Cozy Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe for Seafood Lovers

Creamy shrimp scampi pasta bake delivers a mouthwatering twist on classic seafood comfort food.

Mediterranean flavors dance across each cheesy, golden-crusted bite.

Garlic and white wine infuse remarkable depth into tender pasta layers.

Succulent shrimp nestle between noodles, promising incredible texture in every forkful.

Home cooks can easily assemble this elegant dish without complicated techniques.

Weeknight dinners suddenly feel special with such a delectable centerpiece.

You’ll want seconds of this irresistible meal that comes together in under an hour.

Shrimp Scampi Bake Flavorful Ocean Classic

• Quicken Kitchen Magic: Transform simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy dish with minimal cooking skills required, making gourmet meals accessible for everyone.
• Comfort Food Champion: Combines creamy, cheesy pasta with succulent shrimp, creating a rich and satisfying meal that hugs your taste buds and warms your soul.
• Crowd-Pleasing Convenience: One-pan preparation and baked finish means less cleanup, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings where everyone craves delicious comfort food.
• Flavor Explosion Technique: Layers complex tastes through garlic, white wine, lemon, and spices, delivering a sophisticated yet approachable culinary experience that feels like a special treat.

Ingredients Checklist for Shrimp Scampi Bake

• Pasta: A staple ingredient that serves as the base of this delicious shrimp scampi dish.
• Shrimp: The star protein that brings a delicate seafood flavor to the recipe.
• Butter: Provides rich, creamy flavor and helps create the base of the sauce.

• Garlic, White Wine, Lemon Juice: Create a classic scampi flavor profile with bright and aromatic notes.
• Heavy Cream, Parmesan Cheese: Add creaminess and depth to the sauce, helping it bind together.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Red Pepper Flakes: Seasonings that enhance and balance the overall flavor of the dish.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Adds a melty, golden top layer when baked.
• Parsley: Provides a fresh, green garnish that adds color and a light herb flavor.

Instructions for Perfect Scampi Pasta Bake

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C) and give a baking dish a quick spray of cooking oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Boil Pasta To Perfection

Get your pasta dancing in boiling water according to the package’s guidance.

Once done, drain and set aside.

Step 3: Butter And Garlic Magic

Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat.

Toss in minced garlic and let it sizzle until it releases its aromatic charm.

Step 4: Sear Succulent Shrimp

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Red pepper flakes

Cook until shrimp transform into a beautiful pink hue.

Step 5: Create A Zesty Sauce

Pour in white wine and fresh lemon juice.

Let the mixture simmer and develop complex flavors for 2 minutes.

Step 6: Develop Creamy Goodness

• Heavy cream
• Parmesan cheese

Cook until the sauce becomes luxuriously thick and velvety.

Step 7: Combine Pasta And Seafood

Gently toss pasta with the shrimp mixture, ensuring every strand gets coated with deliciousness.

Step 8: Bake To Bubbly Perfection

Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.

Shower the top with mozzarella cheese and slide into the preheated oven.

Step 9: Finish With Flair

Bake for 15 minutes until the cheese turns golden and bubbly.

Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley and serve piping hot.

Tips for Bubbling Shrimp Scampi Bake

• Choose large, deveined shrimp for the best texture and flavor in your pasta bake.
• Simmer the sauce carefully to achieve a creamy, not runny, texture that coats the pasta perfectly.
• Cook shrimp just until they turn pink to prevent rubbery, tough seafood that loses its delicate taste.
• Chop fresh parsley right before garnishing to maximize its bright, aromatic flavor and vibrant green color.
• Let mozzarella brown slightly for a golden, crispy top that adds extra depth to the dish.

Twists for Shrimp Scampi Bake Lovers

• Gluten-Free Seafood Pasta: Replace regular pasta with gluten-free rice or quinoa pasta for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Dairy-Free Ocean Delight: Swap heavy cream and cheeses with coconut cream and nutritional yeast for a lactose-free version.
• Vegetarian Herb Bake: Substitute shrimp with roasted cauliflower or chickpeas, maintaining the garlic and herb flavors of the original recipe.
• Low-Carb Zucchini Option: Use spiralized zucchini noodles instead of pasta to create a lighter, low-carbohydrate alternative that still captures the essence of the scampi sauce.

Presenting Shrimp Scampi Bake Beautifully

• Flavor Fusion Feast: Pair this creamy shrimp pasta bake with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio to enhance the seafood's delicate taste.
• Fresh Mediterranean Plate: Serve alongside a light Greek salad with cucumber, tomatoes, and feta cheese for a balanced, refreshing complement.
• Garlic Bread Sidekick: Add toasted garlic bread or crusty Italian bread to soak up the rich, buttery sauce and provide a delightful crunch.
• Zesty Herb Topping: Sprinkle extra fresh chopped parsley or basil just before serving to brighten the dish's flavors and add a pop of color.

Storing Shrimp Scampi Bake for Later

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, keeping shrimp and pasta separate to prevent sogginess.
• Place cooled pasta in freezer-safe containers, removing as much air as possible, and freeze for up to 1 month.
• Sprinkle a few drops of water over the pasta, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.
• Warm gently in a skillet with a splash of cream or water, stirring constantly to prevent sticking and maintain sauce consistency.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, just thaw completely and pat dry before cooking to ensure proper texture and prevent excess water.

• Is white wine necessary for the recipe?

No, you can substitute with chicken broth or skip it entirely without significantly affecting the overall flavor profile.

• How can I make this dish spicier?

Add extra red pepper flakes or include a dash of cayenne pepper to increase the heat level according to your preference.

• What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

Linguine, fettuccine, or angel hair pasta are excellent choices that hold the creamy sauce well and complement the shrimp.

Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe

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4.8 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake delivers Mediterranean coastal flavors in one irresistible casserole, blending succulent seafood with garlic-infused pasta. Creamy, herbed sauce and golden-brown cheese create a comforting dish you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined

Main Carbohydrate:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) pasta (penne or linguine)

Dairy and Flavor Enhancers:

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 12 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 12 cup white wine (optional)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped
• Salt and black pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 375F (190C) and prepare a baking dish with a light coating of oil or butter to prevent sticking.
2. Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, following package guidelines. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
3. Melt butter in a spacious skillet over medium heat, creating a smooth, bubbling base.
4. Introduce minced garlic to the butter, sautéing until aromatic and translucent.
5. Add shrimp to the skillet, seasoning with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
6. Cook shrimp until they transform into a vibrant pink color and appear slightly curled, indicating perfect doneness.
7. Deglaze the pan with white wine and fresh lemon juice, allowing the liquid to simmer and reduce for approximately 2 minutes.
8. Incorporate heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens and develops a smooth, glossy texture.
9. Gently fold the cooked pasta into the shrimp mixture, ensuring each strand is generously coated with the creamy sauce.
10. Transfer the combined pasta and shrimp into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly.
11. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese across the top, creating a luxurious, melty layer.
12. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until the cheese turns golden and bubbly.
13. Remove from oven, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve immediately while warm.

Notes

• Swap white wine with chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version that maintains rich flavor depth.
• Ensure shrimp are not overcooked by removing them from heat the moment they turn pink to prevent rubbery texture.
• Add gluten-free pasta for a celiac-friendly alternative without compromising the creamy, zesty essence of the dish.
• Create a lighter version by substituting heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt to reduce overall calorie content.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 545 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 580 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 37 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 145 mg