When you’re craving seafood comfort food but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, this easy shrimp scampi pasta bake recipe is a total game changer. The combination of tender shrimp, garlicky butter sauce, and cheesy pasta all baked together makes for a dish that’s both impressive and simple to prepare.
You’ll love how this shrimp scampi pasta bake brings classic Italian flavors into a casserole that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners with friends. It’s creamy, flavorful, and best of all, easy to customize to your taste.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Ready in under an hour, perfect for quick weeknight meals.
- Combines rich garlic butter shrimp with cheesy baked pasta.
- Uses simple pantry ingredients you likely already have.
- Can be easily doubled or halved for any size gathering.
- Family-friendly and customizable with your favorite herbs or veggies.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this delicious shrimp scampi pasta bake. Be sure to use fresh shrimp for the best flavor, but frozen works in a pinch.
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
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Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories: Approximately 550 per serving
How to Make Easy Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe 🍤
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the penne pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, about 9 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook until pink and opaque, about 2 minutes per side. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- Pour the white wine (or broth) into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits, and simmer for 2 minutes. Stir in the heavy cream, lemon juice, and lemon zest, then bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and Parmesan cheese to the sauce, stirring until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine the cooked pasta, shrimp, and sauce in a large mixing bowl. Toss gently to coat everything evenly.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the top.
- Bake uncovered for 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly with golden spots on top.
- Remove from oven and sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving warm. Enjoy your creamy shrimp scampi pasta bake!
Tips for the Best Results
- Don’t overcook the shrimp initially; they will finish cooking in the oven and can become rubbery if overdone.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the richest flavor and best melting texture.
- For an extra touch, add a handful of baby spinach or cherry tomatoes before baking.
- If you prefer a lighter version, substitute half the heavy cream with whole milk, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Let the pasta drain very well to avoid a watery bake.
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or in the microwave until heated through.
This pasta bake also freezes well. Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the creamy texture and flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp—just thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking. This helps prevent excess moisture and ensures the shrimp cook evenly in the pasta bake.
What pasta works best for shrimp scampi pasta bake?
Penne or rigatoni works great because their hollow shapes hold the sauce well. You can also use fusilli or farfalle for variety, but avoid very thin pastas as they may get mushy when baked.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, substitute the butter with olive oil and use coconut cream or a dairy-free cream alternative instead of heavy cream. Also, omit the cheeses or use dairy-free cheese substitutes.
How spicy is this shrimp scampi pasta bake?
The recipe includes optional red pepper flakes for a mild kick, but you can adjust or omit them according to your heat preference. The dish is generally mild and focuses on garlic and lemon flavors.