Name: Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 12 oz linguine or spaghetti; 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 4 tbsp butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; ¼ tsp red pepper flakes; ½ cup white wine or chicken broth; Juice and zest of 1 lemon; 1 cup heavy cream; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

A perfect mix of elegance and comfort, this Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake brings all the buttery, garlicky, lemony flavors of classic shrimp scampi into a cozy, cheesy baked pasta dish. Ready in under 40 minutes, it’s a weeknight winner that feels special without the fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

All-in-one comfort: Creamy pasta, tender shrimp, and melted cheese baked together.
Quick and easy: Prep, assemble, and bake — perfect for busy weeknights.
Customizable: Swap proteins, add vegetables, or switch up the cheeses.
Crowd-pleaser: Elegant enough for guests, hearty enough for leftovers.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Pasta: 12 oz linguine or spaghetti, cooked al dente
Protein: 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Aromatics & Sauce: 4 tbsp butter, 4 cloves garlic (minced), ¼ tsp red pepper flakes, ½ cup white wine or chicken broth, 1 lemon (juice and zest), 1 cup heavy cream
Cheese: ½ cup grated Parmesan, 1 cup shredded mozzarella
Seasoning & Garnish: Salt and black pepper, 2 tbsp fresh parsley (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the pasta
Boil linguine or spaghetti in salted water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Sauté aromatics
Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking until fragrant (about 1 minute).

3. Cook the shrimp
Add shrimp to the pan, cooking 3–4 minutes until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.

4. Make the creamy lemon sauce
Deglaze the pan with wine or chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits. Simmer 2 minutes, then stir in lemon juice, zest, and heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer.

5. Combine with pasta
Toss the drained pasta in the sauce. Season with salt and pepper.

6. Assemble & bake
Transfer pasta to a greased 9×13 baking dish. Arrange shrimp on top and sprinkle with Parmesan and mozzarella.

7. Bake
Bake at 375°F for 15–20 minutes until the top is golden and cheese is bubbly.

8. Garnish & serve
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Tips for the Best Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

Don’t overcook the shrimp: They’ll finish cooking in the oven.
Wine matters: Use a wine you’d drink, or substitute chicken broth with extra lemon juice for brightness.
Add crunch: Top with breadcrumbs for a golden, crispy finish.
Prep ahead: Assemble earlier and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Make It Your Own

Protein swaps: Scallops, cooked chicken, or tofu work beautifully.
Low-carb option: Use zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
Cheese variations: Pecorino Romano or provolone add fun twists.
Add veggies: Spinach, cherry tomatoes, or peas mix in easily.
Spicy kick: Add more red pepper flakes or Cajun seasoning.

Storage & Leftovers

Fridge: Airtight container, up to 3 days. Reheat in microwave or oven.
Freezer: Freeze fully cooled in a freezer-safe container, up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

Serving Suggestions

Crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette
Garlic bread or warm focaccia
Steamed asparagus or roasted broccoli

Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is your shortcut to a restaurant-quality meal at home. Rich, buttery, and perfectly cheesy, it’s ideal for weeknights, entertaining, or simply treating yourself to a cozy dinner that everyone will love.