The Ultimate Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe For Cozy Nights

Creamy shrimp scampi pasta bake combines Mediterranean flavors with comforting textures that make dinner feel like a celebration.

Mediterranean ingredients dance together in this simple yet elegant dish.

Sea-fresh prawns nestle between golden pasta strands, promising delectable bites.

Garlic and white wine create an aromatic backdrop for succulent seafood.

Cheese melts into every crevice, binding layers of rich, oceanic goodness.

Weeknight cooking becomes a gourmet experience with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.

You’ll want to savor each forkful of this irresistible pasta bake.

Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake: Why It’s a Hit

• Whip Up a Crowd-Pleaser: This pasta bake brings together creamy, zesty flavors that make everyone at the table super happy and satisfied.
• Customize with Ease: Swap shrimp for chicken or add extra veggies to make the dish perfectly suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Quick Kitchen Magic: Prepare this restaurant-quality meal in just a few simple steps, transforming basic ingredients into a mouthwatering dinner that looks like you spent hours cooking.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimize kitchen cleanup with this streamlined recipe that goes from stovetop to oven, saving you precious time and energy after a busy day.

What Goes into Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

• Shrimp: Fresh seafood that provides the main protein for the dish.
• Chicken Broth: Adds depth of flavor and enhances the overall taste of the sauce.

• Pasta: The foundational carbohydrate that serves as the main body of the recipe.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully and creates a creamy, golden topping.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a rich, nutty flavor to the sauce.

• Butter: Creates a rich and smooth base for the sauce.
• Garlic: Provides a robust and aromatic flavor to the dish.
• White Wine: Adds complexity and depth to the sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious and creamy texture.
• Lemon Juice: Brings brightness and balances the richness of the sauce.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall flavor.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Adds a subtle heat and spiciness.
• Fresh Parsley: Provides a fresh, herbal garnish and visual appeal.

How to Assemble Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready for the delicious pasta bake.

Step 2: Boil The Pasta

Cook your pasta following the package directions until it’s perfectly al dente.

Drain and set aside, giving it a quick toss to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Sizzle The Garlic

Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat.

Toss in minced garlic and let it dance around until it becomes wonderfully fragrant and golden.

Step 4: Splash In Some Wine

If you’re using white wine, pour it into the skillet and let it simmer for a couple of minutes, releasing its aromatic flavors.

Step 5: Create The Creamy Sauce

• Heavy cream
• Chicken broth
• Red pepper flakes
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir everything together until the sauce becomes smooth and inviting.

Step 6: Enhance The Flavor

• Parmesan cheese
• Lemon juice

Then add the shrimp and cook until they turn a beautiful pink color.

Step 7: Combine Pasta And Shrimp

Gently toss the cooked pasta with the shrimp mixture, ensuring every noodle gets coated in the delicious sauce.

Step 8: Prepare For Baking

Transfer the pasta and shrimp mixture to a baking dish.

Sprinkle mozzarella cheese generously on top.

Step 9: Bake To Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes or until the cheese turns golden and bubbly.

Step 10: Garnish And Serve

Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top and serve the pasta bake while it’s warm and inviting.

Notes for Perfect Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

• Select large, deveined shrimp for the best texture and flavor in your pasta bake.
• Slightly undercook pasta during initial boiling since it will continue cooking in the oven.
• Adjust white wine quantity based on preference or substitute with extra chicken broth for non-alcoholic version.
• Let mozzarella cheese sit at room temperature before sprinkling to ensure smooth, even melting.
• Taste sauce before adding shrimp to adjust salt and pepper, as parmesan cheese adds additional saltiness.

New Takes on Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace regular pasta with gluten-free pasta and ensure all ingredients like chicken broth are certified gluten-free.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Swap pasta with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for a lighter, carb-reduced meal.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream, nutritional yeast in place of parmesan, and dairy-free mozzarella alternative.
• Vegetarian Adaptation: Substitute shrimp with firm tofu or plant-based seafood alternatives like hearts of palm, maintaining the same cooking technique and seasoning profile.

What Matches Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

• Zesty Garlic Bread Companion: Slice a crusty baguette, spread with garlic butter, and toast until golden for the perfect crunchy side.
• Fresh Garden Salad Pairing: Toss mixed greens with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a light lemon vinaigrette to balance the rich pasta dish.
• Wine Selection Delight: Pair with a crisp Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the shrimp and creamy sauce's delicate flavors.
• Herb Sprinkle Finale: Chop extra fresh parsley or add some basil leaves on top for a bright, aromatic finishing touch that elevates the entire meal.

Saving Leftover Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness.
• Transfer cooled pasta to a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Remove excess air, seal completely, and freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warmed.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, just thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking to prevent excess water in the dish.

• Is it okay to substitute the white wine?

Absolutely! You can use chicken broth or even water with a splash of lemon juice as a non-alcoholic alternative.

• How do I know when the shrimp are cooked properly?

Shrimp are done when they turn pink and curl into a loose “C” shape. Overcooking will make them tough and rubbery.

• What if I don't have heavy cream?

You can substitute with half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce will be slightly less rich and creamy.

Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe

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4.9 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake combines classic Italian coastal flavors with comforting American dinner traditions. Garlic-infused sauce, tender shrimp, and perfectly al dente pasta promise a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 1 pound (454 grams) shrimp, peeled and deveined

Pasta and Cheese:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) pasta (penne or linguine)
• 1 cup (100 grams) parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 cup (100 grams) mozzarella cheese, shredded

Liquids and Seasonings:

• 3 tablespoons (45 grams) butter
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) chicken broth
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) white wine (optional)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tablespoons (8 grams) fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 375F (190C) for optimal cooking temperature.
2. Prepare pasta according to package directions, ensuring al dente texture, then drain and reserve.
3. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat, creating a rich cooking base.
4. Sauté minced garlic until aromatic and translucent, releasing its intense flavor.
5. Introduce white wine and allow it to simmer, concentrating the liquid’s essence for 2 minutes.
6. Incorporate heavy cream, chicken broth, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper, creating a smooth, seasoned sauce.
7. Blend in parmesan cheese and fresh lemon juice, stirring until fully integrated.
8. Add raw shrimp to the skillet, cooking until they transform to a vibrant pink hue.
9. Combine cooked pasta thoroughly with the shrimp and sauce mixture.
10. Transfer the entire preparation to a baking dish, spreading evenly.
11. Generously sprinkle mozzarella cheese across the surface for a golden, melted topping.
12. Bake for 15 minutes until the cheese becomes golden and the edges bubble appetizingly.
13. Finish by scattering fresh parsley over the dish for a bright, herbaceous garnish.
14. Serve immediately while warm, ensuring maximum flavor and texture.

Notes

• Swap white wine with chicken broth or extra lemon juice for a non-alcoholic version that maintains rich flavor complexity.
• Use gluten-free pasta to transform this dish into a celiac-friendly meal without compromising taste or texture.
• Allow shrimp to cook just until pink to prevent rubbery, overcooked seafood that loses its delicate tenderness.
• Prep ingredients beforehand to streamline cooking process and ensure smooth, stress-free meal preparation.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 520 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 16 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 180 mg