Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake: The Ultimate Cheesy & Garlicky Dish

Craving a cozy, restaurant-quality meal that’s surprisingly easy to whip up on a busy weeknight? Look no further. This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is the answer. It transforms the classic, elegant flavors of shrimp scampi into a comforting, cheesy casserole that the whole family will adore.

We combine tender shrimp and perfectly cooked pasta with a rich, luscious garlic and lemon-butter sauce. Then, we top it all with a generous layer of mozzarella and Parmesan and bake it to golden, bubbly perfection. This is the ultimate comfort food upgrade.

Why This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is a Weeknight Winner

You’re going to fall in love with this recipe, and here’s why. It’s a one-pan wonder that delivers big on flavor without a ton of effort. The sauce is simple yet incredibly decadent, and the baked cheesy topping adds a delightful texture that takes classic scampi to a new level.

It’s a versatile dish perfect for a family dinner, but also elegant enough to serve to guests. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up leftover pasta. If you love flavor-packed shrimp dishes, this will quickly become a new favorite, much like our popular Garlic Parmesan Shrimp recipe.

The Key Ingredients for an Unforgettable Scampi Bake

The magic of this dish lies in its simple, high-quality ingredients. Together, they create a symphony of flavor that tastes incredibly gourmet.

Choosing Your Shrimp

For the best results, use large or jumbo shrimp (16-20 count) that have been peeled and deveined. You can use fresh or frozen; if using frozen, make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking to ensure they sauté beautifully instead of steaming.

The Best Pasta Shape

We recommend a short pasta shape with plenty of nooks and crannies to hold onto the delicious sauce. Think rigatoni, penne, fusilli, or shells. These shapes provide the perfect bite and ensure every mouthful is loaded with flavor.

The Scampi Sauce Essentials

The heart of any scampi is the sauce. We use a classic combination of butter, garlic, a splash of dry white wine (like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc), and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a gentle warmth that balances the richness perfectly.

How to Make This Cheesy Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

This recipe comes together in a few simple stages. We’ll cook the pasta, make the quick scampi sauce, combine everything, and bake it to perfection. Follow these steps for a flawless result.

1. Cook the Pasta: Start by cooking your chosen pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water. Cook it until it’s just shy of al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven. Drain and set aside.
2. Sauté the Aromatics: In a large, oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, and cook for about 30-60 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
3. Create the Sauce: Pour in the white wine and lemon juice to deglaze the pan. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the alcohol to cook off and the sauce to reduce slightly.
4. Cook the Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they just start to turn pink. They don’t need to be fully cooked at this stage. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Combine and Bake: Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the cooked pasta and fresh parsley. Top everything evenly with the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and starting to turn golden brown on top.

Pro Tips for the Best Pasta Bake

Want to guarantee a perfect bake every time? Keep these simple tips in mind.

• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cooking the pasta to just under al dente is key. This prevents it from becoming mushy after baking in the sauce.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly minced garlic, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese will always yield a more vibrant and delicious flavor than their pre-packaged counterparts.
• Pat the Shrimp Dry: This is a crucial step for getting a good sear on the shrimp and preventing a watery sauce.

Delicious Variations to Try

While this recipe is fantastic as is, it’s also a great canvas for creativity. For a creamier texture, try our Creamy Garlic Butter Tortellini recipe, which has a similar flavor profile.

• Add Veggies: Stir in a cup of baby spinach, chopped asparagus, or sun-dried tomatoes with the pasta for an extra nutrient boost.
• Make it Creamy: For a richer sauce, add a splash of heavy cream or a few tablespoons of cream cheese along with the wine and lemon juice. This is similar to the sauce in our fan-favorite Marry Me Shrimp Pasta.
• Breadcrumb Topping: For extra crunch, mix 1/2 cup of panko breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons of melted butter and sprinkle over the cheese before baking.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake makes for excellent leftovers. Store any remaining portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can microwave individual portions or place the casserole back in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through. Adding a splash of broth or water before reheating can help restore the sauce’s consistency.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Perfect Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe

Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake: The Ultimate Cheesy & Garlicky Dish

This easy Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake recipe transforms classic flavors into a cheesy, comforting casserole with a rich garlic butter sauce. The perfect elegant weeknight dinner for the whole family, ready in under an hour.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Italian-American

Calories: 650

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb pasta such as penne, rigatoni, or shells
• 1.5 lbs large shrimp peeled and deveined
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 6 cloves garlic minced
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes or more, to taste
• 1/2 cup dry white wine such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp salt or to taste
• 1/2 tsp black pepper or to taste
• 1/2 cup fresh parsley chopped
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Equipment

• 1 9x13 inch baking dish or large oven-safe skillet
• 1 Large Pot

Instructions

 

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook pasta in a large pot of salted water according to package directions until just under al dente. Drain well.
3. While the pasta cooks, melt the butter in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes and cook for 30-60 seconds until fragrant.
4. Pour in the white wine and lemon juice. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, until the sauce has slightly reduced.
5. Add the shrimp to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring, until they begin to turn pink. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the drained pasta and chopped parsley until everything is well-coated in the sauce.
7. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
8. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden brown. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

For a non-alcoholic version, you can substitute the white wine with an equal amount of chicken or vegetable broth.
Ensure shrimp are fully thawed and patted dry to prevent a watery sauce.
Feel free to add a crunchy panko breadcrumb topping for extra texture.

Share This Amazing Recipe!

We know you’ll love this easy and elegant Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table. If you make it and love it, please share your creation with us and consider saving it to your favorite board on Pinterest!