Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake – The Ultimate Comforting Seafood Casserole

Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is the kind of dish that feels both indulgent and comforting at the same time. It takes everything people love about classic shrimp scampi—garlic, butter, lemon, and tender shrimp—and transforms it into a hearty baked pasta casserole that’s creamy, cheesy, and perfect for sharing. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, hosting friends, or simply craving something warm and satisfying, this recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort.

In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about making the best Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake at home, including ingredient tips, variations, make-ahead instructions, storage ideas, and serving suggestions. By the end, you’ll understand why this dish deserves a permanent place in your dinner rotation.

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What Is Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake?

Shrimp scampi traditionally refers to shrimp sautéed in butter, garlic, and white wine, finished with lemon and parsley. It’s usually served over pasta or with crusty bread. A Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake takes those same core flavors and combines them with pasta, cream, and cheese, then bakes everything together into a bubbly casserole.

The result is a dish that has:

• The brightness of lemon

• The richness of garlic butter

• The tenderness of shrimp

• The comfort of creamy, cheesy pasta

It’s essentially the best of two worlds: classic Italian-inspired seafood and cozy baked pasta.

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Why Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Is So Popular

There are countless reasons why Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake has become a favorite among home cooks:

1. Comfort Food Meets Elegance

This dish feels fancy enough for entertaining but simple enough for a weeknight dinner. Shrimp adds a touch of sophistication, while baked pasta keeps it comforting and familiar.

2. Crowd-Pleasing Flavor

Garlic, butter, lemon, and cheese are universally loved. Even picky eaters tend to enjoy this combination.

3. Easy to Customize

You can switch up the pasta, adjust the cheese, add vegetables, or tweak the seasoning to suit your taste.

4. Great for Leftovers

Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake reheats beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep or next-day lunches.

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Ingredients for Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

Here’s what you’ll need to make a classic version:

• 12 oz linguine or spaghetti

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 4 tablespoons butter

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

• 1/2 cup white wine or chicken broth

• Zest and juice of 1 lemon

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Each ingredient plays an important role:

• Shrimp brings protein and seafood flavor.

• Garlic and butter create the scampi base.

• Lemon adds brightness and balance.

• Cream and cheese provide richness and structure.

• Pasta absorbs all the delicious sauce.

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Choosing the Best Shrimp

For the best Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake, use large or extra-large shrimp. They stay juicy and meaty during baking.

Tips:

• Fresh or frozen shrimp both work.

• If using frozen shrimp, thaw completely and pat dry.

• Remove tails for easier eating.

Avoid pre-cooked shrimp—they tend to become rubbery when baked.

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Best Pasta for Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

Long pasta like linguine or spaghetti is traditional, but short shapes also work well.

Great options include:

• Penne

• Rotini

• Rigatoni

• Fusilli

Short pasta is especially good if you want easier serving and better sauce distribution.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a large baking dish and set aside.

2. Cook the Pasta

Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

3. Sauté Garlic

Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant.

4. Cook Shrimp

Add shrimp and cook for 3–4 minutes, turning once, until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.

5. Make the Sauce

Pour wine (or broth) into the skillet, scraping up browned bits. Simmer for 2 minutes.
Stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, and heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer.

6. Combine Pasta

Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in sauce. Season with salt and pepper.

7. Assemble

Transfer pasta to prepared baking dish. Arrange shrimp evenly on top.

8. Add Cheese & Bake

Sprinkle Parmesan and mozzarella over everything. Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.

9. Serve

Garnish with parsley and serve hot.

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Tips for Perfect Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

• Don’t overcook shrimp. They finish cooking in the oven.

• Season in layers. Taste the sauce before baking and adjust salt and lemon.

• Use fresh garlic. It makes a big difference.

• Broil briefly. For a golden top, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end.

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Flavor Variations

Garlic Lover’s Version

Add an extra 2–3 cloves of garlic.

Lemon Lover’s Version

Use the zest and juice of two lemons.

Spicy Version

Increase red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne.

Herbed Version

Add basil, thyme, or oregano to the sauce.

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Adding Vegetables

Boost nutrition and flavor with:

• Spinach

• Broccoli

• Asparagus

• Mushrooms

• Zucchini

Sauté vegetables before adding to the sauce.

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Cheese Options

While Parmesan and mozzarella are classic, you can experiment with:

• Gruyère

• Fontina

• Provolone

• Asiago

A mix of cheeses adds complexity.

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Make-Ahead Instructions

Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is perfect for prepping ahead:

1. Assemble the dish without baking.

2. Cover tightly and refrigerate up to 24 hours.

3. Bake when ready, adding 5–10 extra minutes.

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Freezer Instructions

• Assemble and freeze before baking.

• Wrap tightly.

• Freeze up to 2 months.

• Thaw overnight in fridge before baking.

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Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Reheat:

• Oven: 350°F until warmed through.

• Microwave: Heat in short intervals.

Add a splash of cream or milk if dry.

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What to Serve with Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

• Garlic bread

• Caesar salad

• Roasted vegetables

• Simple green salad

These sides balance the richness of the dish.

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Nutritional Benefits

Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake offers:

• High-quality protein from shrimp

• Calcium from cheese

• Energy from pasta

Approximate per serving:

• Calories: 520

• Protein: 32g

• Carbohydrates: 42g

• Fat: 26g

• Fiber: 2g

• Sodium: 620mg

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using pre-cooked shrimp

• Overcooking pasta

• Skipping lemon (it balances richness)

• Under-seasoning

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Why This Recipe Works

Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake succeeds because it layers flavors: garlic butter, lemon, cream, cheese, and seafood. Baking brings everything together into one cohesive, comforting dish.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use half-and-half instead of cream?
Yes, but the sauce will be thinner.

Can I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta.

Can I substitute chicken for shrimp?
Yes, cooked chicken works well.

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Entertaining with Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

This dish is perfect for:

• Dinner parties

• Potlucks

• Holiday meals

• Family gatherings

It can be doubled easily for a crowd.

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Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake for Busy Weeknights

Despite its rich flavor, this recipe comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy evenings when you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen.

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Final Thoughts

Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is everything you could want in a comfort food meal: creamy, cheesy, garlicky, bright with lemon, and packed with tender shrimp. It transforms a classic stovetop favorite into a baked pasta masterpiece that feels indulgent yet approachable.

Whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting guests, or meal-prepping for the week, this dish delivers consistent, satisfying results. Once you try it, Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is sure to become a staple in your kitchen—a recipe you’ll return to again and again whenever you crave cozy, flavorful comfort food.