If you’re craving a dish that combines the elegant flavors of the sea with cheesy, comforting pasta goodness, look no further than this Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe. It brings together succulent shrimp bathed in a garlicky, creamy sauce, perfectly baked with a crispy breadcrumb topping that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just want to treat yourself on a weeknight, this recipe is guaranteed to deliver a satisfying and impressive meal that’s loaded with flavor and texture.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe lies not in fancy ingredients but in how beautifully simple, quality components come together. Each ingredient has its unique role, from adding creaminess and zest to delivering that irresistible golden crust on top.
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or ziti): Choose a sturdy pasta that holds the sauce well and bakes beautifully without getting mushy.
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined: The star protein that cooks quickly and soaks up all the garlicky goodness.
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps create the silky base for the sauce.
- 5 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic infuses the dish with that iconic scampi flavor and a touch of pungency.
- 1/2 cup dry white wine or chicken broth: Used to deglaze the pan and bring subtle acidity and depth to the sauce.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Brings luscious creaminess that balances the shrimp’s brightness perfectly.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds umami and helps thicken the sauce for that perfect consistency.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully, giving the dish a gooey, bubbly top layer.
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional): A pinch gives a gentle heat that wakes up your taste buds without overpowering.
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped: Brings freshness and color, brightening the entire dish.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for balancing all the flavors.
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs: Creates a crunchy, golden topping that contrasts with the creamy pasta.
- 2 tbsp butter, melted: Coats the breadcrumbs for extra crispiness and a buttery finish.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Mixed into the breadcrumbs for an even more flavorful crust.
How to Make Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pasta
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s warming up, boil your pasta according to package directions until it’s just al dente — firm yet tender. Drain the pasta well and set it aside to keep it from overcooking later in the oven.
Step 2: Cook the Garlic and Shrimp
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and cook it for about a minute until you can smell that unmistakable garlic aroma filling your kitchen — this step is key for building flavor. Next, toss in your shrimp and cook them for 2 to 3 minutes until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set them off to the side temporarily.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
To the same skillet, pour in your white wine or chicken broth to deglaze the pan and scoop up all the flavorful bits stuck to the bottom. Let it reduce slightly over 2 to 3 minutes, then stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Cook the sauce for another 2 minutes, stirring gently until it thickens to that luscious, creamy consistency you want for coating the pasta.
Step 4: Combine Pasta, Shrimp, and Sauce
Add your cooked pasta back into the skillet and toss it well to soak up the sauce evenly. Season the mixture with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you want a little zing. Gently fold in the shrimp and half of the chopped parsley, making sure every bite will be bursting with flavor.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish, then transfer the creamy pasta and shrimp mix into it, spreading it out evenly. In a small bowl, combine your panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and additional Parmesan cheese, then sprinkle this crispy topping evenly over the dish. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the top is a beautiful golden brown and delightfully crunchy.
Step 6: Final Touches
When the pasta bake comes out of the oven, sprinkle it with the remaining fresh parsley for a pop of color and a fresh herbaceous note. Serve it warm and get ready to dig into an irresistible comfort dish!
How to Serve Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley lends a bright, fresh finish that complements the buttery richness of the bake. For an extra burst of flavor, grated Parmesan can also be added just before serving, inviting even more cheesy goodness.
Side Dishes
Serve this shrimp scampi pasta bake alongside a simple green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to cut through the creaminess. Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread is another fantastic choice, perfect for mopping up every last bit of that luscious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, transfer individual portions to small ramekins and bake separately for a charming, personal touch. Alternatively, a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or a drizzle of fresh lemon juice over the top can introduce a new textural or tangy dimension to the dish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After the bake has cooled, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen after a day, making leftovers even more delicious.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, place the cooled pasta bake in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. To avoid sogginess, you can freeze before adding the breadcrumb topping, then add and bake fresh when ready to enjoy.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15 to 20 minutes until warmed through and the topping is crisp again. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too, but you’ll lose that delightful crunch.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry to avoid excess moisture in your pasta bake.
What type of pasta works best?
Sturdy shapes like penne, rigatoni, or ziti hold the sauce really well and bake perfectly without turning mushy, making them ideal for this recipe.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, substitute butter with olive oil, use dairy-free cream alternatives, and vegan cheese to keep it creamy and delicious without any dairy.
Is it possible to make this recipe spicier?
Definitely! Increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper for a bolder kick that heats up the dish nicely.
Can I prepare this Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe ahead of time?
You can assemble the dish a few hours in advance and keep it covered in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. This makes it perfect for entertaining or busy weeknights.
Final Thoughts
Treat yourself and your loved ones to this comforting, flavor-packed Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe. It’s a beautiful blend of creamy sauce, tender shrimp, and a crunchy breadcrumb topping that feels both fancy and homestyle at the same time. Once you try it, I’m sure it’ll become one of your new go-to dishes for gatherings or a cozy night in. Happy cooking!
Print
Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Pasta Bake
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake combines tender shrimp, al dente pasta, and a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce, baked to perfection with a crispy golden panko topping. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, this dish delivers rich flavors with a touch of heat from red pepper flakes, balanced by fresh parsley.
Ingredients
Pasta and Shrimp
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or ziti)
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Sauce
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Cheese and Topping
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (divided)
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the pasta later.
- Cook Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to keep warm.
- Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Cook Shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Make Sauce: Pour the white wine or chicken broth into the skillet and allow it to reduce slightly by cooking for 2-3 minutes. Stir in the heavy cream and 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, and cook for an additional 2 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss it well to coat in the creamy garlic sauce. Season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes for a mild spicy kick.
- Add Shrimp and Parsley: Stir the cooked shrimp back into the skillet along with half of the chopped fresh parsley for bright flavor.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Transfer the pasta and shrimp mixture evenly into the dish.
- Prepare Topping: In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the pasta.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the breadcrumb topping is golden brown and crispy.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and sprinkle with the remaining chopped parsley. Serve warm and enjoy the creamy, cheesy shrimp scampi pasta bake.
Notes
- You can substitute gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version.
- For a non-alcoholic option, use chicken broth instead of white wine.
- Be careful not to overcook shrimp to keep them tender and juicy.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to maintain texture.
