If you love the bright, buttery flavors of shrimp scampi and the comforting charm of baked pasta, then this Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe is about to become your new favorite weeknight meal. Imagine tender shrimp bathed in a luscious garlic cream sauce, all mingling with perfectly cooked pasta and topped with a golden, crispy breadcrumb layer. Every forkful bursts with rich, savory goodness that feels both indulgent and satisfying. This dish brings the best of Italian-inspired flavors right to your table with ease and a touch of elegance.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, fresh ingredients come together effortlessly in this recipe, each playing a vital role in balancing flavors and textures to create a harmonious dish. From succulent shrimp to creamy cheeses and crunchy breadcrumbs, every element shines without overwhelming the others.
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or ziti): These shapes hold the sauce beautifully, giving great bites every time.
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined: Tender and juicy, shrimp add a delightful seafood sweetness that defines the dish.
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter: Provides a rich base for the sauce and helps marry all the flavors.
- 5 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic brings that signature scampi aroma and zest.
- 1/2 cup dry white wine or chicken broth: Adds a subtle depth and slight acidity to lift the creaminess.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Creates the luxurious, velvety sauce coating the pasta and shrimp.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a sharp, nutty flavor that melts perfectly into the sauce.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Adds gooey, melty richness for a comforting finish.
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional): For a mild kick that brightens the flavors without overpowering them.
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped: A fresh herbal note that balances richness and adds color.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings to bring out the natural taste of every ingredient.
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs: Creates a crispy golden crust that contrasts beautifully with the creamy interior.
- 2 tbsp butter, melted: Binds breadcrumbs and adds extra buttery crunch.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Mixed with breadcrumbs for enhanced flavor and texture on top.
How to Make Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pasta
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it nice and ready for baking the final dish. Meanwhile, cook your chosen pasta following the package instructions until it is perfectly al dente — just tender enough to hold its shape with a slight bite. Drain well and set aside; this ensures your pasta doesn’t get mushy in the bake.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Cook Shrimp
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat and add the minced garlic. Let it cook for about one minute until you can smell that heavenly garlic aroma filling your kitchen. Then add the shrimp to the skillet and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until they turn pink and opaque — a sure sign they’re perfectly cooked. Remove the shrimp to keep them from overcooking and set aside for later.
Step 3: Create the Creamy Scampi Sauce
Pour the white wine or chicken broth into the same skillet and let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, letting that liquid reduce slightly to concentrate the flavors. Then stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, cooking everything together for an additional 2 minutes. The sauce will thicken into a rich, luscious coating that makes the pasta irresistible.
Step 4: Combine Pasta, Shrimp, and Sauce
Add the cooked pasta into the skillet with your creamy garlic sauce and toss everything gently to coat every piece. Sprinkle in salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat. Fold in the cooked shrimp and half of your chopped fresh parsley right here, letting those flavors mingle beautifully before baking.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Transfer this tantalizing mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish to prepare for the oven. In a small bowl, mix together the panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and Parmesan cheese, then sprinkle this topping evenly over your pasta. Bake everything for 20 to 25 minutes until the topping is a gorgeous golden brown and delightfully crispy — adding an incredible textural contrast.
Step 6: Final Touch and Serve
Please don’t forget to garnish with the remaining fresh parsley just before serving. It adds a burst of color and a fresh herbal brightness that perfectly finishes off this sumptuous Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe.
How to Serve Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe
Garnishes
Bright, freshly chopped parsley is a must as a garnish; it really lifts the entire dish with its vibrant color and mild flavor. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a squeeze of lemon juice can also add that final zing to each serving, making your guests smile at every bite.
Side Dishes
This bake pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads, such as a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, or roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli. The freshness and crunch of the sides balance the creamy richness and bring a well-rounded meal to the table.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe family-style straight from the baking dish for a cozy, inviting atmosphere. Alternatively, plate individual portions and sprinkle a bit more Parmesan and parsley on top for a restaurant-quality presentation that is sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This makes it a perfect recipe to prepare in advance for busy nights or to enjoy as next-day leftovers that are just as delicious.
Freezing
If you want to save this dish for later, you can freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Ensure it is fully cooled before freezing, and cover tightly to prevent freezer burn and preserve flavor and texture.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw frozen portions overnight in the refrigerator if needed then cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through. Alternatively, microwave leftovers on medium power, stirring occasionally for even heating without drying out the creamy sauce.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp fully and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture that can water down the sauce.
What type of pasta works best for the Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe?
Shapes like penne, rigatoni, or ziti work best since they hold onto the sauce nicely and provide great texture in every bite.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use dairy-free cream and cheese substitutes, though the flavor will be slightly different from the original.
Is white wine necessary for the sauce?
Not at all! You can replace the wine with chicken broth for a similar richness without alcohol, which still creates a delicious sauce.
How spicy is this Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe?
The optional red pepper flakes add just a subtle, gentle heat that complements the garlic and shrimp without overwhelming the dish.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a dish that is both elegant and comforting, you really can’t go wrong with this Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe. It’s a marvelous blend of textures and flavors that feels special enough for guests but simple enough for any night of the week. Give it a try, and I promise this recipe will quickly become one you return to time and time again!
Print
Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake combines tender shrimp and al dente pasta in a rich and creamy garlic sauce, topped with a golden, crispy Parmesan panko crust. Baked to perfection, this comforting dish is perfect for a family dinner or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or ziti work well)
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Topping
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the pasta dish.
- Cook Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to be combined later.
- Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Cook Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside to prevent overcooking.
- Make Sauce: Pour the white wine or chicken broth into the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, cooking for another 2 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Toss Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss it in the creamy garlic sauce to combine. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired for a hint of heat.
- Add Shrimp and Parsley: Stir the cooked shrimp and half of the chopped parsley into the sauced pasta for flavor and freshness.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Move the pasta and shrimp mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading evenly.
- Prepare Topping: In a small bowl, mix together the panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle this topping uniformly over the pasta.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the topping is golden brown and crispy, and the dish is bubbly.
- Serve: Garnish with the remaining fresh parsley just before serving. Serve warm and enjoy this delicious, creamy shrimp scampi pasta bake!
Notes
- You can substitute white wine with low-sodium chicken broth for a milder flavor.
- For extra cheesiness, sprinkle mozzarella over the top before adding the breadcrumb topping.
- If you prefer less spice, omit the red pepper flakes.
- Make sure to not overcook the shrimp in the skillet to keep them tender.
- This dish can be prepared ahead; assemble and refrigerate, then bake just before serving.
