Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

 Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake: The Ultimate Cheesy Seafood Comfort Dish

If you're craving a dinner that delivers on bold flavor, creamy richness, and crowd-pleasing comfort, look no further than this Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake. It takes everything you love about the classic shrimp scampi—succulent shrimp sautéed in garlic butter and white wine—and transforms it into a bubbly, cheesy, oven-baked masterpiece. Perfect for a cozy family night, a dinner party with friends, or just indulging your own gourmet cravings, this recipe combines the elegance of seafood with the hearty satisfaction of baked pasta.

Why You’ll Love It:

Quick and easy prep

Restaurant-quality flavor without the price tag

A rich, creamy, and cheesy twist on shrimp scampi

Perfect make-ahead or freezer-friendly option

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Ingredients & Their Roles

Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building the layers of flavor and texture that make this dish irresistible:

For the Pasta:

12 oz linguine or penne – These shapes hold up well to baking and soak up the sauce beautifully.

1 tbsp salt – Essential for flavoring the pasta water; well-seasoned pasta is the foundation of any good bake.

For the Shrimp Scampi:

1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined) – The star of the dish; tender and juicy, they soak up all the scampi flavor.

3 tbsp unsalted butter – Delivers richness and creates the classic garlic-butter base.

3 tbsp olive oil – Adds body to the sauce and helps cook the shrimp evenly.

4 cloves garlic (minced) – Brings bold, aromatic depth to the entire dish.

½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional) – Adds a subtle kick without overpowering the other flavors.

½ cup white wine or chicken broth – Deglazes the pan and infuses the sauce with tangy brightness. White wine gives it elegance; broth keeps it kid-friendly.

Juice of ½ lemon & zest of 1 lemon – Brightens the entire dish and balances the richness.

Salt & black pepper – Enhances and balances the savory notes.

2 tbsp chopped parsley – A fresh, herbaceous finish for garnish.

For the Creamy Cheese Sauce:

1 cup heavy cream – The base of the luscious, creamy sauce.

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese – Adds nutty sharpness and helps thicken the sauce.

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – Provides the gooey, melty cheese factor everyone loves.

¼ cup grated Romano (optional) – Brings a salty bite and complexity.

½ cup reserved pasta water – The secret to a silky, cohesive sauce that clings to every bite.

For the Topping:

½ cup Italian-style breadcrumbs – Creates a golden, crunchy crust.

1 tbsp melted butter – Toasts the breadcrumbs to golden perfection.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Boil the Pasta

Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add 1 tablespoon of salt and cook the pasta just 1-2 minutes shy of al dente, according to package directions. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water before draining. Set pasta aside.

2. Sauté the Shrimp

In a large skillet, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Add the shrimp in a single layer, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 1–2 minutes per side until just pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.

3. Deglaze and Build the Sauce

Pour white wine or chicken broth into the skillet to deglaze, scraping up any brown bits. Add lemon juice and zest, then let it simmer for 2 minutes.

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, followed by the Parmesan, mozzarella, and Romano cheeses. Stir until melted and smooth. Add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.

4. Combine Pasta and Shrimp

Return the cooked pasta and shrimp to the skillet. Toss until everything is evenly coated in the creamy sauce.

5. Bake It Up

Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Mix the breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle evenly over the top.

Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.

6. Garnish and Serve

Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.

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Why This Recipe Works (And Why Everyone Loves It)

This recipe wins hearts with its balance of flavor and texture—the brightness of lemon and wine, the richness of cream and cheese, and the satisfying crunch of breadcrumbs. It’s elevated comfort food that feels special without the stress of complicated techniques. And since it uses common pantry staples, it’s a dish you can throw together anytime.

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Pro Tips for Success

Don’t overcook the shrimp—they continue to cook in the oven, so just a light sauté is all they need.

Use fresh garlic and lemon for the best flavor impact.

Reserve pasta water before draining—this starchy liquid is essential for achieving a smooth, restaurant-quality sauce.

Broil for 1–2 minutes at the end if you want an ultra-crispy breadcrumb topping.

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Serving Suggestions

This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake pairs beautifully with:

Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks

A crisp Caesar salad or simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette

A glass of chilled white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc

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Final Thoughts: A Dish That’s Both Simple and Showstopping

This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is everything a great recipe should be—easy to make, full of flavor, and guaranteed to impress. It combines the best of land and sea, pasta and seafood, indulgence and comfort. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or just feeding a hungry family, this dish will have everyone reaching for seconds (and asking for the recipe).

Bookmark this recipe now—because once you try it, it’ll be on repeat in your kitchen.

Make it tonight and ex

perience the magic of cheesy, garlicky, shrimp-packed perfection!

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