Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

The irresistible aroma of garlic butter and tender seafood fills the kitchen when you prepare this delicious Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake. This elevated comfort dish transforms the classic Italian-American favorite into a cheesy, oven-baked delight that’s perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests. The Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake combines al dente pasta, succulent shrimp, and a rich garlic butter sauce, all topped with melty cheese for an unforgettable meal experience. You’ll learn how to create restaurant-quality flavors at home with simple techniques that ensure perfect results every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake stands out from ordinary pasta dishes in several delightful ways. First, the contrast of textures makes every bite interesting – from the tender pasta and juicy shrimp to the crispy, golden cheese topping that forms during baking. The creamy, garlicky sauce coats each strand of pasta perfectly while still allowing the sweet, delicate flavor of the shrimp to shine through.

The dish strikes an ideal balance between elegant and approachable. While it looks impressive enough for special occasions, it’s actually quite simple to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners when you want something a bit more special than your standard fare. The baking process melds all the flavors together beautifully, creating a cohesive dish that tastes like it took hours to prepare.

Additionally, this cheesy shrimp pasta casserole is versatile enough to please both seafood enthusiasts and comfort food lovers alike. The familiar pasta base makes it accessible to picky eaters, while the quality ingredients and thoughtful preparation elevate it for more discerning palates.

Ingredients List for the Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

The magic of this dish lies in its high-quality ingredients that create layers of flavor. Each component plays an important role in achieving that perfect balance of richness, acidity, and seafood sweetness.

• 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
• 1/2 cup white grape juice or chicken broth
• 1 lemon (juiced and zested)
• 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

Pro Tips

For the absolute best Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake, these three techniques will elevate your dish from good to extraordinary:

Perfect Your Shrimp Timing: The key to juicy, tender shrimp is careful cooking. When sautéing the shrimp in step 4, watch them closely – they should just turn pink and opaque. Remember that they’ll continue cooking in the oven, so it’s better to slightly undercook them during the sauté. Overcooked shrimp become tough and rubbery, which can ruin the texture of the entire dish.

Al Dente Pasta is Essential: Cook your pasta 1-2 minutes less than the package directions specify. The pasta will absorb moisture from the sauce and continue cooking during baking. This ensures your final dish has perfectly textured pasta rather than a mushy consistency. The pasta should offer a slight resistance when bitten – what Italians call “to the tooth.”

Create Depth in Your Sauce: When adding the grape juice or broth to the skillet, take your time scraping up all the browned bits from cooking the shrimp and garlic. These caramelized bits (called “fond”) contain concentrated flavors that will transform your sauce from simple to complex and richly flavored.

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2: Cook Pasta: Prepare the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Cook Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp and set them aside.

Step 5: Prepare Sauce: Pour the white grape juice (or chicken broth) into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for 2 minutes.

Step 6: Combine Flavors: Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Step 7: Toss Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 8: Assemble Dish: Transfer the pasta to a large baking dish, spreading it evenly. Arrange the cooked shrimp on top.

Step 9: Add Cheese: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella over the pasta and shrimp.

Step 10: Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 11: Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve immediately.

Variations

The versatility of this Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake makes it perfect for customization. Here are some delicious variations to try:

Seafood Medley Version: Transform this into a seafood lover’s dream by adding 1/2 pound of bay scallops and 1/4 pound of lump crab meat alongside the shrimp. The different seafood textures create an impressive dish perfect for special occasions. Just be careful not to overcook the delicate seafood additions.

Lighter Creamy Garlic Pasta Option: For a lighter version, substitute the heavy cream with half a cup of reserved pasta water mixed with 1/4 cup of Greek yogurt. This maintains the creamy texture while reducing calories. Add an extra tablespoon of Parmesan to help thicken the sauce.

Vegetable-Packed Adaptation: Incorporate colorful vegetables like halved cherry tomatoes, fresh spinach, and asparagus pieces. Add the tomatoes and asparagus when baking, and stir in the spinach just before serving to wilt from the residual heat. This creates a more nutritionally balanced one-dish meal without sacrificing flavor.

Storage and Serving

Your Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For best results when reheating, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to maintain moisture and prevent the pasta from drying out. Reheat gently in the microwave at 50% power or in a 325°F oven covered with foil until warmed through. Freezing is not recommended as the texture of both the pasta and shrimp will suffer.

For an impressive presentation, serve this creamy shrimp pasta casserole in a beautiful earthenware dish directly from the oven to the table. Pair it with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the dish. The peppery greens complement the creamy pasta perfectly.

For a complete Italian-inspired meal, accompany your Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake with garlic bread or crusty Italian bread for soaking up the delicious sauce. A crisp, chilled Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc makes an excellent beverage pairing, enhancing the lemony notes in the dish.

FAQs

Can I make this Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare everything up to the baking step up to 24 hours in advance. Assemble the dish, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to cook, remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking, then bake as directed, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.

What can I substitute for white grape juice or chicken broth?
Vegetable broth works well as a substitute. For a more authentic flavor, you can use dry white wine if alcohol is acceptable in your cooking. Use the same amount as called for in the recipe.

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Thaw frozen shrimp completely in the refrigerator overnight or under cold running water. Pat them dry thoroughly before cooking to ensure proper searing and to prevent excess water from diluting your sauce.

Is there a dairy-free alternative for this recipe?
Yes, substitute the butter with olive oil, and replace heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a cashew cream. For the cheese topping, use dairy-free cheese alternatives designed for melting, though the texture will be slightly different.

How do I know when the shrimp are cooked properly?
Perfectly cooked shrimp will form a “C” shape and turn from translucent gray to opaque pink. If they curl into a tight “O” shape, they’re overcooked. Remember that they’ll continue cooking in the oven, so it’s better to slightly undercook them during the initial sauté.

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