Easy Cheesy Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

By Recipes by Clare

If you’re craving comfort food with a touch of elegance, this Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is your answer. It blends the rich, buttery flavors of classic shrimp scampi with the gooey satisfaction of a cheesy pasta casserole—all baked to golden, bubbling perfection. It’s easy to make, hard to resist, and impressive enough for guests without the stress of stovetop juggling.


Why You’ll Love It

  • Combines classic shrimp scampi flavors with baked pasta comfort
  • Uses simple, accessible ingredients
  • Rich, savory, and bright in flavor
  • Perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping leftovers

How This Recipe Came to Life

After a dinner party mishap—where cooking individual scampi portions left me with a mix of rubbery and raw shrimp—I knew I needed a better method. This bake changed everything. Now I prep everything in one dish, toss it in the oven, and spend more time enjoying the night instead of babysitting the stove.


Star Ingredients

  • Pasta with Grip: Skip the linguine—opt for cavatappi, rotini, or cellentani. Their ridges trap sauce like pros.
  • Shrimp: Large peeled and deveined shrimp work best. Thawed frozen shrimp are just as good.
  • Butter + Olive Oil: These create the foundation of that luscious scampi sauce.
  • Garlic: Use 6-8 cloves—or more. Go with your instincts.
  • Lemon: Both zest and juice brighten the whole dish.
  • Cheese: Parmesan adds depth. Mozzarella brings the melt.

Pro Tip: Save your pasta water! That starchy liquid is liquid gold for silky sauces.


Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta
Boil your pasta until just shy of al dente—it’ll finish baking in the oven. Do not rinse it after draining. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water.

2. Build the Sauce
Sauté garlic in a mix of butter and olive oil. Keep the heat low—burnt garlic ruins everything. Add lemon zest, juice, and reserved pasta water to build the sauce.

3. Cook the Shrimp
Sear shrimp for 2–4 minutes max, just until pink. They’ll finish cooking in the oven, so undercook slightly to avoid rubbery results.

4. Combine and Assemble
Toss the cooked pasta with the sauce, shrimp, Parmesan, and half the mozzarella. Pour into a baking dish, top with remaining cheese and parsley.

5. Bake
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes, until bubbly and golden on top.

6. Let it Rest
Let the dish sit for 5–10 minutes. It allows the sauce to thicken and prevents mouth burns.


Serving Suggestions

  • Side Salad: A crisp green salad with vinaigrette balances the richness.
  • Garlic Bread: Non-negotiable. Use it to soak up every drop of sauce.
  • Roasted Veggies: Asparagus or broccoli pair perfectly with the lemon-garlic notes.

Optional Upgrades

  • Veggies: Add spinach, broccoli, or peas.
  • Seafood: Toss in scallops or chunks of white fish.
  • Extra Creaminess: Stir in a spoonful of cream cheese.
  • Crunchy Topping: Mix panko with melted butter and sprinkle on top before baking.

Make-Ahead Tips

  • Prep in Advance: You can chop garlic, zest lemons, and grate cheese a day ahead.
  • Full Assembly: Assemble the whole dish, refrigerate, and add 10–15 minutes to the baking time.
  • Storage: Store leftovers for 3–4 days in the fridge. Reheat in a 325°F oven, covered. Add a splash of water if it looks dry.

Not freezer-friendly due to dairy and seafood—eat fresh within a few days.


Final Tips

  • Don’t overcook shrimp—remember they bake further.
  • Don’t skip the pasta water—it’s a sauce-saver.
  • Don’t skip the resting time—it helps everything settle and thicken.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
Yes, just add them at the very end—do NOT sauté them.

Best pasta shape?
Cavatappi, cellentani, penne, or rotini. Skip long noodles.

How do I lighten the recipe?
Use whole wheat pasta, more veggies, less cheese, and more olive oil instead of butter.

Can I make it ahead?
Yes. Prep components or fully assemble and refrigerate. Bake longer if cold.

How do I reheat leftovers?
Use the oven for best texture. Microwave works in a pinch—cover and add a splash of water.

How to make it more filling?
Add cooked chicken, extra veggies, or mix in cream cheese.

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