Irresistible Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Sailing through culinary adventures, this shrimp scampi pasta bake delivers unexpected comfort in every delightful bite.

Mediterranean flavors dance across warm plates with surprising elegance.

Salt-kissed crustaceans mingle perfectly with tender pasta shells.

Garlic and butter create a luxurious sauce that whispers memories of coastal evenings.

Weeknight dinners deserve something extraordinary, and this recipe answers that call.

Cheese melts into golden perfection, promising satisfaction beyond ordinary meal expectations.

You’ll find yourself craving each creamy, herbaceous forkful that celebrates simple ingredients transformed.

Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake – Here’s Why It’s an Instant Favorite

• Quick Weeknight Lifesaver: Transform simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal in under an hour, making dinnertime stress-free and delicious.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Combines creamy cheese, succulent shrimp, and perfectly cooked pasta that appeals to both kids and adults, ensuring everyone leaves the table satisfied.
• Adaptable Culinary Canvas: Easily customize with extra vegetables, swap protein types, or adjust spice levels to match your family's taste preferences without complicated modifications.
• Minimal Cleanup Champion: One-pan preparation and straightforward baking method means less kitchen mess and more time enjoying your delectable meal together.

Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Ingredients

• Pasta, Shrimp: Essential base ingredients for hearty and delicious main course. Choose medium-sized shrimp for best texture, and select pasta that holds sauce well like penne or linguine.

• Parmesan Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese, Heavy Cream, Butter: Rich and creamy components that create luxurious sauce. Select freshly grated Parmesan for maximum flavor, and use full-fat dairy for best results.

• Garlic, Salt, Black Pepper, Red Pepper Flakes, Fresh Parsley: Flavor enhancers that add depth and brightness. Use fresh garlic for most intense taste, and adjust spice level with red pepper flakes.

• Olive Oil, Chicken Broth: Provide cooking medium and additional flavor complexity. Choose extra virgin olive oil for best quality, and low-sodium chicken broth to control salt content.

Scampi Pasta Bake Cooking Directions

Step 1: Warm Up the Kitchen

Fire up your oven to a toasty 375°F.

Grab a pot of water and cook your pasta until it’s perfectly tender.

Drain and set aside – we’re getting ready for something delicious!

Step 2: Dance with the Shrimp

Splash olive oil into a large skillet over medium heat.

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Red pepper flakes

Sizzle those little seafood friends for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn a beautiful pink.

Scoop them out and keep them waiting.

Step 3: Craft the Creamy Magic

In the same skillet, melt butter and welcome minced garlic.

Let it sizzle and become super fragrant.

• Heavy cream
• Chicken broth

Stir everything together and let it bubble gently.

• Parmesan cheese
• Mozzarella cheese

Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to make it sing.

Step 4: Build Your Flavor Masterpiece

• Cooked pasta
• Sautéed shrimp
• Dreamy sauce

Mix until everything is hugged by that incredible cream sauce.

Transfer to a greased baking dish and shower with remaining cheese.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.

Want extra crispy?

Blast under the broiler for 2-3 minutes until golden and bubbly.

Step 6: Celebrate Your Culinary Win

Sprinkle fresh parsley on top.

Serve hot and watch everyone’s eyes light up with pure joy!

Baked Pasta Prep for Shrimp Scampi

• Cook pasta just until al dente to prevent mushiness when baking, ensuring a perfect tender-yet-firm bite throughout the dish.
• Avoid overcooking shrimp by removing them from heat the moment they turn pink, preserving their delicate sweet taste and preventing rubbery texture.
• Slowly simmer the sauce to help it thicken naturally, allowing the cheese to melt smoothly and create a rich, velvety coating for the pasta.
• Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk for a lighter version, and use gluten-free pasta to make the dish more diet-friendly.
• Sprinkle extra fresh parsley just before serving to add a bright, herbaceous note that cuts through the richness of the cheesy sauce.

Shrimp Scampi Bake for Later

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly.
• Warm pasta in a preheated 350°F oven, covered with aluminum foil for 10-15 minutes, adding a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying out.
• Add a little extra cheese or cream when reheating to maintain the sauce's creamy consistency and restore the original texture.

Favorite Sides With Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a zesty Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the rich, creamy shrimp pasta. These wines cut through the dish's buttery texture and enhance the seafood's delicate flavor.
• Create Mediterranean Side Salad: Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, cherry tomatoes, and shaved Parmesan. The citrusy, peppery greens balance the pasta's decadent profile and provide a fresh contrast.
• Match with Crusty Garlic Bread: Serve warm, toasted baguette slices brushed with garlic butter. The crispy bread helps soak up the creamy sauce and adds a delightful textural element to the meal.
• Serve with Chilled Citrus Spritzer: Blend sparkling water with fresh lemon, lime, and a touch of mint. This light, refreshing drink cuts through the pasta's richness and cleanses the palate between bites.

Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Seafood Variants

• Gluten-Free Seafood Delight: Replace traditional pasta with gluten-free rice noodles or zucchini spirals for a celiac-friendly option. Ensure all ingredients like broth and cheeses are certified gluten-free.
• Low-Carb Protein Powerhouse: Swap pasta with cauliflower rice or spaghetti squash strands. Use heavy cream and additional cheese to maintain richness while reducing carbohydrate content.
• Dairy-Free Oceanic Feast: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or almond milk cream. Replace Parmesan and mozzarella with nutritional yeast and dairy-free cheese alternatives for lactose-intolerant individuals.
• Vegetarian Mediterranean Adaptation: Swap shrimp with roasted chickpeas or marinated artichoke hearts. Keep the creamy sauce and herbs, using plant-based cheese for a satisfying meatless version.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking to remove excess moisture and ensure proper sautéing.

• How spicy is this dish with red pepper flakes?

The red pepper flakes add a mild heat. If you prefer less spice, reduce the amount or omit them entirely. For more heat, increase the quantity to suit your taste.

• Is it okay to substitute the heavy cream?

You can replace heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be less rich and creamy. Greek yogurt or light cream can also work as alternatives.

• Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Prepare the dish up to the point of baking, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, bake directly from the refrigerator, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe

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4.9 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savory shrimp scampi pasta bake brings Mediterranean coastal charm to dinner tables with its zesty garlic and herb-infused layers. Creamy, cheesy textures mingle with succulent shrimp, promising a comforting meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 1 lb (454 grams) large shrimp, peeled and deveined

Pasta and Starches:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) pasta (penne or rotini works best)

Dairy and Cheese:

• 3 tablespoons (45 grams) butter
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
• 1 1/2 cups (150 grams) grated Parmesan cheese, divided
• 1 cup (100 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese

Seasonings and Herbs:

• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 grams) red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1 tablespoon (3 grams) fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Oils:

• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil (for cooking shrimp)

Liquid Ingredients:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) chicken broth

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Instructions

1. Transform your kitchen into a culinary haven by warming the oven to a precise 375°F, creating the perfect environment for this seafood symphony.
2. Submerge pasta in boiling water, coaxing it to al dente perfection. Drain and set aside, allowing it to rest momentarily.
3. Ignite a skillet with olive oil, introducing succulent shrimp. Shower with salt, pepper, and optional fiery red pepper flakes. Dance the shrimp across the heat for 2-3 minutes per side until they blush a delicate pink, then carefully relocate them to a waiting vessel.
4. In the same well-seasoned skillet, melt butter and introduce minced garlic. Allow its aromatic essence to bloom for a fleeting moment.
5. Stream heavy cream and chicken broth into the skillet, whisking until a luxurious sauce emerges. Invite Parmesan and half the mozzarella to join, seasoning with a delicate balance of salt and pepper.
6. Orchestrate a harmonious union of pasta, shrimp, and velvety sauce in a spacious mixing bowl, ensuring each element is lovingly embraced.
7. Transfer the melodious mixture to a prepared baking dish, crowning it with remaining cheeses for a golden, bubbling finale.
8. Nestle the dish into the preheated oven, allowing 20-25 minutes of transformative heat. For an extra crisp crescendo, briefly introduce to the broiler’s intense gaze.
9. Scatter fresh parsley across the surface like a verdant confetti, signaling the dish is ready to captivate eager palates.

Notes

• Swap shrimp with chicken or tofu for alternative protein options that keep the dish versatile and accommodating to different dietary preferences.
• Reduce heavy cream with half Greek yogurt to create a lighter, lower-fat version without compromising the sauce’s creamy texture.
• Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe completely celiac-friendly and accessible to those with wheat sensitivities.
• Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for adventurous eaters wanting more spicy kick in the final dish.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 678
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 870 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 16 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 67 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 300 mg