✨ Introduction
If you’re craving something comforting, creamy, and packed with garlic butter goodness, this Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is about to be your new obsession! Tender shrimp are tossed with pasta in a rich, garlicky white wine sauce, layered with cheese, and baked until bubbly and golden. It’s the perfect dinner for busy weeknights, cozy weekends, or anytime you want a dish that feels a little fancy — with minimal effort!
🍽️ Servings & Time
- Yield: 6 servings
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: ~40 minutes
🛒 Ingredients
Seafood & Pasta:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 12 oz pasta (linguine, penne, or spaghetti)
Sauce Base:
- 4 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
Dairy & Cheese:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup heavy cream
Seasonings & Garnish:
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped
🧑🍳 Equipment Needed
- Large pot (for pasta)
- Large skillet
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Spatula or tongs
🍳 Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta:
Boil pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Sauté Shrimp:
In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Add shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 1–2 minutes per side until just pink. Remove shrimp and set aside.
3. Make the Sauce:
In the same skillet, add remaining 2 tablespoons butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in white wine and chicken broth, scraping up any bits from the pan. Add lemon juice, zest, red pepper flakes, and heavy cream. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
4. Assemble the Bake:
Toss cooked pasta and shrimp into the sauce. Stir in half of the mozzarella and Parmesan. Transfer to a greased baking dish. Top with the remaining cheese.
5. Bake:
Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly. Broil for 1–2 minutes if you want a golden top.
6. Garnish & Serve:
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve hot with lemon wedges if desired.
🔁 Variations
- Swap the Protein: Substitute shrimp with scallops, lobster, or cooked chicken.
- Add Veggies: Stir in sautéed spinach, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus before baking.
- Extra Creamy: Add a bit more heavy cream if you love a richer sauce.
🧊 Storage Tips
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm gently in the oven or microwave. Add a splash of cream or broth to keep it saucy.
- Freeze: Freeze without baking for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding extra bake time.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely — just thaw and pat dry before cooking.
What’s the best pasta for shrimp scampi bake?
Short pastas like penne, rigatoni, or medium shells work great because they hold the sauce better.
Can I skip the wine?
Yes! Replace it with extra chicken broth and a squeeze more lemon juice.
Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake – Cheesy, Garlicky, and Oh-So-Easy!
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Boil pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Add shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 1–2 minutes per side until just pink. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add remaining 2 tablespoons butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in white wine and chicken broth, scraping up any bits from the pan. Add lemon juice, zest, red pepper flakes, and heavy cream. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Toss cooked pasta and shrimp into the sauce. Stir in half of the mozzarella and Parmesan. Transfer to a greased baking dish. Top with the remaining cheese.
- Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly. Broil for 1–2 minutes if you want a golden top.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve hot with lemon wedges if desired.
Notes
Swap the Protein: Substitute shrimp with scallops, lobster, or cooked chicken. Add Veggies: Stir in sautéed spinach, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus before baking. Extra Creamy: Add a bit more heavy cream if you love a richer sauce. 🧊 Storage Tips
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat: Warm gently in the oven or microwave. Add a splash of cream or broth to keep it saucy. Freeze: Freeze without baking for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding extra bake time. ❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely — just thaw and pat dry before cooking. What’s the best pasta for shrimp scampi bake?
Short pastas like penne, rigatoni, or medium shells work great because they hold the sauce better. Can I skip the wine?
Yes! Replace it with extra chicken broth and a squeeze more lemon juice.
