Savory Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe for Cozy Family Dinners

Succulent shrimp dancing through creamy scampi pasta bake promises a culinary adventure that will tantalize your taste buds.

Layers of tender pasta embrace perfectly seasoned seafood in this comforting dish.

Garlic and herbs weave magic through each delectable bite.

Bright lemon notes cut through rich, velvety textures creating a balanced Mediterranean-inspired meal.

Weeknight dinners never looked this elegant or felt so effortless.

Restaurants can’t compete with the homemade charm of this crowd-pleasing pasta bake.

You’ll want to savor every single forkful of this irresistible seafood feast.

Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake That Impresses Every Time

• Simplify Weeknight Dinners: Grab basic ingredients from your pantry and fridge to create a satisfying meal without complex cooking techniques.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Combines classic Tex-Mex flavors with crunchy Doritos, making it a hit for kids and adults alike at family gatherings or potlucks.
• Customize Your Dish: Easily swap chicken for ground beef, use different cheese varieties, or add extra toppings like jalapeños to personalize the recipe to your taste preferences.
• Quick Assembly Magic: Minimal prep work means you can mix ingredients in one bowl, layer in a dish, and let the oven do the rest – perfect for busy households seeking delicious, stress-free meals.

What Goes Into Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

• Pasta: Classic base for a delicious seafood bake that provides hearty texture and substance.

• Shrimp: Succulent seafood that adds a delicate and tender protein element to the dish.

• Butter, White Wine or Chicken Broth: Rich liquids that create a smooth and flavorful sauce base.
• Heavy Cream: Creamy ingredient that adds luxurious thickness and richness to the sauce.

• Garlic, Red Pepper Flakes: Aromatic ingredients that provide depth and a slight spicy kick.
• Lemon Juice, Lemon Zest: Bright citrus elements that enhance and balance the overall flavor profile.

• Parmesan Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Melty cheeses that create a golden, crispy, and flavorful crust.

• Fresh Parsley: Fresh herb that adds a pop of color and a bright, clean finish to the dish.

Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings that help to enhance and balance the overall taste of the dish.

Step-By-Step Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Guide

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Get your oven ready by setting it to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure the perfect temperature for baking your creamy pasta dish.

Step 2: Cook Pasta to Perfection

Boil the pasta according to the package instructions until it reaches that ideal al dente texture. Once cooked, drain the water and set the pasta aside.

Step 3: Create Aromatic Base

• Minced garlic
• Red pepper flakes

Sauté for about a minute until the kitchen fills with an irresistible aroma.

Step 4: Cook Succulent Shrimp

Toss the shrimp into the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes. Watch for the telltale sign of perfectly cooked shrimp – they’ll turn pink and become opaque.

Remove the shrimp and keep them nearby.

Step 5: Build a Luxurious Sauce

Pour white wine (or chicken broth) into the skillet, scraping up all those delicious browned bits from the bottom.

Let it simmer for a couple of minutes to concentrate the flavors.

Step 6: Enhance the Sauce

• Lemon juice
• Lemon zest
• Heavy cream

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, creating a velvety sauce.

Step 7: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until every strand is beautifully coated with the creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to your liking.

Step 8: Prepare for Baking

Transfer the saucy pasta to a large baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Arrange the cooked shrimp on top, creating an appetizing layer.

Step 9: Add Cheesy Goodness

• Grated Parmesan
• Shredded mozzarella

Step 10: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. You’re looking for that magical moment when the cheese melts and becomes bubbly and golden.

Step 11: Finish and Serve

Pull the dish out of the oven and add a final touch of fresh chopped parsley. Serve immediately and watch everyone’s eyes light up with excitement!

Helpful Tips for Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Success

• Cook pasta just shy of package directions to prevent overcooking during baking, ensuring a perfectly tender bite.
• Choose large, deveined shrimp for maximum flavor and easy eating, avoiding rubbery or tough seafood.
• Use room temperature cream to prevent sauce from separating and create a smoother, silkier consistency.
• Adjust red pepper flakes based on personal heat preference, starting with less and adding more gradually.
• Substitute regular pasta with gluten-free alternatives and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free certified.

Flavorful Variations on Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

• Gluten-Free Seafood Casserole: Replace regular pasta with gluten-free rice or chickpea pasta for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Mediterranean Veggie Version: Swap shrimp with roasted zucchini, eggplant, and artichoke hearts for a vegetarian Mediterranean-inspired bake.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Alternative: Substitute pasta with cauliflower rice or roasted cauliflower florets to reduce carbohydrate content.
• Dairy-Free Ocean Option: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan cheese for those avoiding dairy products.

Perfect Sides to Serve with Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

• Pair Crisp White Wine: Select a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the buttery, lemony shrimp scampi flavors and cut through the creamy sauce.
• Match Garlic Bread: Serve warm, crusty garlic bread on the side to soak up the delicious sauce and provide a crunchy texture contrast to the soft pasta and tender shrimp.
• Enhance with Fresh Salad: Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the rich pasta dish and add a refreshing, peppery green element to the meal.
• Boost with Citrus Sparkling Water: Offer a chilled sparkling water with a lemon or lime slice to cleanse the palate between bites and enhance the dish's bright, zesty undertones.

How to Store Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Correctly

• Store leftover shrimp scampi pasta bake in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring the container is tightly sealed to prevent moisture loss.
• Wrap the pasta bake securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Label with the date and contents for easy tracking.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Add a splash of water or chicken broth to prevent drying. Cover with a damp paper towel and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can! Just thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking to prevent excess moisture.

• Is there a substitute for white wine?

Absolutely. Chicken broth or seafood stock works perfectly as an alternative if you prefer not to use wine.

• How do I prevent the shrimp from becoming rubbery?

Cook shrimp just until they turn pink and opaque, which typically takes 3-4 minutes. Overcooking will make them tough and chewy.

• Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the components in advance, but it’s best to assemble and bake just before serving to maintain the pasta’s texture and prevent sogginess.

Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe

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4.7 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Irresistible shrimp scampi pasta bake brings Mediterranean coastal flavors straight to dinner tables with zesty garlic and tender seafood. Creamy parmesan sauce and golden breadcrumb topping make this dish an instant classic you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

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

Pasta:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) linguine or spaghetti

Dairy and Cheese:

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

Seasonings and Flavor Enhancers:

• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 lemon, juiced and zested
• 1/2 cup white wine or chicken broth
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to a toasty 375F (190C), creating the perfect environment for a delectable pasta transformation.
2. Boil pasta in generously salted water until it reaches a perfect al dente texture, then drain and reserve.
3. In a spacious skillet, melt butter over medium heat, introducing minced garlic and red pepper flakes, allowing their aromatic essence to bloom for roughly one minute.
4. Introduce shrimp to the skillet, cooking them until they turn a vibrant pink and become translucent, approximately 3-4 minutes. Carefully transfer the shrimp to a holding plate.
5. Deglaze the skillet with white wine (or chicken broth), skillfully lifting the caramelized flavor bits from the pan’s surface. Allow the liquid to simmer and reduce for two minutes.
6. Incorporate lemon juice, zest, and heavy cream, creating a luxurious sauce that gently simmers and melds together.
7. Fold the cooked pasta into the creamy mixture, ensuring each strand is lavishly coated. Season with salt and pepper to elevate the flavors.
8. Smoothly transfer the sauced pasta into a spacious baking dish, spreading it evenly to create a uniform base.
9. Artfully arrange the cooked shrimp atop the pasta, then generously shower the dish with Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses.
10. Slide the dish into the preheated oven, allowing it to bake for 15-20 minutes until the cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling blanket.
11. Extract from the oven, crown with fresh parsley, and serve immediately while piping hot and gloriously aromatic.

Notes

• Swap white wine with chicken broth or vegetable stock to create a non-alcoholic version that maintains the rich, complex flavor profile.
• Use gluten-free pasta and ensure other ingredients are gluten-free to make this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Consider reducing heavy cream with Greek yogurt or coconut milk for a lighter, healthier alternative that still provides creamy texture.
• Choose smaller shrimp for more even cooking and easier eating, ensuring each bite delivers consistent flavor and texture throughout the dish.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 545 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 520 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 17 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 39 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 190 mg