There’s something undeniably magical about the combination of succulent shrimp and al dente pasta baked to perfection. Imagine the tantalizing aroma wafting through your kitchen as you prepare a Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake that promises to elevate any dinner from mundane to magnificent. Picture this: golden-brown cheese bubbling over the edges while tender shrimp mingle with garlic and herbs, creating a dish that sings of comfort and culinary delight.
Whenever I whip up this dish, I’m transported back to family gatherings where laughter filled the air and everyone eagerly anticipated the first bite. It’s a recipe that not only satisfies your hunger but also warms your heart—perfect for cozy nights in or impressing guests at a dinner party.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is not only easy to prepare but also bursting with flavor
- Its cheesy goodness appeals to everyone at the table
- The vibrant colors make it visually stunning and perfect for special occasions
- Enjoy it as a standalone meal or pair it with a fresh salad for added versatility
I remember one evening when I served this dish at a friend’s potluck. The looks on their faces as they took that first bite were priceless—pure joy!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Shrimp: Use large, fresh shrimp for the best flavor; frozen works too if thawed properly.
- Pasta: Any pasta shape works great; I prefer linguine for its ability to hold sauce.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds an aromatic punch; avoid pre-minced varieties for best results.
- Butter: Unsalted butter enhances flavors; use quality brands for richer taste.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grate fresh Parmesan right before use for maximum flavor and meltability.
- Parsley: Fresh parsley brightens the dish; sprinkle generously before serving.
- Cream: Heavy cream gives it that luscious texture; don’t skimp here!
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice elevates flavors by adding brightness.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Add these if you enjoy a little kick; adjust according to taste.
- Vegetable or Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium broth to control saltiness without sacrificing flavor.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Preheat the Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a large baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Cook the Pasta: Bring salted water to a boil and add your pasta of choice. Cook until al dente according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
Sauté the Shrimp and Garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter and add minced garlic until fragrant. Toss in shrimp until pink and opaque—about 3-4 minutes is perfect.
Add Cream and Broth Mixture: Pour in heavy cream and vegetable broth while stirring gently. Keep cooking until slightly thickened; season with lemon juice, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
Combine Ingredients in Baking Dish : In a large bowl, mix cooked pasta with shrimp mixture until everything is well coated. Transfer into prepared baking dish.
Add Cheese Topping : Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of your shrimp scampi pasta bake. Feel free to add more cheese if you’re feeling indulgent!
Bake Until Golden Brown : Place in preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown on top.
Enjoy digging into this heavenly concoction! You’ll want seconds—and possibly thirds—so be ready!
Every bite of this Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is sure to make you feel like you’re dining at an upscale restaurant without ever leaving your home. So go on—gather your ingredients and let’s make some memories!
You Must Know
- This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is a crowd-pleaser; the aroma of garlic and butter fills your kitchen, making everyone eager for dinner
- Perfectly baked pasta with succulent shrimp creates a delightful texture and flavor that keeps family and friends coming back for more
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve perfect results, start by boiling pasta while you sauté garlic in butter. Add shrimp next and combine everything in a baking dish before topping with cheese.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize this dish by swapping shrimp for chicken or adding vegetables like spinach. Experiment with different cheeses to create your ultimate version of Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, ensuring the pasta remains tender.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can still be delicious if stored correctly
- Adding a splash of lemon juice just before serving brightens up the flavors wonderfully
- For extra creaminess, consider mixing in some cream cheese before baking
The first time I made Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake, my friends devoured it within minutes, leaving me both thrilled and slightly disappointed by how fast it disappeared!
FAQ
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp work well; just thaw them beforehand for even cooking.
What type of pasta is best for Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake?
Linguine or penne are great choices as they hold sauce beautifully.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Add crushed red pepper flakes to the garlic butter for an extra kick!

Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake
Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is a creamy, cheesy dish featuring tender shrimp and al dente pasta, baked to perfection. It’s an irresistible comfort food that’s sure to impress.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 8 ounces linguine or pasta of choice
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup chicken or vegetable broth
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
- Red pepper flakes (to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish.
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat, sauté garlic until fragrant, then add shrimp and cook until pink, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in cream and broth until slightly thickened; season with lemon juice, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Combine cooked pasta with shrimp mixture in a bowl, then transfer to the baking dish.
- Top with grated Parmesan cheese and bake for 25-30 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 220mg