Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

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Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is one of those indulgent, comforting dishes I always turn to when I want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. I love how this recipe brings together the garlicky, buttery flavor of classic shrimp scampi and the satisfying warmth of a creamy baked pasta. It’s the kind of meal that fills the house with irresistible aromas and gets everyone gathered around the table fast.

What makes this dish even better is how well it balances elegance with everyday ease. Whether I’m hosting a casual dinner or prepping something special for a weeknight, this pasta bake never lets me down. It has juicy shrimp nestled into a creamy, cheesy pasta that’s baked until golden and bubbling—it’s everything you want in a comfort meal, with a touch of seafood sophistication.

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Why You’ll Love This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is pure magic in a casserole dish. It’s bursting with flavor thanks to the garlic, lemon, and parmesan that elevate the shrimp and pasta. The shrimp are tender and perfectly cooked, and the sauce is rich but not overwhelming. Plus, baking everything together gives the top layer a beautiful golden finish with a little crunch that contrasts the creamy inside.

It’s a crowd-pleaser for picky eaters and seafood lovers alike, and the leftovers (if there are any!) taste just as good the next day. Whether you’re feeding family or guests, this dish will quickly become a favorite.

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What Kind of Pasta Should I Use?

You’ll want a pasta that can hold up well to baking and grab onto all the saucy goodness. I usually go with penne or rigatoni—something with ridges and a hollow center so every bite gets coated in that luscious garlic butter sauce. Avoid delicate pastas like angel hair, which can get too soft during baking.

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Options for Substitutions

This dish is pretty flexible if you want to change it up:

• No shrimp? Try chunks of cooked chicken breast or even sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
• Dairy-free? Use a plant-based cream and shredded vegan cheese.
• Gluten-free? Swap the pasta for your favorite gluten-free variety, just be sure not to overcook it before baking.
• Extra veggies? Add in spinach, chopped asparagus, or cherry tomatoes for more color and nutrition.

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Ingredients for This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

• Shrimp (peeled and deveined) – The star protein of this dish. Look for medium to large shrimp for the best texture and flavor. They cook quickly and absorb the garlicky sauce beautifully.
• Pasta (penne or rigatoni) – These pastas hold the creamy sauce well and don’t get mushy during baking.
• Butter – Adds richness and depth to the garlic sauce, essential for that scampi flavor.
• Olive Oil – Used to sauté the garlic and shrimp, giving a smooth, balanced base to the dish.
• Garlic (minced) – The bold, aromatic flavor that makes shrimp scampi irresistible.
• Lemon Juice and Zest – Brightens up the sauce and adds a fresh contrast to the creaminess.
• Heavy Cream – Forms the base of the creamy baked sauce, making everything silky and rich.
• Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated) – Melts beautifully into the sauce and adds sharpness and umami.
• Mozzarella Cheese (shredded) – Gives that gooey, melty layer on top that everyone loves.
• Parsley (fresh, chopped) – Brings freshness and color to the final dish.
• Salt and Black Pepper – To balance and enhance all the flavors.

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Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta just shy of al dente (about 1-2 minutes less than the package suggests). Drain and set aside. This keeps the pasta from becoming too soft when baked.

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Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and half of the butter over medium heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side until just pink and opaque. Remove from skillet and set aside.

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Step 3: Make the Garlic Cream Sauce

In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Stir in the lemon juice, zest, and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer and let it reduce slightly. Add in half of the grated parmesan and stir until melted and smooth.

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Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked pasta into the skillet with the garlic cream sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

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Step 5: Assemble the Bake

Transfer the creamy pasta into a greased baking dish. Nestle the cooked shrimp on top in a single layer. Sprinkle mozzarella and the remaining parmesan over the entire dish.

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Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the dish uncovered for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is bubbling and slightly golden.

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Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top right after baking. Let it sit for 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.

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How Long to Prepare the Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

Prep Time: Preparing this dish takes about 20–25 minutes. This includes boiling the pasta, sautéing the shrimp, and making the garlic cream sauce. It’s a good idea to prep all your ingredients in advance—mince the garlic, zest the lemon, and grate your cheeses beforehand to speed things up.

Cook Time: The pasta bake itself needs 20–25 minutes in the oven at 375°F. You want that beautiful golden crust on top and everything bubbling underneath. So from start to finish, expect to spend around 45–50 minutes on this dish.

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Tips for Perfect Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

• Don’t overcook the shrimp! They only need about 1–2 minutes per side. Overcooked shrimp become rubbery and lose their juicy bite.
• Use freshly grated cheese instead of pre-shredded for better melting and flavor.
• Slightly undercook your pasta during boiling—this prevents it from getting mushy after baking.
• Let the bake sit for 5 minutes after coming out of the oven to thicken the sauce and make serving easier.
• Add a few red pepper flakes if you want a bit of heat—it complements the lemony garlic sauce perfectly.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Skipping the lemon: The lemon juice and zest balance out the richness of the cream—don’t leave it out.
• Adding raw shrimp to the bake: Always cook your shrimp beforehand. The oven bake isn’t long enough to cook them thoroughly.
• Using too much cream: Too much can make the bake overly heavy. Stick to the measured amount for the right consistency.
• Forgetting to taste and season: Always taste your sauce before mixing in the pasta. It should be well-balanced and flavorful.
• Overloading with cheese: While tempting, too much cheese can overwhelm the shrimp flavor and make the dish greasy.

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What to Serve With Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake?

1. Garlic Bread

Classic and perfect for soaking up the leftover creamy sauce.

2. Simple Green Salad

A light, crisp salad with vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich pasta bake.

3. Roasted Asparagus

Adds color, nutrients, and pairs beautifully with the shrimp and lemon flavors.

4. Steamed Broccoli

A healthy, mild side that complements the creaminess of the dish.

5. White Wine (like Sauvignon Blanc)

A crisp white wine balances the richness and enhances the seafood.

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Storage Instructions

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken a bit more, but the flavors will still be delicious.

Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F oven, covered with foil, for 15–20 minutes. Or microwave individual portions with a splash of cream or milk to bring back the creaminess.

Freezing: Not ideal for freezing due to the cream-based sauce, which may separate upon thawing. If you must, freeze before baking, and thaw in the fridge overnight before baking fresh.

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Estimated Nutrition

(Per serving, based on 6 servings)

• Calories: ~520 kcal
• Protein: 32g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fat: 27g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Cholesterol: 185mg
• Sodium: 780mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 2g

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Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make this dish lighter?

You can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or a light cream, and use less cheese to reduce fat and calories.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just make sure they are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture in the bake.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Definitely. Assemble the dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake just before serving.

What herbs go well with this dish?

Parsley is a must, but you can also use a bit of thyme or basil for extra depth.

Is it okay to use pre-cooked shrimp?

You can, but be sure to add them at the very end just before baking to avoid overcooking.

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Conclusion

Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is a delicious blend of elegance and comfort that’s perfect for both everyday meals and special occasions. It’s creamy, garlicky, lemony, and loaded with tender shrimp and golden, bubbly cheese. The ingredients are simple, the process is straightforward, and the result is a dish that always feels like a treat. Once you try it, you’ll want it in your dinner rotation again and again.

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