There’s something deeply comforting about a bubbling, golden shrimp scampi pasta bake, especially when the kitchen fills with the rich scent of garlic butter, lemon zest, and sizzling shrimp. This hearty casserole brings together the elegance of shrimp scampi with the cozy, family-style feel of a baked pasta dish perfect for weeknights when you want something special without the fuss.
I first made this dish on a chilly Tuesday when the kids were grumbling about “pasta again.” But one bite of this creamy, lemon-kissed scampi bake, and Leo was asking for seconds while Mia licked the sauce off her fork with delight. It’s now part of our monthly rotation and for good reason.
Let’s dive in.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake
Creamy, garlicky, and oven-baked to perfection, this shrimp scampi pasta bake is comfort food with a coastal twist. The pasta gets nestled in a luscious lemon-garlic-butter sauce, tossed with tender shrimp, and crowned with a cheesy golden topping that bubbles up beautifully in the oven.
What makes this bake special is the way it balances richness and brightness. You get that signature scampi flavor thanks to fresh lemon juice, parsley, but wrapped in a creamy sauce that clings to every noodle. It’s easy enough for a weeknight but dressed up enough for Sunday dinner.
Whether you’re craving the mood of calmness that comes from a warm, oven-baked meal or looking to impress guests with a dish that tastes like it took hours, this one’s a keeper.
Ingredients for Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake
To bring out those classic shrimp scampi flavors with a creamy baked twist, we’re reaching for kitchen staples with a few flavorful upgrades. This isn’t just a throw-it-together pasta it’s layered with love and a few of Grandma Mary’s favorite touches.
What You’ll Need (Ingredients)
- Shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- Angel hair or linguine pasta (or your favorite!)
- Garlic (lots of it!)
- Fresh lemon juice
- Heavy cream
- Butter
- Olive oil
- Parmesan cheese
- Mozzarella cheese
- Fresh parsley
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)
- Salt and black pepper
Why These Ingredients Matter
- Shrimp brings the ocean-fresh flavor that makes scampi shine choose large or jumbo for the juiciest bite.
- Angel hair pasta is traditional for scampi, but baked versions hold up better with linguine or spaghetti.
- Garlic and butter are the soul of shrimp scampi you’ll want that aroma wafting through your home!
- Heavy cream helps create a luscious sauce that clings to the noodles.
- Mozzarella and Parmesan give the bake that melty top and salty richness.
- Lemon juice and parsley brighten everything up, adding that clean, zingy finish we all love.
Instructions for Making Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake
This dish comes together in three cozy stages: simmering the scampi sauce, folding in the pasta and shrimp, and then baking until bubbly. It’s a one-dish wonder that fills your kitchen with buttery-garlicky goodness.
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Boil the Pasta
Cook your pasta just shy of al dente it’ll finish baking in the oven. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic and Shrimp
In a large skillet, melt butter with a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant (about 1 minute), then stir in shrimp. Sauté just until the shrimp begin to turn pink don’t overcook! Remove shrimp and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Scampi Sauce
In the same skillet, scraping up the bits. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes, then stir in heavy cream, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Let the sauce bubble gently for 5 minutes to thicken slightly.
Hint: Let the broth bubble gently to deepen flavors Grandma always said low and slow brings out the love!
Step 4: Combine Pasta, Shrimp & Sauce
Add your cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat. Fold in the shrimp and half the parsley. If your skillet isn’t oven-safe, transfer to a greased baking dish.
Step 5: Add the Cheesy Topping
Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the top. A little extra butter on top doesn’t hurt Grandma Mary’s secret touch!
Step 6: Bake Until Bubbly
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and the edges are bubbling. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and serve warm.
Cooking Tips
1. Don’t overcook the shrimp scampi pasta bake
Shrimp cook quickly just a few minutes per side. Since they’ll bake further in the oven, it’s best to pull them from the pan as soon as they’re pink and slightly firm. Overcooked shrimp can turn rubbery (and nobody wants that!).
2. Use freshly grated cheese
Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that affect melting. Freshly grated mozzarella and Parmesan melt smoother and give that golden, bubbly finish we all crave.
3. Let the sauce thicken on the stove
Before adding your pasta, let the sauce simmer for a few minutes. This step ensures your bake doesn’t turn watery in the oven.
4. Choose the right pasta
While angel hair is classic in shrimp scampi, it can get too soft when baked. Linguine or spaghetti hold up better in a casserole and carry the sauce beautifully.
5. Bake uncovered for a crispy top
To get that irresistible golden crust, bake the dish uncovered. If you prefer a softer top, loosely tent with foil for the first 15 minutes, then uncover to finish.
Personal Anecdote
I remember one rainy afternoon when I was about ten, stuck indoors and moping like only a bored child can. Grandma Mary handed me an apron, pulled a bag of shrimp from the icebox, and said with a wink, “Let’s make something that smells like sunshine.”
I had never peeled shrimp before and ended up flinging one clear across the kitchen. It smacked the wall with a wet plop, and Grandma burst out laughing so hard she had to sit down. We were both giggling as the garlic hit the butter and the kitchen filled with that warm, lemony perfume. I stirred the sauce with her favorite wooden spoon worn smooth at the edges, just like her.
That day taught me that food wasn’t just about feeding people it was about lifting moods, creating moments, and finding joy even in soggy Tuesdays. It’s amazing how a dish like shrimp scampi pasta bake can carry that memory, every single time I make it.
Grandma Mary’s Secret for Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake
Grandma Mary had a way of taking the simplest dishes and giving them soul. Her secret for shrimp scampi pasta bake? Infuse the butter.
Before adding garlic to the pan, she’d gently melt the butter with a lemon peel and a sprig of parsley just for a minute or two. It didn’t take long, but the result was this subtle, bright undertone that carried through the whole dish. “Butter’s like a memory,” she’d say, “it holds onto whatever you give it.”
And she was right. That lemon-parsley butter gave the scampi its lift and turned every bite into something you could taste with your heart.
Try it once and I promise, your kitchen will never smell more like home.
FAQ about Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake
What pasta shape works best for a scampi bake?
Linguine or spaghetti are ideal because they hold up well to baking and let the creamy scampi sauce cling to every bite. Angel hair is traditional, but it can become too soft when baked go for sturdier noodles if you prefer structure.
How does baking affect the shrimp’s texture?
Baking allows the shrimp to finish cooking gently in the sauce, which keeps them tender. Just be sure not to overcook them during the sauté step they only need a quick sear before going into the oven.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble everything up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Let it sit at room temp for 15 minutes before baking. It’s perfect for entertaining or meal prepping.
Is it okay to use frozen shrimp?
Yes just thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking. Frozen shrimp are convenient and still delicious if prepared with care.
Conclusion
There’s something special about a meal that feels both familiar and a little fancy, and this shrimp scampi pasta bake does just that. With its garlicky, lemon-kissed cream sauce, tender shrimp, and bubbly golden topping, it brings comfort and elegance to the table in one dish. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or treating yourself on a quiet evening, this is the kind of recipe that turns an ordinary night into something memorable.
If this Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake had your tastebuds dancing, there’s a whole lineup of flavor-packed recipes waiting for you. Add another shrimp favorite to your table with this Southern-inspired Shrimp Basket Guide that dives into how to fry and season like a pro. If casseroles are your comfort zone, don’t miss the soul-satisfying Chicken and Dressing Recipe, or go for something hearty and classic with the Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole. For those craving indulgent seafood twists, the Crab Brûlée Recipe adds upscale flair. And to balance all those rich flavors, pair your plate with a fresh, vibrant Detox Salad for a well-rounded Southern meal.
With love from my kitchen to yours,
Chef Tima
Creamy Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Creamy Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake blends buttery garlic shrimp with a rich, lemony cream sauce and melty cheese all baked to bubbly perfection. It’s a comforting casserole twist on the classic shrimp scampi, ideal for weeknights or sharing with guests.
Ingredients
- Shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- Angel hair, linguine, or spaghetti pasta
- Garlic (fresh, minced)
- Lemon juice
- Heavy cream
- Butter
- Olive oil
- Parmesan cheese
- Mozzarella cheese
- Fresh parsley
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper
Instructions
- Boil the Pasta: Cook pasta just until al dente, drain, and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Shrimp: In a skillet, melt butter with olive oil. Add garlic, cook until fragrant. Add shrimp and sauté until pink. Remove and set aside.
- Make Scampi Sauce: Simmer 2–3 mins, then stir in cream, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Let simmer 5 mins to thicken.
- Mix Pasta, Sauce & Shrimp: Add cooked pasta to sauce and toss to coat. Fold in shrimp and parsley. Transfer to a baking dish if needed.
- Add Cheese & Bake: Top with mozzarella and Parmesan. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 mins, uncovered, until golden and bubbly.
- Serve Warm: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
Let shrimp rest at room temp before cooking to avoid rubbery texture. Use freshly grated cheese for the best melt and flavor. Don’t skip letting the sauce bubble gently it deepens the flavor beautifully.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Pasta
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 740mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 215mg