The sizzle of garlic hitting hot butter always takes me back to those evenings when simple ingredients transform into something magical. This shrimp scampi pasta bake captures all that buttery, garlicky goodness but adds the comfort of a bubbling casserole. It’s become the dish everyone asks for at potlucks.
Think of classic scampi meeting your favorite pasta casserole. Tender shrimp, al dente pasta, and that irresistible garlic butter sauce get topped with golden cheese and baked until bubbly. It’s like having restaurant flavors with the coziness of homemade comfort food. Full details in the blog!
I’ve been tweaking this recipe since my daughters were little, borrowing from Julia’s old techniques for building layers of flavor. The secret is parcooking the pasta just right so it finishes perfectly in the oven. I tested it three times last month. You’ll love the crispy edges!
PrintShrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Irresistibly Delicious Recipe
This shrimp scampi pasta bake recipe is a creamy and cheesy casserole perfect for weeknight meals. Easy cheesy shrimp scampi casserole combines juicy shrimp and tender pasta in a flavorful garlic butter sauce for a comforting feast.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Standard
Ingredients
- 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 wine 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
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 375°F 190°C.
- Cook the pasta in salted water until just tender and drain it.
- Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat and add garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking until aromatic about one minute.
- Add the shrimp and cook until they turn pink, then remove them from the pan.
- Pour white wine or broth into the skillet and simmer two minutes, scraping up any bits.
- Stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, and heavy cream and let simmer gently.
- Mix the cooked pasta into the sauce, seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Transfer pasta to a baking dish and evenly arrange shrimp on top.
- Sprinkle Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses over all.
- Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until cheese melts and becomes bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve right away.
Notes
- For crisp tops, broil 2–3 minutes at the end
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 220mg
Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Recipe
There’s something deeply satisfying about transforming that elegant skillet scampi into a cozy casserole the whole family can enjoy. This shrimp scampi pasta bake delivers all those bright, garlicky flavors we crave, combined with the comfort of melted cheese and crispy edges that only an oven can create.
- Make-ahead friendly: Perfect for busy weeknights when you want something special without last-minute fuss
- Crowd-pleaser potential: Easily doubles for potlucks or Sunday dinners with extended family
- Comfort meets elegance: Fancy enough for guests, cozy enough for a Tuesday night
Breaking Down Your Ingredients
The beauty of this dish lies in how simple ingredients layer together to create something extraordinary. Each component contributes to building that perfect balance of creamy, garlicky, and cheesy goodness.
The pasta foundation: Linguine or spaghetti works beautifully here because those long strands grab onto every bit of that buttery sauce. Cook it just until al dente – it will finish cooking in the oven and you don’t want mushy pasta.
| Ingredient | Why It Matters | Quick Swap |
|---|---|---|
| Large shrimp | Stays tender, won’t overcook | Medium shrimp (reduce cook time) |
| White wine | Adds depth, deglazes pan | Chicken broth for alcohol-free |
| Heavy cream | Creates rich, cohesive sauce | Half-and-half (thinner but still good) |
| Fresh lemon | Brightens rich flavors | Bottled juice in a pinch |
How It All Comes Together
The secret to this easy cheesy shrimp scampi casserole is building layers of flavor before it ever hits the oven. We’re basically making a stovetop scampi, then turning it into a baked masterpiece.
Start with that classic garlic and butter base – let the red pepper flakes bloom in the hot butter for just a minute. The aroma will remind you why this combination has been beloved for generations. When you add the shrimp, they’ll cook quickly, so don’t walk away from the stove.
- Pasta timing tip: Start your pasta water when you begin the sauce – they should finish around the same time
- Don’t skip the wine step: Even if you use broth, that deglazing step picks up all those golden bits from the pan
- Cheese strategy: Parmesan for flavor, mozzarella for a gorgeous golden top
Timing and Storage Made Simple
One of the things I love most about this recipe is how forgiving it is with timing. You can prep the entire dish earlier in the day, then just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to eat.
| Storage Method | Timeline | Reheating Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator (assembled, unbaked) | Up to 1 day | Add 5-10 extra minutes to bake time |
| Refrigerator (leftover, baked) | 3-4 days | 350°F for 15 minutes, covered |
| Freezer (assembled, unbaked) | Up to 3 months | Thaw overnight, then bake as directed |
Troubleshooting and Personal Tweaks
After making this dish countless times for family gatherings, I’ve learned a few tricks that make all the difference. The most common question I get is about the pasta texture – nobody wants mushy noodles.
Pasta too soft? This usually happens when the pasta is overcooked initially. Remember, it continues cooking in the oven, so err on the side of slightly underdone. Sauce too thin? Let the cream mixture simmer a bit longer before tossing with the pasta, or add an extra tablespoon of Parmesan.
- For extra richness: Add a pat of butter to the finished dish before serving
- Spice it up: Double the red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne
- Fresh herb swap: Try fresh basil or thyme if you’re out of parsley
Expert Says
Cooking shrimp in a shrimp scampi pasta bake beautifully intensifies the flavors, as the heat allows garlic and butter to meld into the dish while the pasta absorbs the savory sauce. This method not only enhances taste but also keeps the shrimp tender, providing a satisfying texture contrast with every bite.
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The Art of Perfecting Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake
This shrimp scampi pasta bake was one of those recipes that took many attempts to perfect. I remember the first time I accidentally overloaded it with garlic, leaving my family giggling at our garlic breath for days. Now, after countless tweaks and adjustments, it’s a comforting dish that sings with balanced flavors and love.
FAQs ( Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake )
How long does it take to cook Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake?
This dish typically takes about 25-30 minutes to bake in a preheated oven at 350°F. If using raw shrimp, be sure to adjust the time accordingly to ensure they are fully cooked and tender.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this meal ahead of time. Assemble all the ingredients, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
What kind of pasta is best for this recipe?
Short pasta like penne or fusilli works best for this dish, as they hold the sauce well and ensure every bite is flavorful. You can also use gluten-free pasta if desired.
What can I serve with this dish?
This meal pairs nicely with a simple green salad or garlic bread. For a complete meal, consider adding steamed vegetables or a side of sautéed greens for added nutrition.
How can I add more flavor to the recipe?
Add a splash of white wine or extra garlic for enhanced flavor. Fresh herbs like parsley or basil also elevate the taste and add freshness. Don’t skimp on seasoning; adjust according to your preference!
This shrimp scampi pasta bake delivers everything I hoped for – tender shrimp nestled in perfectly cooked pasta with that golden, bubbly cheese topping we all crave. The garlic butter flavors meld beautifully in the oven, creating those crispy edges that disappear first from the pan. You’ll love how it turns out every single time.
Here’s a trick from Julia’s kitchen: toss in some fresh spinach during the last five minutes of baking for extra color and nutrition. This dish reheats beautifully the next day – just cover with foil and warm at 350°F. Try it with crusty bread for sopping up that garlicky goodness, or serve alongside a simple Caesar salad for the perfect weeknight dinner.
I’d love to see your version of this cozy casserole! Share a photo and tag us – did this remind you of family dinners growing up? There’s something magical about dishes that bring everyone to the table with genuine excitement. Save this recipe for your next gathering, or better yet, make it tonight and watch faces light up around your dinner table.
