Quick & Tangy Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe for Zesty Dinners

Crispy golden edges and tender seafood make this shrimp scampi pasta bake a weeknight dinner dream.

Bubbling cheese creates irresistible golden patches across the surface.

Garlic and white wine infuse each delectable bite with Mediterranean charm.

Succulent shrimp nestle between pasta strands, promising incredible flavor in every forkful.

Herbs sprinkled generously add bright, fresh notes that complement the rich, creamy sauce.

Quick and simple ingredients combine to craft a meal that feels both elegant and comforting.

I promise you’ll want seconds of this delightful pasta creation.

Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake With Seafood Comfort Built In

• Unleash Quick Family Comfort: Shrimp scampi pasta bake delivers restaurant-quality meal in under an hour, perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
• Minimal Cooking Skills Required: Straightforward recipe allows even beginner cooks to create impressive, creamy seafood dish without complicated techniques or extensive culinary knowledge.
• Customizable Crowd-Pleaser: Easily adapt recipe by swapping proteins, adjusting spice levels, or adding extra vegetables to suit individual taste preferences and dietary needs.
• One-Pan Convenience: Streamlined cooking process minimizes kitchen cleanup, with most preparation happening in single skillet before transferring to baking dish, saving time and reducing dishwashing hassle.

Shrimp Pasta Bake Filling & Sauce Ingredients

• Shrimp: Sweet seafood star that adds delicate marine flavor, best when fresh and deveined.
• Parmesan Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Rich dairy proteins that provide creamy texture and sharp flavor, opt for freshly grated.

• Pasta: Hearty foundation of the dish, choose a shape that holds sauce well like penne or linguine.

• Garlic: Aromatic base that provides deep savory undertones, fresh cloves recommended.
• White Wine, Chicken Broth: Liquid flavor boosters that create depth, dry white wine preferred.
• Lemon Juice: Bright citrus element that cuts through richness, fresh squeeze works best.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Subtle heat generator that adds mild spiciness.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasoning that balances overall taste.

• Butter: Rich fat that creates smooth texture and adds depth, unsalted preferred.
• Heavy Cream: Luxurious binding agent that makes sauce silky and rich.

• Fresh Parsley: Green garnish that adds fresh herbal note.
• Lemon Slices: Decorative and flavor-enhancing citrus accent.

Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Method

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Warm up your oven to a toasty 375°F.

Grab a large pot and fill it with water, tossing in a generous pinch of salt.

Boil the pasta until it’s perfectly tender yet still has a slight bite.

Once done, drain and set aside, letting it rest while you work your magic.

Step 2: Sizzle the Shrimp

Heat up a skillet and melt some butter until it’s gloriously golden.

Toss in the shrimp, giving them a quick dance in the pan.

Season with a sprinkle of salt and pepper, cooking until they turn a beautiful pink and curl up slightly.

Scoop out the shrimp and keep them warm on the sidelines.

Step 3: Create a Luxurious Sauce

In the same skillet, welcome more butter and drop in minced garlic.

Let it sizzle and become wonderfully fragrant.

• White wine
• Lemon juice

Let the liquid simmer and reduce.

• Heavy cream
• Parmesan cheese
• Red pepper flakes

Whisk until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy, promising pure deliciousness.

Step 4: Marry the Pasta and Sauce

Gently fold the cooked pasta into the dreamy sauce, ensuring every strand gets a luxurious coating of flavor.

Step 5: Build Your Masterpiece

Transfer the saucy pasta to a greased baking dish.

Artfully arrange the shrimp on top.

• Mozzarella cheese
• Extra Parmesan

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven.

Let it bake until the cheese transforms into a bubbling, golden blanket of deliciousness, about 15-20 minutes.

Step 7: Serve with Flair

Finish with a flourish of fresh parsley and bright lemon slices.

Serve immediately alongside garlic bread or a crisp salad for a meal that’ll make taste buds dance.

Pasta Bake Tips With Shrimp Scampi Flair

• Replace shrimp with chicken, scallops, or tofu for a flexible main dish that suits different dietary preferences and keeps meals interesting.
• Cook pasta just until slightly firm to prevent mushiness when baking, ensuring a perfect texture that holds up beautifully in the creamy sauce.
• Adjust red pepper flakes to match your heat tolerance, from a gentle sprinkle for mild warmth to a bold dash for spice lovers.
• Whisk continuously when adding cream to prevent separation and create a smooth, silky sauce that clings perfectly to pasta.
• Use chicken broth or vegetable stock if avoiding alcohol, maintaining the recipe's rich flavor profile without compromising taste.

Reheat Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Without Overcooking

• Store leftover shrimp scampi pasta bake in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Warm the pasta bake in a preheated 350°F oven, covered with foil for 15-20 minutes to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
• For quick reheating, use the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly and prevent rubbery shrimp.
• Add a splash of chicken broth or cream before reheating to restore the sauce's creamy texture and prevent the pasta from becoming too dry.

Best Matches For Scampi Pasta Bake

• Pair Crisp Chardonnay: Select a light, unoaked Chardonnay with bright citrus notes that complement the creamy, zesty shrimp scampi sauce and enhance the seafood's delicate flavor.
• Serve Garlic Herb Focaccia: Create a warm, crusty garlic herb focaccia bread to soak up the rich, buttery sauce and provide a complementary texture to the pasta bake.
• Match Citrus Arugula Salad: Toss a fresh arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, creating a peppery and tangy side that cuts through the dish's richness and adds vibrant, crisp contrast.
• Select Signature Pinot Grigio: Choose a dry, mineral-driven Pinot Grigio with clean, light fruit undertones that perfectly balance the shrimp's sweetness and the sauce's creamy consistency.

Oven-Baked Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Variations

• Gluten-Free Seafood Pasta: Replace regular pasta with gluten-free spaghetti or rice noodles, using cornstarch to thicken the sauce instead of traditional flour-based methods.
• Vegetarian Herb Pasta Bake: Swap shrimp with roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms, adding extra herbs for depth of flavor.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Alternative: Substitute pasta with cauliflower rice or spiralized zucchini noodles, maintaining the creamy sauce and seafood components.
• Dairy-Free Ocean Version: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream, nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan, and dairy-free butter alternatives for a lactose-free adaptation.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking to prevent excess water. Make sure to remove the shells and devein them if they aren’t already prepared.

• Is it okay to substitute heavy cream with another ingredient?

Yes, you can use half-and-half or whole milk as alternatives. For a lighter version, try Greek yogurt or a mixture of milk and cream cheese, which will still provide a creamy texture.

• What if I don't have white wine for the sauce?

No problem! Replace white wine with chicken broth or seafood stock. Both will add depth of flavor and help create a delicious sauce without changing the overall taste profile of the dish.

• How spicy are the red pepper flakes in this recipe?

The red pepper flakes provide a mild heat that adds a subtle kick. If you’re sensitive to spice, start with a smaller amount or omit them completely. For those who love more heat, feel free to increase the quantity to suit your taste preferences.

Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe

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4.6 from 26 reviews

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

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Description

Succulent shrimp scampi pasta bake brings Mediterranean coastal charm to dinner tables with irresistible garlic and herb flavors. Creamy pasta layers mingle with tender shrimp, promising a luxurious meal that delights hungry diners.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

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

Pasta and Dairy:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) linguine or spaghetti
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 tablespoons butter

Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:

• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup white wine or chicken broth
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Garnish:

• Fresh parsley
• Lemon slices

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Instructions

1. Prepare the culinary foundation by heating the oven to a precise 375°F (190°C), creating an ideal environment for the upcoming gastronomic adventure.
2. Immerse pasta in generously salted, vigorously boiling water, allowing it to dance until achieving the perfect al dente texture. Carefully drain and reserve.
3. Warm a spacious skillet, introducing butter to create a luxurious cooking surface. Gently introduce shrimp, seasoning with delicate touches of salt and pepper, transforming them from translucent to a vibrant pink in mere moments. Extract the succulent seafood and temporarily set aside.
4. Within the same skillet, unleash the remaining butter, welcoming minced garlic to release its aromatic essence. Introduce white wine or chicken broth alongside bright lemon juice, allowing the liquid to simmer and concentrate flavors.
5. Incorporate heavy cream, transforming the sauce with a whisked blend of Parmesan and a subtle hint of red pepper flakes, creating a velvety, complex base.
6. Lovingly envelop the cooked pasta within the creamy scampi sauce, ensuring each strand is elegantly coated with the rich mixture.
7. Transfer the sauced pasta to a generously greased baking vessel, artfully arranging the previously cooked shrimp across the surface.
8. Generously sprinkle mozzarella and additional Parmesan, creating a tempting cheese blanket that promises golden, bubbling decadence.
9. Slide the assembled dish into the preheated oven, allowing 15-20 minutes for the cheese to melt into a tantalizing golden landscape.
10. Elevate the presentation by scattering fresh parsley and delicate lemon slices, transforming the dish into a visual and culinary masterpiece ready to be savored alongside crusty garlic bread or a crisp side salad.

Notes

• Swap heavy cream with coconut milk or Greek yogurt for a lighter, healthier version that still maintains a creamy texture.
• Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities, ensuring everyone can enjoy the delicious flavors.
• Add extra vegetables like spinach or zucchini to boost nutritional value and create a more balanced one-pan meal.
• Choose wild-caught shrimp for a more sustainable and environmentally friendly seafood option that supports responsible fishing practices.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 635
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 1040 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 66 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 210 mg