Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake – A Comforting Twist on a Seafood Classic

There’s something magical about the way my kitchen smells when shrimp scampi is on the menu — that warm blend of garlic, butter, and lemon takes me right back to the summers I spent helping my grandmother prepare Sunday feasts. But one chilly winter evening, I found myself craving that same bright flavor with a bit more comfort. That’s how this Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake was born — a creamy, garlicky twist that marries the elegance of shrimp scampi with the heartiness of a baked pasta dish. Whether it’s a cozy winter dinner or a refreshing summer supper, this recipe shines all year round.

Why You’ll Love This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

Quick and easy to make – Prep and bake all in under an hour.
Elevated comfort food – Combines elegance and coziness.
Crowd-pleaser – Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Make-ahead friendly – Can be prepped in advance and baked when needed.

Ingredients (Serves 5)

For the Pasta Bake:

12 oz linguine or penne pasta
1 lb raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 tablespoons olive oil
5 cloves garlic, minced
Zest of 1 lemon
Juice of 1 lemon
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
1/2 cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Topping:

1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan
1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
1 tablespoon olive oil

Ingredient Breakdown – Know Your Flavors

Pasta

Choose a sturdy pasta like penne, ziti, or linguine. Penne and ziti hold the sauce beautifully, while linguine adds a more elegant, traditional feel. Go for bronze-cut pasta if available — it grips the sauce better.

Shrimp

Use large or jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined. Wild-caught varieties generally offer better flavor. For the freshest option, buy frozen (not previously thawed) shrimp and defrost them just before cooking.

Garlic

This dish uses a generous amount of fresh garlic — five cloves or more. Don’t skimp! It’s the backbone of the scampi flavor profile.

Cream

Heavy cream gives the dish a silky texture and softens the lemon’s acidity. You can also use half-and-half or a non-dairy cream alternative.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until just al dente. Drain and set aside.

💡 Tip: Don’t overcook the pasta — it will continue cooking in the oven.

2. Sauté the Shrimp

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the shrimp and sauté for 1–2 minutes per side, until just pink. Remove shrimp from the pan and set aside.

3. Make the Scampi Sauce

In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and olive oil. Sauté the garlic for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the lemon zest, juice, and red pepper flakes.

Deglaze the pan with white wine and let it reduce for 2 minutes. Stir in the heavy cream and 1/2 cup Parmesan. Let simmer until slightly thickened (about 2–3 minutes). Season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Combine and Layer

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shrimp, parsley, and scampi sauce. Toss until well coated.

Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 baking dish.

5. Add the Topping

In a small bowl, mix mozzarella, Parmesan, and panko. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle over the pasta.

6. Bake

Bake uncovered for 20 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Serving Suggestions

This dish is rich and flavorful, so I recommend pairing it with:

A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette
Garlic bread or crusty sourdough
A light Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio

Variations & Tips

Spicy kick? Add more red pepper flakes.
Gluten-free? Use gluten-free pasta and panko.
No wine? Substitute with low-sodium chicken broth and a splash of vinegar.
Extra creamy? Add 1/4 cup cream cheese to the sauce.

Make-Ahead & Storage

Make-Ahead: Assemble everything, cover with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add a few extra minutes to baking time if cold.

Storing Leftovers: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

The Inspiration Behind the Dish

This dish bridges two worlds — the classic brightness of shrimp scampi, and the soul-warming richness of a baked pasta. As someone who grew up eating fresh seafood and hearty casseroles, this hybrid became a family favorite. It’s now my go-to dish when I want to impress guests or simply feed my family something hearty, flavorful, and satisfying.

Variations to Try

Cajun Style: Add Cajun seasoning and swap mozzarella for pepper jack.
Extra Veggie: Mix in sautéed spinach or cherry tomatoes.
Lighter Version: Use light cream and whole wheat pasta.
Pescatarian-friendly: Add scallops or chunks of lobster for a luxe twist.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate)

Calories: 480
Protein: 32g
Carbs: 38g
Fat: 22g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 2g

Make-Ahead Tips

Prep ahead: Assemble the bake and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Add 10 extra minutes when baking from cold.
Freeze: Freeze after baking. Let cool, then wrap tightly. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat at 350°F.
Leftovers: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to avoid drying out.

The Magic of Shrimp Scampi, Reimagined

Shrimp scampi is a classic for a reason — it’s simple, bright, and incredibly satisfying. Turning it into a pasta bake gives it new life: it’s cozy enough for a cold evening, yet light enough for a summer meal. It’s a weeknight wonder or a dinner party showstopper — and it’s ready in under an hour.

Why This Recipe Works for All Seasons

Shrimp scampi’s bright lemony-garlic flavors evoke summer dinners by the sea, while the comforting pasta bake makes it just right for cozying up during the colder months. It’s versatile, unfussy, and effortlessly elegant — and it’s quickly becoming one of my go-to dishes for every occasion.

1 Easy Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake That Tastes Like a Restaurant Dish