Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake – Seaside Comfort in Every Bite

Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is the definition of comfort meets coastal cuisine. It’s rich, buttery, garlicky, and irresistibly cheesy — with the perfect balance of lemony brightness and savory creaminess. Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner, a holiday meal, or simply indulging in a weeknight comfort dish, this recipe captures the essence of shrimp scampi in a baked, golden, and bubbly masterpiece.

Let us walk you through this show-stopping recipe that delivers everything you love about shrimp scampi — but with melted cheese, tender pasta, and oven-baked magic.

🧾 Ingredients for Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

To bring this dish to life, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Ingredient	Quantity
Linguine or spaghetti	12 oz
Large shrimp, peeled and deveined	1 lb
Butter	4 tablespoons
Garlic cloves, minced	4
Red pepper flakes	¼ teaspoon
White wine or chicken broth	½ cup
Lemon (juice + zest)	1
Heavy cream	1 cup
Grated Parmesan cheese	½ cup
Shredded mozzarella cheese	1 cup
Salt	To taste
Black pepper	To taste
Fresh parsley, chopped	2 tablespoons

Pro Tip: Use raw shrimp so they cook perfectly during the sauté and bake steps. Pre-cooked shrimp can become rubbery.

🔪 Instructions: How to Make the Ultimate Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook linguine or spaghetti 1 minute less than al dente (they’ll finish cooking in the oven).
Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp

In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until just pink and opaque.
Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Lemon-Garlic Cream Sauce

In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons butter.
Pour in white wine or chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits (deglazing).
Let it simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
Add the lemon juice and zest, followed by the heavy cream.
Stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper to taste.
Let the sauce simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 4: Assemble the Pasta Bake

In a large mixing bowl, toss the drained pasta with the cream sauce.
Gently fold in the cooked shrimp.
Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Top evenly with shredded mozzarella cheese.

Step 5: Bake

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Optional: Broil for 2–3 minutes at the end for a golden top.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Remove from the oven and let sit for 5 minutes.
Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and extra lemon zest if desired.
Serve hot with crusty garlic bread and a crisp green salad.

🍋 Flavor Tips & Customizations

Add Veggies: Toss in sautéed spinach, cherry tomatoes, or artichoke hearts for extra nutrition.
Cheese Variations: Swap mozzarella with fontina, provolone, or Gruyère for a deeper cheese profile.
Make It Spicy: Increase the red pepper flakes for more heat or add a dash of hot sauce to the cream sauce.
Low-Carb Option: Substitute pasta with spiralized zucchini (zoodles) or spaghetti squash.

🧊 Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze portions in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheat: Warm in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes or microwave individual servings in 1-minute intervals until heated through.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make this pasta bake ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the dish up to the baking step, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready to serve.

Q: Do I need to use wine?

Not at all. Chicken broth works perfectly as a non-alcoholic substitute and still adds great depth of flavor.

Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just make sure they’re fully thawed and patted dry before cooking to prevent excess moisture in the sauce.

🥂 Perfect Pairings

Wine: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or buttery Chardonnay pairs beautifully with the richness of the dish.
Bread: Serve with garlic bread or focaccia to soak up every drop of that luscious sauce.
Salad: A lemon vinaigrette salad or arugula with shaved Parmesan complements the richness.

💬 What Makes This Dish So Special?

This isn’t your average pasta bake. What sets this dish apart is its luxurious lemon-garlic cream sauce, succulent shrimp, and melty cheese topping. It’s hearty enough to satisfy, but still has a freshness that feels elegant and light — the perfect combination of comfort food and coastal elegance.

From the first creamy forkful to the last cheesy bite, this Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is bound to become a household favorite.