Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe

There's nothing quite like the perfect balance of garlic, butter, and lemon coating tender shrimp and pasta. This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake takes everything you love about the classic dish and transforms it into a warm, cheesy, oven-baked delight.

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I first made this recipe on a chilly evening when I was craving something cozy but still packed with bright, fresh flavors. The result? A dish that's both indulgent and refreshing—perfect for family dinners or impressing guests.

Why You'll Love This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

Get ready to fall in love with this creamy, garlicky, and cheesy pasta bake. It’s a comforting dish with a touch of elegance, making it perfect for both weeknight meals and special occasions.

First off, it’s incredibly easy to prepare. With just a handful of simple ingredients and minimal prep work, you’ll have this dish in the oven in no time.

This bake is also great for meal prepping. You can assemble it ahead of time and pop it in the oven when you’re ready to eat, making busy nights a breeze.

Not to mention, it’s crowd-pleasing. The combination of tender shrimp, garlicky butter sauce, and gooey cheese makes this dish a guaranteed hit at the dinner table.

Plus, if you love cheesy pasta dishes, this one delivers! A generous topping of mozzarella and Parmesan creates that irresistible golden, bubbly crust.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake lies in its simple, high-quality ingredients that bring bold flavors to the dish.

Shrimp: Opt for large or extra-large shrimp, peeled and deveined. Fresh or frozen both work well—just make sure to thaw and pat them dry before cooking.

Pasta: A sturdy pasta like penne or rigatoni holds up best in the bake, catching all the garlicky, buttery sauce in every bite. You can substitute with spaghetti or linguine, but shorter pasta is easier to serve.

Garlic and Butter: These two create the heart of the scampi flavor. Freshly minced garlic sautéed in butter forms the rich, aromatic base of the sauce.

Lemon Juice and White Wine: A splash of fresh lemon juice and dry white wine adds a bright, slightly tangy depth to the sauce, balancing out the richness.

Cheese: Mozzarella gives that stretchy, melty goodness, while Parmesan adds a salty, nutty depth. Feel free to sprinkle extra Parmesan on top before baking for an even more flavorful crust.

If you have a cast iron skillet or oven-safe dish, it will make transferring from stovetop to oven seamless and create a perfect crispy cheese topping.

How To Make This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

Transforming classic shrimp scampi into a baked pasta dish is easier than you think! Let’s go step by step.

Start by cooking your pasta in well-salted water until just shy of al dente. Since it will continue to cook in the oven, slightly undercooking it prevents it from becoming mushy.

Meanwhile, heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until fragrant. Then, pour in the white wine and lemon juice, letting it simmer for a couple of minutes to cook off the alcohol and enhance the flavors.

Next, add the shrimp and cook for just a couple of minutes per side until they turn pink. Be careful not to overcook them—they will finish cooking in the oven.

Toss the cooked pasta with the shrimp scampi sauce, stirring well to coat everything evenly. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and top generously with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Storage Options

Have leftovers? This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake stores well for later enjoyment!

For refrigeration, transfer the leftovers to an airtight container and store for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes or microwave in short intervals until heated through.

For freezing, assemble the dish but don’t bake it yet. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, bake from frozen at 375°F, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.

Variations and Substitutions

This dish is wonderfully versatile, so feel free to get creative with your ingredients!

Want to make it lighter? Swap out the heavy cheese layer for a sprinkle of breadcrumbs and a light Parmesan dusting.

If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta and check that your wine is gluten-free.

For extra protein, toss in some cooked chicken along with the shrimp, or even a handful of scallops for a seafood twist.

Vegetable lovers can add spinach, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms to the mix for extra texture and nutrients.

No wine on hand? Substitute it with chicken broth for a milder, kid-friendly version.

Ready to try this Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake? One bite, and you'll see why it's a household favorite!

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