If you love the buttery garlic flavor of shrimp scampi but crave something a little more comforting and hearty, this Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake delivers all that and more. Imagine tender shrimp tossed with al dente pasta, coated in a garlicky lemon-butter sauce, and topped with melted cheese and crisp breadcrumbs—then baked until bubbling and golden. It’s elegant enough for company and cozy enough for a weeknight treat.
This dish transforms the classic shrimp scampi into a warm, satisfying casserole without losing any of the fresh citrusy brightness or that irresistible garlic-butter flavor.
💛 Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Shrimp Bake
- It combines the bold flavors of shrimp scampi with the comfort of baked pasta.
- The lemon-garlic butter sauce soaks into every bite.
- It’s easy to prep ahead and bake when ready.
- The crispy topping gives it a perfect golden finish.
📝 Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe
Servings: 6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Calories: ~450 per serving
Estimated Total Cost: Moderate (shrimp may vary in price)
Ingredients:
- 12 oz linguine or spaghetti
- 1 lb raw shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- ¼ cup white wine (or chicken broth)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup chopped parsley
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (panko recommended)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for drizzling
🍽 Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Boil the pasta in salted water until just al dente, then drain. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in lemon zest, juice, and white wine. Let simmer for 2 minutes. Add the shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes until just pink. Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet, then mix in Parmesan and half the parsley. Transfer to a greased baking dish. Top with mozzarella, breadcrumbs, and a light drizzle of olive oil. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until golden and bubbling. Sprinkle remaining parsley before serving.
🧄 Tips and Variations
- Use angel hair pasta for a more delicate bite.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
- Swap mozzarella for Gruyère or fontina for extra flavor.
- Toss in spinach or peas for color and freshness.
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook pasta in salted water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
- While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, sauté for 30 seconds.
- Add shrimp and cook for 1–2 minutes per side until just pink. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- To the same skillet, pour in white wine (or broth), lemon juice, and butter. Simmer for 2–3 minutes, then stir in cooked pasta and Parmesan.
- Gently fold in cooked shrimp and half the parsley. Season with salt and pepper.
- Transfer mixture to the prepared baking dish. Top with mozzarella and breadcrumbs.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, until cheese is melted and topping is golden brown.
- Garnish with remaining parsley and serve warm.
Notes
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Just thaw them fully and pat dry before cooking so they don’t release too much moisture in the pan.
You can substitute chicken broth or even seafood stock. The flavor will still be rich and delicious.
Absolutely. Assemble the dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake just before serving, adding 5 extra minutes to the cook time.
Yes. Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the oven or microwave. Add a splash of broth to keep it moist.
A crisp green salad and warm garlic bread make the perfect sidekick to this cheesy, savory pasta bake.
✨ A Comforting Seafood Classic with a Twist
This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake takes everything you love about classic shrimp scampi and wraps it in the comfort of a cheesy, golden casserole. It’s rich, zesty, and easy to love—perfect for seafood lovers, pasta fans, and anyone looking to bring something a little special to the dinner table.