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Shrimp scampi pasta bake in a white dish, garnished with parsley and lemon

Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

A decadent twist on classic shrimp scampi, this baked pasta dish features succulent shrimp, garlic, lemon, and white wine in a creamy sauce tossed with al dente pasta. Topped with a blend of melted mozzarella and Parmesan (plus an optional panko crunch), it’s a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that brings Italian-American flavors to your table.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course main dish, pasta
Cuisine Italian-American
Servings 4 6

Equipment

  • Large pot for boiling pasta
  • Large skillet (for sautéing shrimp and garlic)
  • 9×13-inch baking dish
  • Mixing bowl
  • Colander
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Knife and cutting board

Ingredients
  

  • For the Pasta Bake:
  • 12 oz pasta penne, rigatoni, or linguine work well
  • 1 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 6 garlic cloves minced
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes optional; adjust to taste
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine or chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 cup heavy cream or substitute with half-and-half for a lighter version
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese divided (use 1/2 cup in the sauce and 1/2 cup for topping)
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley plus extra for garnish
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs optional, for extra crunch on top

Instructions
 

  • Preheat and Prepare:
  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  • Cook the Pasta:
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  • Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it is al dente.
  • Drain the pasta using a colander and set aside.
  • Sauté Shrimp and Garlic:
  • In a large skillet, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat.
  • Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing until fragrant (about 1–2 minutes).
  • Add the shrimp, seasoning with salt and pepper.
  • Cook the shrimp until they just turn pink (about 2–3 minutes per side). Remove them from the skillet and set aside.
  • Make the Creamy Sauce:
  • With the skillet still over medium heat, pour in the white wine (or chicken broth) to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits.
  • Allow the liquid to reduce by half (approximately 2 minutes).
  • Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  • Mix in half of the Parmesan cheese until it melts into the sauce. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
  • Combine Pasta, Shrimp, and Sauce:
  • Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet.
  • Add the drained pasta and gently toss to coat everything evenly in the sauce.
  • Assemble the Bake:
  • Transfer the pasta and shrimp mixture into the prepared baking dish.
  • Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella, the remaining Parmesan cheese, and, if desired, the panko breadcrumbs over the top.
  • Bake:
  • Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
  • Garnish and Serve:
  • Remove the dish from the oven and let it stand for about 5 minutes before serving.
  • Garnish with extra chopped fresh parsley. Enjoy your Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake while warm!
  • Details:
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes (approximately 10 minutes on the stovetop and 20 minutes baking)
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4–6 servings
  • Category: Main Dish, Pasta
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American
  • Diet: Pescatarian (can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta)
  • Keywords:
  • Shrimp, Scampi, Pasta Bake, Seafood, Italian, Cheesy, Garlic, Lemon, Comfort Food, Baked Pasta
  • Nutrition (per serving, estimated):
  • (Based on approximately 1.5 cups per serving)
  • Calories: ~500 kcal
  • Sugar: ~4 g
  • Sodium: ~800 mg
  • Fat: ~22 g
  • Saturated Fat: ~12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: ~10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: ~50 g
  • Fiber: ~3 g
  • Protein: ~30 g
  • Cholesterol: ~210 mg

Notes

Cream Alternatives: For a lighter dish, try substituting half-and-half for heavy cream.
Spice Level: Adjust the red pepper flakes to suit your preferred heat level.
Texture Tip: For an extra-crispy topping, increase the amount of panko breadcrumbs and drizzle a tiny bit of olive oil over them before baking.
Shrimp: Be careful not to overcook the shrimp—they should just turn pink to stay tender and juicy.
Serving Suggestion: Pair this dish with a simple green salad and crusty bread for a complete meal.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta if needed.
Enjoy your meal and happy cooking!
Keyword Shrimp, Scampi, Pasta Bake, Seafood, Italian, Cheesy, Garlic, Lemon, Comfort Food, Baked Pasta