Name: Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 12 oz (340g) pasta (penne, rigatoni, or rotini); 1 lb (450g) shrimp, peeled and deveined; 4 tbsp unsalted butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional); 1/2 cup dry white wine or chicken broth; Juice of 1 lemon; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped; Salt and pepper, to taste

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This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is a delicious twist on the classic shrimp scampi, combining tender shrimp, garlic butter sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, all baked with gooey mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. It’s a comforting, easy-to-make dish that comes together quickly and is perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

12 oz (340g) pasta (penne, rigatoni, or rotini)

1 lb (450g) shrimp, peeled and deveined

4 tablespoon unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

½ cup dry white wine or chicken broth

Juice of 1 lemon

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.

In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

Add shrimp to the skillet, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side until shrimp turn pink and are cooked through. Remove shrimp and set aside.

Pour white wine or chicken broth into the skillet and simmer for 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly. Stir in lemon juice.

Toss the cooked pasta with the shrimp, garlic butter sauce, and half of the Parmesan cheese.

Transfer this mixture to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle mozzarella and the remaining Parmesan cheese evenly on top.

Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 to 6 people. The total time, including preparation and cooking, is about 40 minutes—15 minutes to prep and 25 minutes to cook.

Variations

I often like to add fresh spinach or halved cherry tomatoes for extra color and flavor. For a creamier texture, I mix in some cream cheese or heavy cream to the sauce before combining it with the pasta and shrimp. You can also swap out mozzarella for provolone or add a sprinkle of Italian seasoning for a different flavor twist.

Storage/Reheating

Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I cover the bake with foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions but be sure to cover them to prevent drying out.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, frozen shrimp works fine as long as you thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture.

What type of pasta works best?

I prefer using penne, rigatoni, or rotini because their shapes hold the sauce well, but any pasta you like will work.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can assemble the dish up to the baking step and refrigerate it for a few hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the bake time if baking straight from the fridge.

Is it possible to make this gluten-free?

Absolutely. Just swap the pasta for your favorite gluten-free variety and ensure the broth or wine used is gluten-free.

Can I omit the wine?

Yes, if you don’t have wine, chicken broth is a great substitute that still adds plenty of flavor.

Conclusion

This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is one of those dishes I keep coming back to because it’s simple, quick, and packed with fresh, bright flavors balanced by cheesy goodness. Whether for a family dinner or a special occasion, it always feels like a treat without the fuss. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do!

Recipe:

Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

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Author: Cheryl
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 to 6 servings
Diet: Low Fat

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Description

This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is a delicious twist on classic shrimp scampi, combining tender shrimp, garlic butter sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, all baked with gooey mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. It's a comforting, easy-to-make dish perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Instructions

Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
Add shrimp to the skillet, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side until shrimp turn pink and are cooked through. Remove shrimp and set aside.
Pour white wine or chicken broth into the skillet and simmer for 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly. Stir in lemon juice.
Toss the cooked pasta with the shrimp, garlic butter sauce, and half of the Parmesan cheese.
Transfer this mixture to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle mozzarella and the remaining Parmesan cheese evenly on top.
Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.