Irresistible Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake for Effortless Flavor

Golden cheese bubbling over tender shrimp and pasta, kissed with garlic and lemon — this shrimp scampi pasta bake delivers all the rich comfort of a baked pasta with the zing and freshness of a seafood classic.

Overview of Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

The name “scampi” once referred to a small European lobster, but in American kitchens, it has come to mean one glorious thing: shrimp sautéed in garlic, butter, and lemon. This shrimp scampi pasta bake takes that beloved pan sauce and elevates it into a bubbling casserole, rich with cheese and tossed with al dente pasta that soaks up every bit of buttery flavor.

What makes this version irresistible is its balance — the briny sweetness of shrimp, the brightness of lemon, the earthiness of garlic, and the smooth melt of mozzarella and Parmesan. It’s comfort food that doesn’t feel heavy, elegant enough for company but simple enough for a Wednesday night. This dish leans into its Italian-American roots, giving you all the familiar flavors of classic scampi, but in a one-pan meal you can make ahead or freeze.

The texture is what really shines here. Just-cooked shrimp nestle into pasta coated with a garlic-butter sauce enriched with broth and cream, all capped by a golden lid of bubbling cheese. The oven transforms it — concentrating flavor, crisping the edges, and melding everything together in that magical way only a pasta bake can.

Ingredients for Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

To bring this dish to life, you’ll need a few staple ingredients — many of which you may already have on hand. The fresh ones count the most: good shrimp, fresh garlic, and real lemon juice are the soul of the dish.

Main Ingredients

• 1 pound medium raw shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails removed)
• 12 ounces linguine or spaghetti (cooked al dente and drained)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons)
• ¾ cup low-sodium chicken broth
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Optional Garnishes

• Extra parsley, for serving
• Lemon wedges
• A pinch of smoked paprika for color

This combination hits all the high notes: citrusy brightness, rich umami, creamy indulgence, and a peppery bite — while still keeping the shrimp scampi pasta bake light enough for a second helping.

Necessary Tools for Preparation

For a seamless prep experience, here’s what you’ll want at the ready:

• Large pot: To cook your pasta to perfect al dente.
• Large skillet or sauté pan: For building your garlic-butter base and sautéing the shrimp.
• Microplane or zester: To capture the vibrant lemon zest that lifts the whole dish.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Precision helps balance acid, salt, and richness.
• 9×13-inch baking dish: Ideal size for even baking and a golden top layer.
• Mixing bowl: To toss the pasta, sauce, and shrimp together evenly.
• Rubber spatula or wooden spoon: For gently folding everything without tearing the pasta.
• Aluminum foil: Useful for covering during part of the bake to prevent over-browning.

Having these on hand helps streamline the process and ensures the shrimp scampi pasta bake emerges perfectly golden, gooey, and crave-worthy every single time.

Ingredient Additions & Substitutions

One of the joys of a baked pasta like this is how customizable it is — without ever losing its core identity. The foundational elements (shrimp, pasta, garlic, lemon, cheese) form a sturdy base that welcomes a few personal tweaks.

Dairy-Free or Lighter Options

If you’re avoiding heavy cream, try using evaporated milk or unsweetened oat milk for a lighter take that still gives body to the sauce. Swap the butter with olive oil or a plant-based butter, and use dairy-free mozzarella and Parmesan-style shreds to keep that delicious top layer bubbling.

Gluten-Free Adjustments

Substitute the linguine or spaghetti with gluten-free pasta made from brown rice, chickpeas, or lentils. Cook just to al dente — they break more easily if overcooked.

Add-Ins to Elevate Flavor

• Sun-dried tomatoes (chopped): Add brightness and umami
• Baby spinach: Tossed in with the pasta while warm, it wilts perfectly
• Crushed red pepper: For heat
• Fresh basil or thyme: Swirled into the sauce or sprinkled over the top
• Panko breadcrumbs: Mixed with a little olive oil and sprinkled over the cheese for a crispy topping

No matter the combo, the result remains a beautifully balanced shrimp scampi pasta bake — buttery, briny, and bubbling with flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s walk through how to build this dish from scratch. Every step is designed to maximize flavor and texture — while keeping it easy for any level cook.

❶ Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces of linguine or spaghetti and cook until just al dente (1–2 minutes shy of the package instructions). Drain and set aside.

Pro Tip: Toss drained pasta with 1 tablespoon olive oil to prevent sticking.

❷ Prepare the Garlic-Lemon Base

In a large skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30–45 seconds until fragrant, not browned. Stir in ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional), lemon zest, and lemon juice.

Pour in ¾ cup chicken broth and ½ cup heavy cream. Simmer for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently, until slightly thickened. Season with a pinch of salt and freshly ground pepper.

Smell Check: The buttery garlic mingling with citrus is a hallmark of a great scampi — it should smell like a seaside trattoria.

❸ Add the Shrimp

Add the 1 pound of raw, peeled shrimp directly into the sauce. Stir gently for 2 minutes, just until they begin to curl and turn opaque. They’ll finish cooking in the oven.

Avoid overcooking! Shrimp continue cooking as they bake — underdone here is ideal.

❹ Toss with Pasta & Cheese

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the shrimp and sauce. Fold in ½ cup of grated Parmesan and half of the mozzarella (½ cup). Add 2 tablespoons chopped parsley. Mix gently to coat.

Optional: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for extra brightness before baking.

❺ Transfer to Baking Dish

Pour the pasta mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread evenly. Top with remaining mozzarella and a final dusting of Parmesan. For added crunch, scatter ¼ cup seasoned panko breadcrumbs over the top (optional).

❻ Bake Until Golden

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake uncovered for 18–20 minutes, until the top is melted and lightly golden. Broil for the last 1–2 minutes if deeper browning is desired.

Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Finish with more chopped parsley and a few lemon wedges on the side.

Serving Suggestions

Once your shrimp scampi pasta bake emerges from the oven golden and fragrant, you have a dish that begs for good company — both on the plate and at the table.

This pasta bake is beautifully balanced on its own, but it truly shines when paired with sides that complement its richness and brightness.

Light & Crisp Sides

• Arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette and shaved Parmesan
• Steamed asparagus with a drizzle of olive oil and sea salt
• Crispy garlic green beans sautéed in olive oil and lemon zest
• Roasted cherry tomatoes with thyme for juicy acidity

Bread Pairings

• Rustic garlic bread: Toasted with olive oil, garlic, and parsley
• Buttery pull-apart rolls: Great for soaking up the extra sauce
• Toasted baguette slices brushed with olive oil and lemon zest

Drinks & Themes

• For beverages: Serve with sparkling water with lemon slices, a chilled glass of citrus iced tea, or even a light sparkling cider.
• Themed dinner ideas: Try an Italian coastal night with seafood-forward sides, or a comfort casserole evening with hearty salads and warm bread.

Whether plated individually or served buffet-style in the baking dish, this shrimp scampi pasta bake feels just as right on a casual Tuesday as it does on a festive Saturday night.

Tips for Best Results

Like any baked pasta, a few small techniques can take this from good to exceptional.

Shrimp Size & Timing

• Use medium to large shrimp (31/40 count) for best texture.
• Do not fully cook the shrimp in the skillet — just a partial sear to lock in flavor. They’ll finish in the oven.

Pasta Texture

• Undercook pasta by 1–2 minutes before baking. It will absorb the sauce and reach perfect doneness in the oven.
• Toss pasta with a little olive oil after draining to prevent clumping.

Cheese Layering

• Combine the mozzarella and Parmesan in two layers: folded into the pasta and sprinkled on top.
• For extra browning, turn the oven to broil for 1–2 minutes at the end — but watch closely!

Sauce Consistency

• Let the cream and broth simmer for a few minutes to thicken slightly before mixing with pasta.
• If the sauce seems thin, stir in a tablespoon of grated Parmesan or let it sit for 1–2 minutes before transferring to the baking dish.

Garnish for Freshness

• A final sprinkle of fresh parsley and a few drops of lemon juice after baking adds color and brightness that wakes up every bite.

When followed with care, these steps ensure your shrimp scampi pasta bake is creamy but not heavy, rich but still vibrant — a true weeknight showstopper.

Storage Instructions

Whether you’ve made too much (lucky you) or want to prep in advance, this dish holds up beautifully with the right storage techniques.

Refrigerator

• Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat in a microwave-safe dish, covered loosely, for 2–3 minutes on medium power. Add a splash of broth or cream before heating to rehydrate the pasta.

Freezer

• To freeze, portion cooled pasta into airtight containers or freezer-safe zip bags.
• It keeps well for up to 2 months.
• Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, or bake directly from frozen at 350°F for 25–30 minutes, covered with foil.

Make-Ahead Option

• Assemble everything in the baking dish up to 1 day ahead (but don’t bake).
• Cover tightly with foil and refrigerate. Bake as directed, adding 5–7 minutes to the bake time if cold.

Freezing tip: If planning to freeze, slightly undercook the pasta and shrimp to prevent overcooking when reheated later.

These storage methods make your shrimp scampi pasta bake not just a delicious meal, but also a smart one — ready to save the day when life gets busy.

FAQ

Let’s cover the most common questions home cooks have when preparing a shrimp scampi pasta bake — from prep tweaks to dietary alternatives.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Absolutely. Just make sure to thaw them completely first, either overnight in the fridge or quickly in a bowl of cold water (never warm or hot). Pat dry with paper towels before cooking to avoid a watery sauce.

What pasta works best?

While linguine or spaghetti are classics, penne or rotini also work beautifully and can better hold the sauce. The key is to cook until just al dente so it doesn’t turn mushy when baked.

Can I make this without cheese?

You can. Omit the cheese and finish the dish with a drizzle of garlic-lemon olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. The pasta bake will be lighter but still flavorful.

Is this spicy?

It’s as spicy as you want it to be. The red pepper flakes are optional. If you’re cooking for kids or spice-sensitive eaters, simply leave them out or reduce to a pinch.

Can I prep this the night before?

Yes! Assemble everything (minus the cheese topping), cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. When ready to bake, add the cheese and allow the dish to sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before putting it in the oven.

Conclusion

A bubbling tray of shrimp scampi pasta bake is more than just dinner — it’s a table full of golden cheese, briny shrimp, buttery lemon sauce, and the kind of comfort that lingers in memory long after the plates are cleared.

Whether you’re planning a cozy weeknight meal, hosting a casual dinner party, or prepping a make-ahead freezer meal, this dish delivers. It’s simple to make, rich in flavor, endlessly adaptable, and guaranteed to bring smiles.

So grab your skillet, preheat the oven, and treat yourself to a pasta bake that captures the elegance of shrimp scampi with all the ease of a one-pan meal. You deserve it.

Print

Additional Recommended Recipes

If you loved this shrimp scampi pasta bake, here are more comforting, crave-worthy dishes to try next:

• Cajun Shrimp Fettuccine Recipe – A spicy, creamy pasta with a Southern kick, packed with bold Cajun flavor.
• Shrimp and Mirliton Casserole – A classic Louisiana bake with tender shrimp and mild chayote squash, perfect for family dinners.
• Shrimp St. Charles Recipe – A rich, elegant New Orleans-style dish full of buttery goodness and Creole flair.
• Crawfish Fettuccine Recipe – Creamy, cheesy, and indulgently Southern—this pasta bake is a crowd-pleaser.

These recipes bring out the best in shrimp and spice, perfect for weeknight dinners or festive gatherings.