The savory aroma of garlic and butter is like a warm hug, making me feel right at home in my kitchen. Today, I’m excited to share my recipe for Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake, a cozy dish that takes the beloved flavors of shrimp scampi and transforms them into a creamy, comforting casserole. With just 35 minutes of prep and cooking time, this meal is perfect for busy weeknights or when entertaining friends. The combination of tender pasta, succulent shrimp, and bubbling cheese creates a dish that not only satisfies but also brings people together. It’s a wonderful way to swap out takeout for something homemade and truly special. Are you ready to dive into the deliciousness? Let’s get cooking! Why is Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake a must-try? Comfort at its finest: This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake brings the joy of homemade cooking into your kitchen, making any dinner feel special. Easy preparation means you can whip it up in just 35 minutes, perfect for busy evenings. Flavorful layers of garlic, butter, and cheese create a taste experience that rivals your favorite restaurant meal. Versatile in nature, feel free to swap proteins or add seasonal veggies for a twist. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser—ideal for family dinners or entertaining guests without stress! Enjoy it alongside a fresh salad and a glass of white wine, and you’ll be in culinary heaven. Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Ingredients For the Pasta • Short Pasta – like penne, ziti, or rigatoni, these shapes hold the sauce beautifully for every delicious bite. For the Shrimp • Shrimp – use fresh or thawed from frozen for the star protein that brings the dish to life. For the Sauce • Garlic – minced for optimal infusion, lending that irresistible aromatic punch essential to any shrimp scampi. • Butter – adds richness to the sauce; olive oil works as a lighter, heart-healthy alternative. • Lemon Juice – the bright acidity balances the dish’s richness with a refreshing zing. • Heavy Cream – creates the creamy texture; coconut cream makes a great dairy-free substitution. • Chicken Broth – enhances the flavor profile; can be swapped with vegetable broth for a veggie-friendly option. For the Cheesy Topping • Mozzarella Cheese – melts beautifully, adding creaminess; dairy-free cheese is a fantastic alternative. • Parmesan Cheese – adds savory depth; feel free to add more for an extra flavor kick. For the Spice • Red Pepper Flakes – optional for a touch of heat; feel free to omit for a milder flavor. This scrumptious Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is not just easy to prepare, but it also promises a delightful culinary experience that everyone will love! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Step 1: Preheat the Oven Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake will have a perfect golden, bubbly topping once it’s cooked. While the oven heats up, you can move on to preparing the pasta and shrimp for the dish. Step 2: Cook the Pasta In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add your chosen short pasta, such as penne or ziti, and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, typically about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside, allowing it to cool slightly while you prepare the sauce, which will coat the pasta beautifully. Step 3: Sauté the Garlic In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant and golden. Avoid burning the garlic, as you want a rich aroma without the bitterness. This savory base will elevate your Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake’s flavor. Step 4: Cook the Shrimp Add the shrimp to the skillet, ensuring they are evenly distributed. Cook for about 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until they turn pink and opaque. Once the shrimp are cooked, pour in fresh lemon juice and heavy cream, stirring well to combine. This rich mixture is the heart of your creamy sauce. Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce Gently mix the cooked pasta into the skillet with the shrimp and sauce. Add shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until everything is well coated. Season generously with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for added warmth. This delicious medley is the foundation of your Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake. Step 6: Transfer to Baking Dish Carefully transfer the shrimp and pasta mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it evenly. For a cheesy crust, sprinkle additional mozzarella and Parmesan on top. This step ensures a bubbly, savory finish that everyone will love as it bakes to perfection. Step 7: Bake the Dish Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. Keep an eye on the bake; it should be gushing with warmth and look inviting. This is the moment when your Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake transforms into a stunning centerpiece. Step 8: Let it Cool and Serve After baking, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool slightly for about 5 minutes. This cooling period allows the layers to settle, making it easier to serve. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley if desired, adding a touch of freshness before diving into this comforting meal. How to Store and Freeze Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Ensure the pasta is completely cooled before sealing to maintain freshness. Freezer: To freeze, wrap tightly in plastic wrap or place in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through and bubbly. This helps preserve the creamy texture of your Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake. Make-Ahead: Assemble the dish a day in advance and store it covered in the fridge. Allow extra baking time if cooking straight from the refrigerator. What to Serve with Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake To complement the cozy delight of your Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake, consider these delightful pairings that create a complete dining experience. Fresh Green Salad: A simple mixed greens salad with a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing crunch, balancing the dish’s creaminess. Garlic Bread: Warm, buttery garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the rich sauce and enhancing the Italian flair of the meal. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies bring a burst of color and nutrients, offering a tasty contrast to the indulgent pasta. Crispy Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with tomatoes, basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze provides a vibrant, tangy bite before the main dish. White Wine Spritzer: A crisp white wine spritzer is light and refreshing, beautifully complementing the buttery flavors of the shrimp. Lemon Sorbet: For a refreshing dessert, a scoop of lemon sorbet cleanses the palate with zesty notes that echo the dish’s citrus elements. Pesto Pasta Salad: This chilled pasta salad, infused with fresh basil and Parmesan, offers a delightful contrast in temperatures and flavors. Grilled Asparagus: Bright, grilled asparagus seasoned with lemon makes for an elegant side dish that enhances the meal’s overall vibrancy. Creamy Coleslaw: A creamy slaw melds well with the warmth of the pasta bake, adding a nice crunch and refreshing note. These delightful accompaniments not only elevate your dining experience but also create a warm and inviting atmosphere, making every meal with your Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake truly special. Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Variations Feel free to get creative with this Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake by adding your own personal touch! Chicken Alternative: Swap shrimp for diced chicken breast, seasoned and cooked for a heartier option. This twist adds a satisfying protein boost for meat lovers. Tofu Swap: For a vegetarian delight, replace shrimp with firm tofu, marinated and sautéed until golden. The creamy sauce will enhance the tofu’s flavor beautifully. Creamy Coconut: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream for a luscious, tropical vibe, perfect for those craving a dairy-free option that’s still rich and satisfying. Cheesy Variations: Experiment with different cheeses, such as gouda or smoked cheddar, for unique flavor profiles that will surely impress your guests. Each cheese offers its own comforting twist. Veggie Boost: Stir in seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach to sneak in extra nutrients and delicious flavors. Their freshness balances the rich cheese and shrimp perfectly. Spicy Kick: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add diced jalapeños for an extra kick of heat. Ideal for those who enjoy a bit of spice in their dishes! Lemon Zing: Infuse more tang by adding lemon zest along with the juice. This extra brightness will elevate the dish and enhance its overall flavor. Pesto Twist: Mix in a few tablespoons of pesto sauce for an herbal boost and added depth to your flavors. This will take your pasta bake to a whole new level of deliciousness. Looking for more delicious shrimp recipes? Check out my Garlic Shrimp Pasta or indulge in a Cajun Shrimp Boil for a fun twist on seafood! Make Ahead Options These Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake preparations are perfect for busy cooks looking to save time during the week! You can assemble the entire dish up to 24 hours in advance by preparing the pasta and shrimp mixture, then transferring it to a greased baking dish. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate. To maintain quality, ensure that the dish is stored properly to prevent drying out. When you’re ready to serve, simply bake it in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time as it will be chilled. Enjoy delicious, home-cooked comfort food with minimal effort! Expert Tips for Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake • Perfect Shrimp Texture: Avoid overcooking the shrimp to keep them tender. Cook just until they’re pink and opaque for the best flavor in your Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake. • Garlic Sautéing: Take care not to burn the garlic; it should be fragrant and golden, not brown. Burnt garlic can ruin the delicious base of this creamy casserole. • Cheese Layering: For a bubbly topping, add plenty of mozzarella and Parmesan on top before baking. Feel free to adjust amounts for your cheese-loving family! • Make-Ahead Option: Assemble the dish in advance and store it in the refrigerator. If baking from cold, extend the cooking time by about 5-10 minutes for a perfect finish. • Veggie Boost: Enhance nutrition and flavor by adding vegetables like spinach or bell peppers to the mixture before baking your Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake. Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe FAQs What type of pasta works best for Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake? Short pasta varieties like penne, ziti, or rigatoni are ideal as they hold the creamy sauce beautifully, ensuring a delightful bite in every forkful of your Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake. How should I store leftovers? Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure the pasta has cooled completely before sealing it to maintain its freshness and flavor! Can I freeze Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake? Absolutely! To freeze, wrap the dish tightly in plastic wrap or transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for up to 2 months. For best results, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. What’s the best way to reheat Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake? Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 20-25 minutes. This method helps preserve the creamy texture and ensures the cheese melts perfectly. You’ll have a comforting and warm meal ready to enjoy! Can I add vegetables to my Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake? Very! Feel free to boost the nutrition by incorporating seasonal vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers into the mix before baking. This not only adds flavor but also enhances the color and nutritional value of your dish. Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake: A Cozy Comfort Food Delight Enjoy this Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake, a comforting casserole combining shrimp, pasta, and rich flavors for an easy and delicious dinner. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 20 minutes minsCooling Time 5 minutes minsTotal Time 40 minutes mins Servings: 4 servingsCourse: DinnerCuisine: ItalianCalories: 550 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Pasta8 ounces Short Pasta (penne, ziti, or rigatoni)For the Shrimp1 pound Fresh or Thawed ShrimpFor the Sauce4 cloves Garlic (minced)4 tablespoons Butter Can substitute with olive oil1 tablespoon Lemon Juice1 cup Heavy Cream Coconut cream as a dairy-free option1 cup Chicken Broth Vegetable broth can be used as a substituteFor the Cheesy Topping1 cup Mozzarella Cheese (shredded) Dairy-free cheese as an alternative½ cup Parmesan Cheese (grated)For the Spice¼ teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes Optional Equipment Ovenlarge potskilletbaking dish Method Cooking InstructionsPreheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).In a large pot, boil salted water and cook the short pasta until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until they turn pink. Stir in lemon juice and heavy cream.Combine the cooked pasta with the shrimp mixture in the skillet. Add mozzarella and Parmesan, mixing until well coated.Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and sprinkle with additional cheese.Bake for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly.Let cool for 5 minutes before serving, optionally garnished with fresh herbs. Nutrition Serving: 1servingCalories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 30gFat: 28gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 220mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 400mgIron: 3mg NotesFor a make-ahead option, assemble the dish in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Adjust baking time as needed if cooking from cold. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
