Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake – Creamy, Garlicky & Irresistible!

This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake combines the bold, garlicky flavors of classic shrimp scampi with the comfort of a baked pasta casserole. It features juicy shrimp, tender pasta, a rich buttery garlic sauce, and a crispy golden topping, making it a perfect dish for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

With just a few simple ingredients, this easy shrimp pasta bake is a restaurant-quality meal that’s guaranteed to impress!

Save

---

Ingredients for Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

For the Pasta & Shrimp:

• 12 oz (340g) linguine or spaghetti
• 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled & deveined
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ cup (60ml) white cooking stock or chicken broth
• ¼ cup (60ml) fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream
• ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley

For the Crispy Topping:

• 1 cup (100g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup (30g) grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup (50g) panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon melted butter

---

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Large pot (for boiling pasta)
• Large skillet
• Baking dish (9×13-inch)
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk & spatula

---

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook linguine or spaghetti until al dente (about 1-2 minutes less than package instructions).
3. Drain and set aside.

---

2. Sauté the Shrimp

1. In a large skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add shrimp, salt, and black pepper, cooking for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
4. Stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, and broth, simmering for 1-2 minutes.
5. Pour in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, stirring until smooth.

---

3. Assemble the Pasta Bake

1. Toss the cooked pasta into the shrimp scampi sauce, mixing well.
2. Transfer to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

---

4. Make the Crispy Topping

1. In a small bowl, mix mozzarella, Parmesan, panko breadcrumbs, and melted butter.
2. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the pasta.

---

5. Bake Until Golden

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Bake uncovered for 15-20 minutes, or until the topping is golden and crispy.
3. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Save

---

Expert Tips for the Best Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

Use fresh lemon juice & zest – This enhances the scampi flavor.
Cook pasta slightly underdone – It will finish cooking in the oven.
Don’t overcook the shrimp – They should be tender, not rubbery.

---

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using pre-cooked shrimp – They can become overcooked and rubbery.
Skipping the breadcrumb topping – It adds texture and crunch.
Not draining pasta properly – Too much water can make the dish watery.

---

Serving and Presentation Ideas

• Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges.
• Serve with garlic bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
• Drizzle with extra lemon juice or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a flavor boost.

---

How to Store & Reheat Leftovers

Storage:

• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating:

• Oven: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring occasionally.

Freezing:

• Freeze before baking for up to 2 months.
• Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.

---

Variations and Substitutions

• Make it spicy – Add extra red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce.
• Use a different cheese – Try Gruyère or Fontina for extra richness.
• Swap the protein – Use chicken or scallops instead of shrimp.

---

What to Serve with Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

• Garlic bread or dinner rolls
• Steamed asparagus or roasted broccoli
• Caesar salad or mixed greens

---

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes! Just thaw them completely before cooking.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the dish, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?

Yes, but the sauce will be slightly thinner.

---

Conclusion

This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is rich, creamy, and full of bold flavors, making it a delicious and comforting meal for any occasion! With garlicky shrimp, creamy sauce, and a crispy golden topping, it’s easy to make and guaranteed to impress.

Try this recipe today and let us know how it turned out! Don’t forget to subscribe for more easy and delicious pasta recipes!

---

Calories Per Serving

Approximate Calories: 480 kcal per serving (based on 6 servings).

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Serves: 6

Print