Why You’ll Love This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake
This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake combines three of life’s greatest culinary pleasures—tender shrimp, garlicky butter sauce, and melty cheese—all in one comforting casserole.
I’m convinced it’ll become your new go-to dinner option.
What makes it so special? It’s incredibly versatile—perfect for both weeknight dinners and impressive enough for guests.
The make-ahead potential is a game-changer for busy schedules. And that golden, bubbly cheese top? Heaven.
My favorite part might be how the pasta soaks up that buttery, lemony sauce, creating layers of flavor in every bite.
Trust me, this dish satisfies comfort food cravings while still feeling a bit fancy.
What Ingredients are in Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake?
This shrimp scampi pasta bake brings together all the classic flavors you love about shrimp scampi but transforms them into a cozy, cheese-topped casserole that’s absolutely irresistible. The combination of garlic, butter, lemon, and two kinds of cheese creates a rich, flavor-packed sauce that coats every strand of pasta and succulent shrimp. I’m particularly fond of how the dish balances richness with bright acidity from the lemon—it’s comfort food that doesn’t feel heavy.
- 12 oz linguine or spaghetti pasta
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ cup chicken broth
- Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
When shopping for this recipe, try to get the freshest shrimp possible—frozen is perfectly fine, just thaw completely before cooking. For the cheeses, freshly grated Parmesan will melt much better than the pre-packaged stuff, and a whole-milk mozzarella offers the best meltability for that gorgeous golden top. Feel free to adjust the red pepper flakes depending on how much heat you prefer, or leave them out entirely if spice isn’t your thing. The beauty of this dish is its flexibility—you can easily adapt it to your taste preferences.
How to Make This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake
This dish comes together in three easy steps that build incredible flavor along the way. Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cooking 12 oz of linguine or spaghetti until just al dente—about 1-2 minutes less than the package directions. This slight undercooking is essential since the pasta will continue baking in the oven later.
Once cooked, drain your pasta and set it aside while you prepare the star ingredients.
Now for the shrimp! In a large skillet over medium heat, add 3 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Season 1 lb of peeled and deveined shrimp with salt and pepper, then add them to the hot skillet. Cook for just 1-2 minutes per side until they turn pink and are just cooked through—no longer, or they’ll become rubbery in the final dish.
Remove the shrimp to a plate, then use the same skillet (with all those wonderful flavors) to make your sauce. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, 5 minced garlic cloves, and ¼ teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Once the garlic is fragrant (this happens fast, about 30 seconds), pour in ½ cup of chicken broth, the juice of 1 lemon, and 1 teaspoon of lemon zest.
For the final assembly, combine your al dente pasta, cooked shrimp, and that gorgeous garlic-lemon sauce in a baking dish. Gently toss everything together, then sprinkle ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese throughout the mixture before topping the entire dish with 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.
Pop it in a 375°F oven for about 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbling with a beautiful golden hue. Finish with a generous sprinkle of ¼ cup fresh chopped parsley right before serving for a burst of color and freshness that cuts through the richness.
The result? A creamy, garlicky, lemony pasta bake with perfectly cooked shrimp that’s sure to impress.
Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Substitutions and Variations
While the classic recipe for Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is utterly delicious, you don’t need to feel constrained by the exact ingredients I’ve listed.
Pasta swap? Try penne, fettuccine, or even gluten-free options. Not a shrimp fan? Substitute chicken, scallops, or for vegetarians, mushrooms provide that lovely umami. The cheeses are flexible too—fontina melts beautifully, or try asiago for sharper flavor.
No chicken broth? White wine works wonderfully, or vegetable stock for a different base note.
And herbs are your playground—basil or dill instead of parsley, anyone? I’ve even tossed in sundried tomatoes when I’m feeling fancy.
What to Serve with Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake
Complementing your Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake with the right side dishes can elevate your meal from delicious to absolutely memorable.
I love pairing this rich pasta dish with a crisp Caesar salad—the cool, crunchy lettuce creates the perfect contrast to the warm, garlicky shrimp.
For something green, try roasted asparagus or broccoli with a squeeze of lemon. The slight char from roasting mimics the flavors in the scampi.
And don’t forget garlic bread, my weakness. Can you ever have too much garlic? I think not.
A chilled glass of Pinot Grigio ties everything together, cutting through the buttery sauce.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or hosting a dinner party, this Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake never fails to impress.
The combination of tender shrimp, al dente pasta, and that garlicky, lemony sauce creates something truly special that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
I love how this dish transforms the classic shrimp scampi into something more substantial without losing its elegant charm.
The crispy, cheesy top gives way to that luxurious sauce underneath, creating the perfect bite every time.
And isn’t that what we’re all looking for in comfort food? Simple ingredients, transformed into something memorable.
Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook linguine or spaghetti in salted water until just al dente (1-2 minutes less than package directions). Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter. Season shrimp with salt and pepper, then cook for 1-2 minutes per side until pink. Remove to a plate.
- In the same skillet, add remaining 2 tablespoons butter, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes. Cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Add chicken broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest to the skillet.
- Combine pasta, shrimp, and garlic-lemon sauce in a baking dish. Toss gently to combine.
- Sprinkle Parmesan cheese throughout the mixture, then top with shredded mozzarella.
- Bake at 375°F for 15-20 minutes until cheese is melted and golden.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
