep the sauce silky and stir halfway through.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Trust me, once you’ve tried this Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake, it’s bound to earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation. It’s warm, indulgent, and always a hit—so gather your favorite people and bake up a cozy dish that’s impossible not to love!

Print