Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe – Easy Family Dinner Recipe

Rich, garlicky, and bursting with buttery seafood flavors, this Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe is the ultimate comfort dinner with an elegant twist. This irresistible dish features tender shrimp and pasta tossed in a lemon-garlic butter sauce, topped with golden cheese, and baked to bubbly perfection. It’s the kind of meal that fills the whole house with incredible aromas and draws everyone straight to the dining table.

Each bite delivers a heavenly combination of textures—succulent shrimp, perfectly cooked pasta, crispy golden topping, and velvety sauce with bright lemon, aromatic garlic, rich butter, and savory Parmesan notes. Whether you’re making dinner for special occasions or serving at weekend family gatherings, this Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe is as impressive as it is easy to love. Add your favorite touches like extra lemon zest, red pepper flakes, fresh herbs, or panko breadcrumbs for a colorful, customizable meal that feels like restaurant-quality seafood.

Why You’ll Love This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe

• Restaurant-quality elegance: Combines classic shrimp scampi with comforting pasta bake convenience.
• Perfect for entertaining: Looks impressive but comes together with minimal effort and stress.
• Make-ahead friendly: Assemble hours ahead and bake when guests arrive for easy hosting.
• Crowd-pleasing flavor: Garlic butter and cheese appeal to seafood lovers and pasta fans alike.
• Customizable richness: Adjust the garlic, lemon, and cheese to suit every preference.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use (Essential Tools and Equipment, Plus Why They Matter)

Before diving into this delicious Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe, having the right tools on hand will make everything smoother—from prep to clean-up.

Essential Tools & Why You Need Them:

Large Baking Dish (9×13 inch)
This is the MVP of the recipe. It provides perfect space for even baking and beautiful presentation.

Large Pot for Pasta
Essential for boiling pasta to al dente perfection before assembling the bake.

Large Skillet or Sauté Pan
Perfect for cooking shrimp and creating the signature garlic butter scampi sauce.

Sharp Knife & Cutting Board
Ideal for mincing garlic, chopping parsley, and preparing shrimp if needed.

Colander
Best for draining pasta quickly without losing precious noodles to the sink.

Mixing Bowl
For tossing pasta with sauce before transferring to the baking dish.

Measuring Cups & Spoons
Precision matters—especially for the butter, garlic, and lemon ratios to achieve authentic scampi flavor.

Cheese Grater
Freshly grated Parmesan tastes infinitely better than pre-grated for this recipe.

Having these items prepped and within reach makes the cooking process seamless and safe.

Preparation Tips

• Use large shrimp (16-20 count) for the best presentation and texture in every bite.
• Don’t overcook the shrimp since they’ll continue cooking in the oven during baking.
• Cook pasta 2 minutes less than package directions so it doesn’t become mushy when baked.
• Use real butter, not margarine for authentic scampi flavor and richness.
• Fresh lemon juice is essential as bottled juice lacks the bright, vibrant flavor needed.
• Let the dish rest 5 minutes after baking so the sauce thickens and serving is easier.

These small touches make a big difference in taste, texture, and presentation.

Ingredients for This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe

Here’s everything you’ll need to bring this elegant, flavor-packed pasta bake to life. Most of the ingredients are simple staples with gourmet results.

For the Pasta Bake:

• 1 lb linguine or spaghetti
• 1½ lbs large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 6 tablespoons butter (divided)
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
• ¼ cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• ¾ cup Parmesan cheese, grated (divided)

For the Topping:

• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Optional Additions:

• Cherry tomatoes, halved
• Baby spinach
• Sun-dried tomatoes
• Artichoke hearts
• Fresh basil
• Extra mozzarella for cheese lovers

Everything in this list balances richness and bright citrus flavors—the garlic butter shrimp pairs perfectly with creamy cheese and pasta. The optional additions enhance the dish but aren’t necessary for delicious results.

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine or spaghetti and cook for 2 minutes less than the package directions indicate (usually 6-7 minutes for al dente pasta). You want it slightly undercooked since it will finish cooking in the oven. Drain in a colander and set aside, tossing with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp

Pat the shrimp completely dry with paper towels—this helps them get a nice sear. Season with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted and foaming, add the shrimp in a single layer (work in batches if needed to avoid crowding). Cook for 1-2 minutes per side until just pink and barely cooked through. Transfer to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Scampi Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Pour in the white wine and lemon juice, stirring to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly, then stir in the lemon zest and heavy cream. Simmer for another 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Remove the skillet from heat. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce along with half of the chopped parsley and ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the creamy scampi sauce. The pasta should be glossy and aromatic with garlic and lemon.

Step 5: Assemble the Bake

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Transfer the sauced pasta to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Arrange the cooked shrimp on top of the pasta, distributing them evenly throughout the dish. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese and remaining ¼ cup Parmesan over the top.

Step 6: Prepare the Topping

In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley. Mix until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated with butter. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the entire surface of the pasta bake for a golden, crispy topping.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the breadcrumb topping is golden brown. If you want extra browning on top, turn on the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Garnish the finished Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe with additional fresh parsley, lemon wedges, and a sprinkle of Parmesan if desired. Serve hot, spooning generous portions onto plates and ensuring everyone gets plenty of shrimp. The sauce should be creamy and the top beautifully golden with a satisfying crunch.

Notes

Wine Substitute: If avoiding alcohol, use chicken broth plus 1 tablespoon lemon juice for similar acidity and depth.

Pasta Options: Linguine is traditional, but penne, fettuccine, or angel hair all work beautifully in this Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe.

Make It Lighter: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the butter slightly for a lighter version.

Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this recipe celiac-friendly.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overcooking the shrimp initially: They cook again in the oven, so sear briefly or they’ll become rubbery.
• Using pre-cooked shrimp: Raw shrimp have better texture and flavor for this baked dish.
• Overcooking the pasta first: Mushy pasta happens when you don’t undercook it initially—remember, it bakes too.
• Burning the garlic: Garlic burns quickly and turns bitter. Cook just until fragrant over medium heat.
• Skipping the wine: It adds essential depth and acidity. Use broth with lemon juice if needed.
• Not letting it rest: Cutting immediately makes the sauce runny. Wait 5 minutes for it to set.
• Using bottled lemon juice: Fresh lemon juice is critical for bright, authentic scampi flavor.
• Forgetting to grease the dish: The cheese sticks terribly to ungreased baking dishes.

What to Serve With Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe?

This rich, satisfying pasta bake is substantial on its own, but pairing it with complementary sides creates a complete, restaurant-quality meal. Whether you’re going simple or elaborate, there’s an option for every preference.

8 Delicious Recommendations:

Garlic Bread
Crusty garlic bread is essential for soaking up every drop of that buttery scampi sauce.

Caesar Salad
Crisp romaine with tangy Caesar dressing provides refreshing contrast to the rich pasta.

Roasted Asparagus
Tender asparagus spears with lemon complement the seafood beautifully.

Caprese Salad
Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil add bright, Italian-inspired flavors.

Steamed Broccoli
Simple broccoli with garlic adds color and nutritious balance to the plate.

Crusty Italian Bread
Warm, crusty bread is perfect for mopping up the creamy sauce.

Arugula Salad
Peppery arugula with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness perfectly.

Roasted Cherry Tomatoes
Burst tomatoes add sweetness and acidity that enhance the lemon-garlic flavors.

These pairings help round out the meal and bring a restaurant-level feel to your dinner table.

Storage Instructions

This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe stores well—though it’s best enjoyed fresh from the oven when the topping is crispiest.

How to Store:

Refrigerator: Store covered or in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. The breadcrumb topping will soften but the flavors remain delicious.

Freezer: Freeze the assembled but unbaked dish (without breadcrumb topping) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before baking.

Room Temperature: Not recommended—seafood and dairy must be refrigerated within 2 hours for food safety.

Reheating Instructions:

Oven (Best Method): Reheat covered at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Uncover for the last 5 minutes to re-crisp the topping.

Microwave: Heat individual portions in 1-minute intervals until steaming hot. The topping won’t be crispy but the flavors remain excellent.

Refresh the Topping: For best results, add fresh buttered breadcrumbs before reheating in the oven.

Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving – Based on 6 Servings)

Please note this is an approximate breakdown and may vary based on exact ingredients used.

Nutrient	Amount Per Serving
Calories	625
Protein	38g
Carbohydrates	48g
Dietary Fiber	2g
Sugar	3g
Total Fat	30g
Saturated Fat	17g
Unsaturated Fat	11g
Trans Fat	0g
Cholesterol	235mg
Sodium	720mg

This indulgent meal delivers satisfying richness—perfect for special occasions and weekend dinners in generous, impressive portions.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble completely up to 24 hours ahead, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Add the breadcrumb topping just before baking and increase baking time by 5-10 minutes if baking from cold.

2. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just thaw completely and pat very dry before cooking. Excess moisture prevents proper browning.

3. What if I don’t have white wine?
Use chicken broth with an extra tablespoon of lemon juice to replace the wine’s acidity and depth.

4. Can I make this without heavy cream?
Try half-and-half or whole milk thickened with 1 tablespoon of flour, though the sauce won’t be as rich and creamy.

5. How do I prevent the pasta from drying out?
Don’t overbake, and ensure there’s enough sauce coating the pasta before adding to the baking dish. Cover with foil if the top browns too quickly.

6. Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Definitely! Spinach, cherry tomatoes, asparagus, or zucchini all work beautifully. Add them in Step 5 when assembling.

7. What size shrimp works best?
Large shrimp (16-20 count per pound) are ideal. They’re substantial enough to not overcook and look impressive in the final dish.

8. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Gruyere, fontina, or provolone all work well. Avoid pre-shredded cheese as it doesn’t melt as smoothly as freshly grated.

Conclusion

This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe is the ultimate combination of classic Italian-American flavors and modern comfort food convenience—all baked together in one beautiful, bubbling dish. With its tender shrimp, perfectly cooked pasta, creamy garlic butter sauce, and golden crispy topping, it’s everything you love about shrimp scampi elevated to impressive dinner party status.

Perfect for special occasions, weekend family dinners, or any time you want to feel fancy without the fuss, this Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe is as versatile as it is delicious. Plus, with make-ahead convenience and endless customization options, you can adapt it to your preferences every time. So grab your baking dish and make dinner something truly memorable!