Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe: Cheesy Comfort Moments

Craving a comforting pasta dish that sparkles with seafood magic?

Shrimp scampi pasta bake brings together succulent shrimp and rich, buttery flavors in one irresistible casserole.

Tender pasta nestles perfectly with plump, juicy shrimp coated in a garlic-infused sauce that promises deliciousness in every single bite.

The combination of herbs, white wine, and golden breadcrumbs creates a symphony of textures and tastes that dance across your palate.

Fresh parmesan cheese melts into the dish, adding a luxurious depth that elevates this simple meal from ordinary to extraordinary.

Each forkful delivers a burst of Mediterranean-inspired comfort that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds.

Prepare to fall in love with this easy, elegant dinner that comes together in less than an hour.

What Makes This Shrimp Scampi Bake So Tasty

• Quick Weeknight Dish: Prepare this delectable pasta bake in just a few simple steps, making it perfect for busy families seeking a delicious dinner that doesn't require hours of preparation.
• Flavor-Packed Comfort: Combine creamy sauce, succulent shrimp, and melted cheese into a single dish that delivers rich, satisfying flavors everyone will love, from kids to sophisticated adult palates.
• Versatile Entertaining Star: Easily scale up this recipe for gatherings, potlucks, or special occasions, impressing guests with a beautiful, aromatic pasta bake that looks professionally made.

Ingredients for Pasta Bake With Shrimp Scampi Sauce

Main Ingredients:

• Shrimp: Sweet and succulent sea treasure ready to shine.

• Linguine, Spaghetti: Classic Italian noodles with delightful texture.

• Butter: Rich and creamy base for flavor.
• Heavy Cream: Silky smooth sauce enhancer.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp and salty cheese with depth.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melty and stretchy cheese delight.

• Garlic: Fragrant and bold flavor booster.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Spicy little sprinkle of excitement.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasoning companions.
• Fresh Parsley: Bright green herb for finishing touch.

• White Wine: Elegant cooking liquid with complexity.
• Chicken Broth: Savory alternative to wine.
• Lemon Juice: Zesty and tangy citrus punch.
• Lemon Zest: Bright and aromatic citrus essence.

How to Assemble and Bake Shrimp Scampi Pasta

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Get your oven ready by setting it to a toasty 375°F.

This will be the perfect temperature to transform your dish into a delicious masterpiece.

Step 2: Cook The Pasta

Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil and add a generous pinch of salt.

Drop in your pasta and cook until it’s perfectly tender with a slight bite.

Once done, drain and set aside.

Step 3: Create Flavor Base

In a large skillet, melt butter until it starts to shimmer.

• Minced garlic
• Red pepper flakes

Sauté until the kitchen fills with an irresistible fragrance.

Step 4: Dance With Shrimp

Add the shrimp to your skillet and cook them until they turn a beautiful pink color and become opaque.

Remove the shrimp and keep them warm.

Step 5: Build The Magical Sauce

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

• Fresh lemon juice
• Lemon zest
• Heavy cream

Bring the sauce to a gentle bubble.

Step 6: Marry Pasta And Sauce

Toss the cooked pasta into the creamy sauce, ensuring every strand is beautifully coated.

Season with salt and pepper to your heart’s content.

Step 7: Prepare For Baking

Transfer the saucy pasta to a baking dish, spreading it evenly.

Arrange the cooked shrimp on top like little treasures.

Step 8: Cheese It Up

• Parmesan cheese
• Mozzarella cheese

Over the pasta and shrimp.

Step 9: Bake To Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes.

Watch as the cheese melts into a golden, bubbly blanket.

Step 10: Finish And Feast

Pull the dish from the oven and shower it with freshly chopped parsley.

Serve immediately and enjoy the explosion of flavors!

Tips for Juicy Shrimp and Golden Bake Finish

• Choose medium-sized shrimp that are fresh or high-quality frozen, ensuring they remain tender and don't become rubbery during baking.
• Boil pasta just until al dente, as it will continue cooking in the oven, preventing mushy texture and maintaining ideal pasta consistency.
• Adjust heavy cream quantity based on desired sauce thickness, adding gradually to control richness and prevent sauce separation.
• Toast garlic briefly to release aromatic oils without burning, and consider adding a splash of white wine for sophisticated flavor complexity.
• Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk alternatives for lighter version, and use gluten-free pasta for celiac-friendly adaptation.

Reheating and Storage Tips for Pasta Bake

• Store leftover shrimp scampi pasta bake in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3 days.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Cover dish with aluminum foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through, checking occasionally.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly. Stop when pasta reaches desired temperature.
• Avoid repeated reheating to maintain texture and prevent seafood from becoming rubbery. Add a splash of cream or broth when reheating to restore moisture and freshness.

Side Dishes That Match Shrimp Scampi Pasta

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio perfectly complement the buttery, lemony flavors of shrimp scampi, cutting through the richness with their bright acidity.
• Serve with Garlic Bread: Crusty, toasted garlic bread becomes the ideal sidekick, helping to soak up the delicious creamy sauce and adding a crunchy textural contrast to the tender pasta and shrimp.
• Enhance with Fresh Salad: Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, which provides a peppery, tangy counterpoint to the creamy pasta dish and helps balance the meal's richness.
• Match with Chilled Chardonnay: An unoaked Chardonnay offers a refreshing accompaniment that echoes the dish's buttery notes while providing a clean, smooth drinking experience that doesn't overpower the delicate shrimp flavors.

Shrimp Scampi Variations to Try Out

• Gluten-Free Pasta Option: Replace traditional linguine with gluten-free pasta made from rice, quinoa, or chickpea flour to accommodate celiac or gluten-sensitive diners.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Swap heavy cream and cheese with coconut cream and nutritional yeast for a plant-based version that maintains creamy texture and cheesy flavor.
• Low-Carb Zucchini Noodle Version: Substitute pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles to reduce carbohydrate intake while keeping the delicious shrimp scampi essence intact.
• Vegetarian Adaptation: Replace shrimp with sautéed mushrooms or roasted cauliflower florets to create a hearty, protein-rich vegetarian main course that preserves the original recipe's flavors.

FAQs

• What type of white wine works best for this recipe?

A dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc is perfect. These wines add brightness without overpowering the delicate shrimp flavor and complement the creamy sauce.

• Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, absolutely! Just thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking. Ensure you remove excess moisture to prevent the dish from becoming watery and to help the shrimp sear properly.

• Is there a dairy-free alternative for the cream sauce?

You can substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative. These options will maintain the creamy texture while accommodating dietary restrictions.

• How do I prevent the shrimp from becoming rubbery?

Cook shrimp just until they turn pink and opaque, which usually takes 3-4 minutes. Overcooking will make them tough and chewy, so watch them carefully during the sautéing process.

Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe

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4.7 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mediterranean-inspired Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake brings zesty garlic notes and succulent seafood together in one comforting casserole. Cheesy, herb-infused layers promise a delightful dinner that satisfies with bold flavors and creamy textures you’ll crave.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

Starches:

• 0.5 ounces (14 grams) linguine or spaghetti

Dairy and Cheese:

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

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 lemon, juiced and zested
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Liquid:

• 0.5 cup white wine (or chicken broth for non-alcoholic option)

Herbs:

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

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Instructions

1. Prepare a baking dish and set oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) for optimal cooking environment.
2. Cook linguine in generously salted water until perfectly al dente, ensuring pasta retains slight firmness when bitten.
3. Heat butter in a spacious skillet, releasing aromatic garlic and fiery red pepper flakes until fragrance intensifies.
4. Introduce shrimp to the skillet, searing until they transform into vibrant pink gems with opaque centers.
5. Carefully extract shrimp from pan, reserving delicate morsels for later incorporation.
6. Deglaze the skillet using white wine, gently scraping caramelized remnants to build depth of flavor.
7. Create a luxurious sauce by introducing lemon juice, bright zest, and velvety heavy cream, allowing ingredients to harmonize.
8. Envelop cooked pasta with the silky sauce, ensuring each strand becomes perfectly coated.
9. Transfer the sauced pasta into a prepared baking dish, creating an even landscape for subsequent layers.
10. Strategically arrange seared shrimp across the pasta surface for visual and flavor appeal.
11. Generously shower the dish with Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses, creating a molten protective blanket.
12. Slide the assembled dish into the preheated oven, allowing cheese to transform into golden, bubbling perfection.
13. After 15-20 minutes, retrieve the baked masterpiece and crown with freshly chopped parsley for a final flourish of color and freshness.
14. Serve immediately while cheese remains gloriously melted and flavors are at their peak.

Notes

• Select medium-sized shrimp for consistent cooking and optimal texture, ensuring they remain tender and juicy during baking.
• Replace heavy cream with light coconut milk or Greek yogurt for a lighter, lower-calorie alternative that maintains creamy consistency.
• Toast breadcrumbs with herbs and sprinkle on top before baking to add delightful crunch and extra flavor dimension to the dish.
• Swap white wine with chicken broth or vegetable stock if avoiding alcohol, maintaining the sauce’s depth and complexity.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 605
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 780 mg
• Fat: 34 g
• Saturated Fat: 21 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 210 mg