This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake combines the buttery, garlicky flavors of classic shrimp scampi with cheesy baked pasta for a rich and satisfying dish. With juicy shrimp, a lemony white wine sauce, and a golden-brown topping, this easy casserole is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich & Flavorful – A creamy, garlicky, and cheesy twist on shrimp scampi.
- Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and quick prep.
- Perfect for Meal Prep – Make ahead and bake when ready.
- Customizable – Adjust spice levels, swap pasta, or add veggies.
- Crowd-Pleaser – A baked pasta dish that everyone will love!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Pasta & Shrimp:
- 12 oz pasta (penne, linguine, or rigatoni)
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
For the Topping:
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
- ½ tsp garlic powder
Directions
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1. Cook the Pasta
- Boil pasta in salted water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Shrimp
- Heat olive oil and 2 tbsp butter in a pan over medium heat.
- Add garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for 30 seconds.
- Add shrimp, cooking for 2 minutes per side until pink.
- Stir in white wine, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper, cooking for 1-2 minutes.
- Remove shrimp from the pan and set aside.
3. Make the Sauce
- In the same pan, add remaining 2 tbsp butter and heavy cream.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese and simmer for 2 minutes until creamy.
4. Assemble the Pasta Bake
- Toss cooked pasta with the sauce.
- Mix in shrimp and mozzarella cheese.
- Transfer to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
5. Make the Topping
- In a small bowl, mix panko, Parmesan, olive oil, and garlic powder.
- Sprinkle evenly over the pasta.
6. Bake & Serve
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, until golden and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Version – Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Extra Cheesy – Mix in ricotta or cream cheese for more creaminess.
- Gluten-Free Option – Use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs.
- Lighter Version – Replace heavy cream with half & half.
- Veggie Add-In – Add spinach, mushrooms, or roasted cherry tomatoes.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze before or after baking for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Bake at 350°F for 15 minutes, or microwave in 30-second intervals.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.
What’s the best pasta for this recipe?
Penne, rigatoni, or linguine hold the sauce best.
Can I use chicken instead of shrimp?
Yes! Use cooked, shredded chicken as a substitute.
How do I make the sauce thicker?
Simmer longer or add ½ tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble, refrigerate, and bake when ready.
What’s a good side dish for this?
Serve with garlic bread, Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables.
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Yes, but the sauce will be less rich—use whole milk or evaporated milk.
How do I prevent overcooked shrimp?
Cook until just pink and remove immediately.
Can I skip the breadcrumbs?
Yes! Just add extra cheese on top instead.
Can I add bacon?
Yes! Crumbled crispy bacon adds great flavor.
Conclusion
This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is a creamy, cheesy, and garlicky twist on a classic shrimp scampi. Perfect for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or meal prep, this dish is easy to make and absolutely delicious. Try it today for a comforting, seafood-filled pasta bake that everyone will love!
PrintShrimp Scampi Pasta Bake
This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake takes the classic garlic butter shrimp scampi and transforms it into a creamy, cheesy, oven-baked pasta dish. With juicy shrimp, lemony garlic butter sauce, and gooey melted cheese, it’s the ultimate comfort food!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 people 1x
- Category: Main Course, Pasta
- Method: Stovetop & Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
For the Shrimp Scampi:
- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled & deveined
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Juice of 1 lemon
- ¼ cup white wine (or chicken broth)
For the Pasta & Bake:
- 12 oz penne or rigatoni pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half & half)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs (for crispy topping, optional)
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta until al dente.
- Drain and set aside.
2. Make the Shrimp Scampi
- In a large pan, melt butter with olive oil over medium heat.
- Add garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in shrimp, cooking for 2-3 minutes per side until pink.
- Add lemon juice and white wine, simmering for 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat.
3. Assemble the Pasta Bake
- In a large bowl, mix cooked pasta, shrimp scampi, heavy cream, mozzarella, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning.
- Transfer to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- (Optional) Mix panko breadcrumbs with 1 tbsp melted butter and sprinkle on top for a crispy finish.
4. Bake & Serve
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot!
Notes
- Want extra flavor? Add zested lemon peel to the shrimp before baking.
- Make it spicy: Increase red pepper flakes or add hot sauce.
- Storage: Keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of cream or broth.