If you love dishes bursting with rich, garlicky flavor and a satisfying, comforting texture, you are going to adore this Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe. It’s the perfect blend of tender shrimp, al dente pasta, and a creamy, cheesy sauce baked just right to create crispy golden topping magic. Whether you’re feeding a family or impressing friends, this dish brings warmth, zest, and a touch of elegance all in one pan. Every forkful is a cozy hug wrapped in buttery garlic goodness that feels both fancy and familiar.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple yet flavorful ingredients is key for the perfect Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe. Each component plays an essential role, from the succulent shrimp that offer a delicate sweetness to the fresh parsley that adds a lively pop of color and brightness.
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or ziti): These pasta shapes hold the sauce beautifully and provide a satisfying chew.
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined: Fresh or thawed shrimp bring that classic seafood flavor that’s the star of the dish.
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter: Butter creates that silky base for the sauce and ensures it’s rich without being overpowering.
- 5 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic infuses the entire bake with aromatic, pungent goodness that defines scampi.
- 1/2 cup dry white wine or chicken broth: This adds a subtle tang and depth, uplifting the creamy sauce.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Heavy cream delivers luxurious texture and richness, making the sauce luscious.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Parmesan adds a nutty, salty punch that elevates every bite.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella melts perfectly, creating gooey, stringy layers that comfort and delight.
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional): A slight kick intensifies the flavor for those who like a little heat.
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped: Parsley brings vibrant color and a fresh, herbal balance.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings to enhance all the natural flavors.
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs: Panko creates a crisp, golden topping that contrasts beautifully with the creamy pasta.
- 2 tbsp butter, melted: Melted butter mixed with the breadcrumbs ensures the crunch is rich and irresistible.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping): Sprinkled on top, it adds extra savory depth and a delightful crust.
How to Make Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius), so it’s ready when you finish mixing the ingredients. Cooking the pasta until just al dente ensures it holds its shape and absorbs the luscious sauce perfectly without turning mushy.
Step 2: Cook the Garlic-Butter Shrimp
Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant—this should take about a minute and releases incredible aromas that will fill your kitchen. Add shrimp and cook them until they turn a beautiful pink color and become opaque, usually 2 to 3 minutes, meaning they’re perfectly cooked and tender. Remove the shrimp and set them aside to keep them from overcooking later.
Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce
Pour the white wine or chicken broth into the same skillet to pick up all those flavorful garlic and buttery bits left behind by the shrimp. Let it simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes to reduce slightly, intensifying the flavor. Then stir in heavy cream and Parmesan, cooking until the sauce thickens just enough to coat your spoon luxuriously. This step is truly where the magic of the Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe happens.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce, ensuring every piece is coated in creamy garlic goodness. Season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes for just the right kick. Gently fold in the cooked shrimp and half of the fresh parsley to distribute brightness evenly throughout the dish.
Step 5: Assemble and Add Topping
Transfer the pasta and shrimp mixture to a greased 9 by 13-inch baking dish. In a small bowl, stir together panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and the remaining Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle this topping evenly over the pasta to achieve a crunchy golden crust that contrasts delightfully with the creamy filling.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden
Bake your beautiful creation for 20 to 25 minutes until the top is irresistibly golden and crispy. This final step brings the dish together, giving texture and that classic baked appeal that makes this recipe perfect for any occasion.
How to Serve Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe
Garnishes
Before serving, sprinkle the remaining fresh parsley on top for a fresh burst of color and herbaceous flavor. You can also add a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten up the rich flavors just before eating.
Side Dishes
This bake pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad tossed in a lemon vinaigrette, crisp garlic bread, or roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli. These sides add freshness and texture contrast, rounding out the meal beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive dinner, serve individual portions in small oven-safe ramekins, layering shrimp scampi pasta with alternating cheese and breadcrumbs for a stunning presentation. Or, top the bake with a handful of toasted pine nuts for crunch and a hint of nuttiness that surprises and delights guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors of your Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe will continue to meld, making next-day reheats even tastier.
Freezing
You can freeze uncooked assembled pasta bake for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn. When ready, bake from frozen—just add extra baking time to ensure it’s heated through evenly.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the whole baking dish in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) until warmed through. To revive the crispy topping, broil for a minute or two at the end, watching carefully to avoid burning.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture that can dilute the sauce.
What type of pasta works best for the Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe?
Penne, rigatoni, or ziti are ideal because their tubular shapes hold onto the creamy sauce nicely, ensuring each bite is flavorful.
Is it necessary to use white wine in the sauce?
If you prefer to avoid alcohol, chicken broth is a great substitute that keeps plenty of flavor while making the dish suitable for all tastes.
How spicy is this recipe with red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes add just a gentle warmth, not overpowering heat, but you can adjust or skip them altogether based on your preference.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
It’s doable with some tweaks: use dairy-free butter, cream alternatives like coconut or cashew cream, and dairy-free cheese substitutes, though the rich texture and flavor will be slightly different.
Final Thoughts
This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe is one of those unforgettable meals that combines comfort food vibes with a touch of classy flair. It’s straightforward enough for busy weeknights but special enough to serve guests. Once you try it, you’ll see why it quickly becomes a favorite to make again and again—trust me, you can’t go wrong with creamy, garlicky shrimp pasta bubbling out of the oven. Give it a whirl and get ready to wow everyone at your table!
Print
Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is a delightful twist on the classic shrimp scampi, combining succulent shrimp, creamy garlic sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, all baked together with a crispy, cheesy breadcrumb topping. This comforting dish is easy to prepare and perfect for a family dinner or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Pasta and Shrimp
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or ziti work well)
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Sauce and Seasoning
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Topping
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the pasta dish later.
- Cook Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta thoroughly and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Cook Shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside to prevent overcooking.
- Make Sauce: Pour the dry white wine or chicken broth into the skillet, allowing it to cook down for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Cook this sauce for another 2 minutes until it thickens.
- Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the cooked pasta into the skillet with the sauce. Toss well to coat all the pasta evenly. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using, to taste.
- Add Shrimp and Parsley: Stir the cooked shrimp and half of the chopped fresh parsley into the pasta mixture, distributing them evenly.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Transfer the shrimp and pasta mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Make Topping: In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the pasta in the baking dish.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping turns golden brown and crispy.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the baked pasta from the oven and garnish with the remaining fresh parsley. Serve warm and enjoy the creamy, flavorful Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake.
Notes
- You can substitute dry white wine with chicken broth if you prefer a non-alcoholic version.
- For extra cheesiness, sprinkle additional shredded mozzarella on top before baking.
- If you like more heat, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper.
- Make sure not to overcook the shrimp in the skillet as they will cook further in the oven.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and texture in the sauce and topping.
- This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
