Description
If you’re craving a creamy, comforting pasta dish that still feels upscale, this Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is a must-try. It blends the rich flavors of garlic butter shrimp scampi with the heartiness of baked pasta, finished with golden, bubbly cheese. This easy dinner idea is perfect for busy nights, special occasions, or when you’re simply in the mood for something indulgent yet fuss-free. Great for anyone looking for food ideas that impress without stress — from quick dinner recipes to family-friendly meals and seafood pasta favorites.
Ingredients
340g shrimp, peeled and deveined
300g penne or rigatoni pasta
3 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
240ml heavy cream
60g parmesan cheese, freshly grated
120g mozzarella cheese, shredded
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta 1–2 minutes less than package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil and half the butter. Add shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook 1–2 minutes per side until pink. Set aside.
3. In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant. Stir in lemon juice, zest, and heavy cream. Let simmer to reduce slightly.
4. Add half of the parmesan to the sauce and stir until melted and smooth.
5. Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning.
6. Transfer pasta to a greased baking dish. Nestle shrimp on top in a single layer.
7. Sprinkle with mozzarella and remaining parmesan.
8. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly.
9. Let rest 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
Slightly undercook the pasta before baking to keep it from becoming too soft.
Always cook shrimp before baking to avoid underdone seafood.
Use freshly grated cheese for better melt and more flavor.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 185mg
Keywords: shrimp pasta bake, shrimp scampi, creamy seafood pasta, baked pasta recipe, quick dinner, easy pasta recipe