If you love shrimp scampi but want a hearty, comforting twist, this Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is for you! Juicy shrimp, garlic butter sauce, and perfectly baked pasta come together in a cheesy, golden casserole that’s easy enough for a weeknight but fancy enough for guests.
Why You’ll Love This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake
- Easy to Make: Minimal prep, maximum flavor!
- Cheesy and Garlicky: A perfect blend of rich, buttery garlic sauce with melty cheese.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble in advance and bake when ready.
- Crowd-Pleasing Dish: Great for family dinners or potlucks!
Ingredients for Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake
For the Pasta Bake:
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine)
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (for a crispy topping)
Tools You’ll Need
- Large pot (for boiling pasta)
- Skillet (for cooking shrimp and sauce)
- Baking dish
- Whisk
- Mixing spoon
How to Make Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Boil the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
- In a large skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat.
- Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the shrimp, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and cooked through.
- Squeeze in the lemon juice, stir, then remove shrimp from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
- In the same skillet, add chicken broth, heavy cream, and cherry tomatoes. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese and let it melt into the sauce.
Step 4: Assemble the Pasta Bake
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Toss the cooked pasta in the creamy sauce.
- Transfer to a greased baking dish and mix in the shrimp.
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese and breadcrumbs evenly over the top.
Step 5: Bake
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh parsley, serve warm, and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake
- Don’t overcook the shrimp: They should be just pink and tender.
- Use fresh lemon juice: It brightens up the flavors perfectly.
- Make it extra cheesy: Add more mozzarella or even some Gruyère for a richer flavor.
- Crispy topping: Mix the breadcrumbs with a little melted butter for extra crunch!
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or microwave in short bursts.
- Freeze: Freeze unbaked for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight and bake when ready.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Just thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.
Q2: What pasta works best?
Penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine hold the sauce well. Avoid delicate pasta like angel hair.
Q3: Can I make this spicy?
Absolutely! Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
Conclusion: A Must-Try Comfort Dish!
This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is everything you love about shrimp scampi in a cheesy, baked pasta dish. It’s easy, delicious, and guaranteed to be a hit at the dinner table.
Tried this recipe? Share your pictures and let us know how it turned out!
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 450
Protein: 30g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fat: 15g
Fiber: 3g
Enjoy this delicious Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake with your loved ones!
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Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Description
If you love shrimp scampi but want a hearty, comforting twist, this Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is for you! Juicy shrimp, garlic butter sauce, and perfectly baked pasta come together in a cheesy, golden casserole that’s easy enough for a weeknight but fancy enough for guests.
Ingredients
For the Pasta Bake:
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine)
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (for a crispy topping)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Boil the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
- In a large skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat.
- Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the shrimp, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and cooked through.
- Squeeze in the lemon juice, stir, then remove shrimp from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
- In the same skillet, add chicken broth, heavy cream, and cherry tomatoes. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese and let it melt into the sauce.
Step 4: Assemble the Pasta Bake
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Toss the cooked pasta in the creamy sauce.
- Transfer to a greased baking dish and mix in the shrimp.
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese and breadcrumbs evenly over the top.
Step 5: Bake
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh parsley, serve warm, and enjoy!
Notes
- Don’t overcook the shrimp: They should be just pink and tender.
- Use fresh lemon juice: It brightens up the flavors perfectly.
- Make it extra cheesy: Add more mozzarella or even some Gruyère for a richer flavor.
- Crispy topping: Mix the breadcrumbs with a little melted butter for extra crunch!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Cuisine: Italian-American
