Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

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There’s something incredibly satisfying about combining creamy pasta with perfectly cooked shrimp, then baking it all together until bubbly and golden. That’s exactly what I’ve done with this Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake. It takes everything you love about classic shrimp scampi—the garlic, the butter, the zest of lemon—and folds it into a rich, cheesy pasta dish that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re making dinner for the family or prepping a cozy date night meal, this one delivers every time.

I first came up with this recipe on a cold evening when I was craving something hearty but still elegant. Shrimp scampi is such a timeless dish, but I wanted it to have that comforting, oven-baked twist. The result was better than I expected: tender shrimp layered over pasta coated in a garlicky, creamy sauce and topped with a blanket of melted cheese. It’s the kind of meal you keep coming back to.

Why You’ll Love This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

It’s a comfort food dream with the flair of a restaurant-quality seafood dish. The garlic-butter flavor is rich but balanced by the brightness of lemon and the silkiness of cream. The shrimp stay juicy and tender, and the pasta soaks up all that saucy goodness. Best of all, it’s surprisingly simple to pull together with ingredients you probably already have on hand.

What Kind of Pasta Should I Use?

Short pasta works best in this bake—think penne, rigatoni, or ziti. These shapes hold onto the sauce and stack beautifully with the shrimp. Long pasta like spaghetti can clump together when baked, so I usually avoid it in this dish. I personally love using penne for its ability to catch the garlic cream sauce inside and out.

Options for Substitutions

You can swap the shrimp for cooked chicken breast or even scallops if you’re not in the mood for shrimp. For a lighter version, replace the heavy cream with half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative. Gluten-free pasta works well too, just be sure not to overcook it before baking. And if you want a kick, try adding crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce or finishing with a sprinkle of Cajun seasoning.

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Ingredients for this Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

Penne Pasta – A sturdy pasta that holds the creamy sauce well and doesn’t fall apart during baking.

Shrimp – Medium to large shrimp, peeled and deveined, are perfect for this recipe. They cook quickly and absorb the garlicky flavor beautifully.

Butter – Adds richness and helps build the classic scampi base.

Garlic – Essential for that signature scampi flavor; freshly minced garlic gives the best aroma and punch.

Lemon Juice & Zest – Brightens the dish and balances the richness of the sauce.

Heavy Cream – Creates a luscious, velvety sauce that binds everything together.

Parmesan Cheese – Adds a nutty, salty depth to the sauce and helps with the golden baked topping.

Mozzarella Cheese – For melty, stretchy goodness on top of the bake.

Olive Oil – Used to quickly sauté the shrimp and garlic.

Parsley – Fresh parsley brings color and a touch of earthiness at the end.

Salt & Pepper – Enhances and balances all the flavors.

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Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta until just shy of al dente (about 1–2 minutes less than the package instructions). Drain and set aside. This prevents it from becoming too soft during baking.

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 1–2 minutes per side until just pink. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Cream Sauce

Lower the heat to medium. Add butter to the same skillet and melt. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes.

Step 4: Add Cheese and Lemon

Stir in grated Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and lemon juice into the cream sauce. Mix until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked pasta into the skillet or a large bowl. Toss well to coat the pasta in the creamy sauce.

Step 6: Layer the Bake

In a greased baking dish, layer the creamy pasta. Top with cooked shrimp evenly across the top. Sprinkle generously with shredded mozzarella cheese.

Step 7: Bake

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving to add a fresh pop of color and flavor.

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How Long to Prepare the Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

Prep Time: Most of the prep happens on the stovetop. Boiling the pasta, sautéing the shrimp, and making the sauce will take about 25 minutes. If you pre-peel and devein the shrimp or use pre-cooked ones, that cuts a few minutes off.

Cook Time: Once assembled, the bake needs around 20–25 minutes in the oven until it’s hot and bubbly. All in all, you’re looking at about 45–50 minutes from start to finish.

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Tips for Perfect Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

• Slightly undercook your pasta before baking to avoid mushy results.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for a smoother melt and richer flavor.
• Don’t overcook the shrimp in the skillet—they’ll continue cooking in the oven.
• A broil at the end for 1–2 minutes gives that irresistible golden cheesy crust.
• Let the bake rest 5–10 minutes before serving to help everything set.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overcooking the shrimp: They become rubbery fast—remove them from heat as soon as they turn pink.
• Adding cold ingredients: Let your cream and cheese come to room temperature before adding to the pan.
• Skipping lemon: The acidity is essential to balance the richness.
• Overloading with cheese: Too much can overwhelm the delicate shrimp flavor.
• Not seasoning the pasta water: It should taste like the sea—this is your chance to flavor the pasta.

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What to Serve With Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake?

1. Garlic Bread

Crunchy on the outside, soft inside—perfect for soaking up extra sauce.

2. Caesar Salad

A crisp, tangy side salad adds freshness to balance the creamy pasta.

3. Roasted Asparagus

Its earthy bite pairs beautifully with shrimp and lemon.

4. White Wine

A chilled Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc complements the shrimp and garlic tones.

5. Grilled Zucchini

Light, charred, and subtly sweet—it rounds out the dish without overpowering it.

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Storage Instructions

Refrigerator: Let the pasta bake cool completely before storing. Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until hot throughout.

Freezer: You can freeze the unbaked assembled dish. Wrap tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed (adding 5–10 extra minutes).

Reheating Tips: When reheating, add a splash of cream or milk to keep the pasta from drying out.

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Estimated Nutrition

• Calories: ~480 per serving
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 13g
• Cholesterol: 165mg
• Sodium: 720mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 3g

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just make sure to fully thaw and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can assemble it a day in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.

What if I don’t have heavy cream?

Half-and-half or a mixture of milk and cream cheese can be used as a lighter alternative.

Can I make it spicy?

Yes! Add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce or a pinch of cayenne to the shrimp.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Only if you use gluten-free pasta. Double-check other ingredients like cheese and seasonings to ensure they’re GF-friendly.

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Conclusion

Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake brings together the elegance of a seafood dinner with the comfort of a baked pasta casserole. It’s creamy, garlicky, and just the right amount of indulgent. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a dish to impress, this recipe checks all the boxes: simple prep, bold flavors, and that bubbly cheese topping everyone loves. Once you try it, it just might become a staple in your kitchen.

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