Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is the ultimate fusion of comfort and elegance — a creamy, garlicky, cheesy seafood casserole that’s as perfect for a weeknight dinner as it is for entertaining guests. If you’ve ever loved traditional shrimp scampi but wished it were more filling or crowd-friendly, this baked version is for you.
This guide covers every detail — from cooking techniques and chef-level tips to dietary swaps and flavor add-ins — so you can create a flawless, indulgent pasta bake every time.
🍤 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Perfectly juicy shrimp
✅ Creamy, garlicky sauce with zesty lemon
✅ Golden cheesy topping with crispy breadcrumbs
✅ Easy to customize — spicy, herby, or veggie-loaded
✅ Ideal for weeknights or special occasions
This baked shrimp pasta combines the bright flavors of shrimp scampi with the indulgent comfort of a casserole. It’s a seafood lover’s dream — elevated with the richness of Parmesan, mozzarella, and a velvety white wine sauce.
🧾 Ingredients You’ll Need
Serves: 4–6 people
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Large shrimp (peeled & deveined) | 1 lb (450 g) |
| Linguine or fettuccine | 8 oz (225 g) |
| Butter | 3 tbsp |
| Garlic (minced) | 4 cloves |
| Dry white wine (or chicken broth) | ½ cup |
| Fresh lemon juice | 2 tbsp |
| Heavy cream (optional for creamy version) | 1 cup |
| Red pepper flakes (optional) | ½ tsp |
| Salt and black pepper | To taste |
| Mozzarella cheese (shredded) | 1 cup |
| Parmesan cheese (grated) | ½ cup |
| Fresh parsley (chopped) | ¼ cup |
| Breadcrumbs (optional) | ½ cup |
| Olive oil (for greasing pan) | As needed |
👨🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep and Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook pasta until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Sauté the Shrimp
- In a large skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat.
- Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add shrimp, season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Cook 2–3 minutes per side until pink. Remove and set aside.
3. Make the Garlic Lemon Sauce
- In the same skillet, add wine and lemon juice. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- Stir in 1 tbsp butter and optional heavy cream.
- Let it reduce for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
4. Assemble the Pasta Bake
- In a large bowl, mix cooked pasta, shrimp, sauce, half the mozzarella, and half the Parmesan.
- Transfer to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
5. Add Toppings and Bake
- Sprinkle remaining mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
- Add breadcrumbs for a crispy topping (optional).
- Bake uncovered at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes or until golden and bubbly.
6. Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
🔥 Chef Tips & Flavor Variations
🔪 Pro Cooking Tips
- Don’t overcook shrimp: They become rubbery. Cook just until pink.
- Use wild-caught shrimp for firmer texture and better flavor.
- Deglaze properly: Scrape up browned bits after sautéing for a deeper sauce.
- Balance the sauce: Add cream gradually to avoid breaking.
🌿 Flavorful Add-Ins
- Veggies: Spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, artichokes
- Herbs: Basil, thyme, oregano, chives
- Heat: Red pepper flakes, chili oil, or jalapeños
- Cheese Options: Fontina, Gruyère, provolone, or pecorino
🍷 Serving Suggestions
Pair your shrimp scampi pasta bake with:
| Side | Description |
|---|---|
| Garlic bread | Buttery and crispy, perfect for soaking up sauce |
| Lemon asparagus | Bright and earthy to contrast the richness |
| Arugula salad | With balsamic vinaigrette for freshness |
| White wine | Pair with Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc |
❄ Storage & Reheating Guide
Refrigerator:
Store in an airtight container up to 3 days.
Freezer:
Wrap tightly and freeze before baking. Lasts 2 months.
Reheat:
Bake at 350°F covered for 15 minutes or microwave in 1-minute bursts.
🧬 Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Protein | 20g |
| Total Fat | 15g |
| Saturated Fat | 7g |
| Carbohydrates | 28g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugar | 2g |
| Cholesterol | 145mg |
| Sodium | 480mg |
| Omega-3 (EPA/DHA) | 400mg |
| Vitamin B12 | 60% DV |
| Selenium | 75% DV |
Note: Values are estimated for 1/6 of the recipe.
❓ FAQs
➤ What is shrimp scampi pasta bake?
A fusion dish combining shrimp scampi’s garlic-lemon-butter flavors with baked pasta and cheese for a creamy, filling seafood casserole.
➤ Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just thaw and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess water in the sauce.
➤ What’s the best pasta for this dish?
Linguine or fettuccine work well, but penne or rotini also hold the sauce nicely.
➤ Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble up to 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate, then bake just before serving.
➤ How do I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and certified GF breadcrumbs or skip the topping entirely.
🎯 Final Thoughts
The Ultimate Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is more than just a twist on a classic — it’s a complete upgrade. With juicy shrimp, al dente pasta, a creamy garlicky sauce, and bubbling melted cheese, this is comfort food at its finest.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, planning a cozy family meal, or simply want something indulgent yet easy to prepare, this recipe delivers every time.
With plenty of room for customization and chef-level flavor, it’s sure to become a household favorite.