Perfect Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Culinary magic happens when shrimp scampi pasta bake brings together succulent seafood and comforting carbohydrates in one delightful dish.

Waves of garlic and butter will dance across your taste buds.

Mediterranean herbs whisper promises of coastal flavors and home-cooked comfort.

Fresh ingredients transform simple components into an extraordinary meal.

Each forkful carries the warmth of Italian-inspired cooking traditions.

Creamy textures and bright notes blend seamlessly in this irresistible creation.

Savor every bite and let this recipe become your new weekend favorite.

Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Explosion

• Sail Through Cooking: Minimal steps make this recipe super approachable for home cooks of all skill levels.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Creamy, cheesy pasta with succulent shrimp creates a universally loved meal that satisfies everyone from kids to adults.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Simple ingredients and straightforward preparation transform dinner into a gourmet experience without spending hours in the kitchen.
• One-Pan Wonder: Streamlined cooking process means fewer dishes and less cleanup, perfect for busy households craving delicious meals.

What Goes Into Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

• Shrimp: Fresh seafood that provides the primary protein for this delicious pasta dish.
• Pasta: A classic base that absorbs the flavorful sauce and creates a hearty meal.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully and adds a creamy, stretchy topping to the bake.

• Butter, Garlic: Creates a rich and aromatic foundation for the sauce.
• Chicken Broth, White Wine: Adds depth and complexity to the overall flavor profile.
• Heavy Cream, Parmesan Cheese: Provides a smooth and creamy texture to the sauce.
• Lemon Juice: Brings a bright, tangy element that enhances the seafood flavor.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Red Pepper Flakes: Adds layers of seasoning and a touch of heat.
• Fresh Parsley: Provides a fresh, green garnish that adds visual appeal and a light herbal note.

How to Make Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Get your oven ready by heating it to 375°F. Grab a baking dish and give it a light coating of cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cook Pasta to Perfection

Boil the pasta according to the package directions. Once done, drain thoroughly and set aside, keeping it warm and ready for the delicious sauce.

Step 3: Create Garlic Butter Base

Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in minced garlic and sauté until it becomes wonderfully aromatic and just starts to turn golden.

Step 4: Build the Flavor Foundation

• Chicken broth
• White wine (optional but recommended)
• Fresh lemon juice
• Red pepper flakes

Let the mixture simmer and blend for about 3 minutes, allowing the flavors to mingle and intensify.

Step 5: Develop a Luxurious Sauce

• Heavy cream
• Grated Parmesan cheese

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

The sauce should become smooth and slightly thickened.

Step 6: Cook the Shrimp

Add raw shrimp to the sauce.

Cook until they turn pink and are just opaque, which takes approximately 3 minutes. Be careful not to overcook.

Step 7: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Gently toss the cooked pasta with the shrimp and sauce, ensuring every strand is beautifully coated.

Step 8: Bake to Bubbly Perfection

Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish.

Sprinkle mozzarella cheese generously on top. Bake for 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy the creamy, zesty flavors of this ultimate comfort dish.

Tips for Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Success

• Choose jumbo or large shrimp for the most tender and succulent texture in this pasta bake.
• Drain pasta slightly before fully cooked to prevent mushiness during baking, allowing it to finish cooking in the sauce.
• Reduce wine or use chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version that maintains rich flavor complexity.
• Pat shrimp dry before cooking to ensure proper browning and prevent watery sauce consistency.
• Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or milk for a lighter version of the dish, keeping creamy texture intact.

Creative Variations on Shrimp Scampi Bake

• Low-Carb Zucchini Noodle Version: Replace traditional pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles for a lighter, gluten-free alternative that reduces carbohydrate content.
• Dairy-Free Coconut Cream Option: Swap heavy cream and cheeses with coconut cream and nutritional yeast to create a lactose-free, plant-based friendly dish.
• Spicy Cajun Seafood Remix: Substitute white wine with seafood stock and add Cajun seasoning, replacing shrimp with a mix of crawfish and crab for a bold Louisiana-style transformation.
• Mediterranean Herb Infusion: Include chopped kalamata olives, swap red pepper flakes for oregano, and use feta cheese instead of mozzarella to give the recipe a Greek-inspired flavor profile.

Pairing Ideas for Shrimp Scampi Pasta

• Coastal Dinner Party Delight: Serve this pasta bake as a stunning centerpiece for an elegant seafood-themed dinner with crisp white wine and crusty garlic bread.
• Weekend Family Comfort Meal: Transform this dish into a cozy family feast by adding a fresh green salad and letting everyone serve themselves directly from the baking dish.
• Romantic Date Night Special: Create an intimate dining experience by plating individual portions, adding a small side of roasted asparagus, and lighting some soft candles for ambiance.
• Leftover Lunch Transformation: Pack cold or gently reheated portions in meal prep containers for a delicious next-day lunch that will make coworkers jealous of your gourmet meal.

Storing Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Store shrimp scampi pasta bake in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, keeping the dish tightly sealed to preserve flavor and texture.
• Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months, ensuring you remove excess air to prevent freezer burn.
• Thaw frozen pasta bake overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to ensure even warming.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking to ensure they cook evenly and don’t release excess water.

• Is it okay to substitute the white wine?

Absolutely! You can replace white wine with chicken broth or use extra lemon juice for added acidity if you prefer a non-alcoholic version.

• How do I know when the shrimp are fully cooked?

Shrimp are done when they turn pink and curl into a “C” shape. Be careful not to overcook, as they can become tough and rubbery.

• Can I make this dish spicier?

Yes, simply increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for more heat and kick.

Creamy Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe

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4.7 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 38 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake combines classic Italian flavors with comforting pasta. Garlic, white wine, and fresh herbs elevate this coastal-inspired dish that satisfies seafood cravings perfectly.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 1 pound (454 grams) shrimp, peeled and deveined

Pasta and Base:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) pasta (penne or linguine)
• 1 cup chicken broth

Dairy and Cheese:

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup white wine (optional)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 375F (190C) and lightly coat a baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
2. Prepare pasta according to package directions, ensuring it remains slightly al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
3. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat, releasing a fragrant aroma of garlic until it becomes golden and translucent.
4. Pour in chicken broth, white wine, fresh lemon juice, and sprinkle red pepper flakes into the skillet. Allow the mixture to simmer and reduce for approximately 3 minutes.
5. Incorporate heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, whisking until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
6. Gently add raw shrimp to the sauce, cooking until they turn pink and appear opaque, which typically takes around 3 minutes.
7. Combine the cooked pasta with the shrimp sauce, ensuring each pasta strand is evenly coated.
8. Transfer the saucy pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it in an even layer.
9. Generously sprinkle mozzarella cheese across the top of the pasta.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until the cheese melts and develops a golden, bubbly surface.
11. Remove from oven, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve immediately while hot.

Notes

• Choose a sturdy pasta like penne or rotini that can hold the creamy sauce without becoming mushy during baking.
• Remove shrimp from heat immediately when they turn pink to prevent overcooking and maintain their tender texture.
• Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a lactose-free version that still delivers rich flavor.
• Prepare the dish up to the baking stage, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours, allowing flavors to meld and making meal prep easier.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 18 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 487 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 540 mg
• Fat: 23 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 41 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 33 g
• Cholesterol: 145 mg