Heavenly Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe: Cheesy Comfort Magic!

Seafood enthusiasts crave this irresistible cheesy shrimp scampi pasta bake that delivers pure comfort on a plate.

Succulent shrimp nestled in golden, bubbling cheese create a mouthwatering centerpiece for any dinner.

Garlic and herbs dance through each creamy bite, promising a flavor explosion that satisfies deep hunger.

The pasta absorbs rich, buttery notes while golden breadcrumbs add a delightful crunch to every forkful.

Mediterranean influences shine through this simple yet elegant dish that transforms ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary.

Weeknight dinners or special occasions call for this delectable pasta bake that welcomes everyone to the table.

Prepare to fall in love with a recipe that turns ordinary ingredients into a culinary masterpiece.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 580 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients Needed For Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

• Pasta: Provides the hearty base for this comforting dish, choose a medium-sized pasta like penne or rigatoni that captures the creamy sauce perfectly.

• Shrimp: Sweet and tender seafood that brings luxurious flavor, select fresh or frozen wild-caught shrimp for the best taste and texture.

• Garlic: Aromatic foundation that adds depth and warmth to the entire dish, use fresh cloves for most intense flavor.
• Butter, Olive Oil: Creates rich, silky base for cooking, use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for best results.
• Mozzarella, Parmesan Cheese: Creamy melting cheeses that add luxurious texture and sharp tangy notes, choose freshly grated for maximum flavor.
• Heavy Cream: Provides luscious, velvety consistency that binds all ingredients together.

• White Wine: Adds sophisticated depth and acidity, select a dry variety like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens and balances the rich flavors, use fresh-squeezed for maximum zestiness.

• Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces gentle heat and complexity, adjust according to spice preference.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for enhancing and balancing overall flavor profile.
• Italian Seasoning: Brings classic Mediterranean herbaceous notes.
• Fresh Parsley: Offers fresh, vibrant garnish with clean, peppery undertones.

Tools To Use For Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

• Large Pot: Essential for boiling pasta perfectly and creating salty water.
• Large Pan: Needed to sauté shrimp and create delicious scampi sauce.
• 9×13-inch Baking Dish: Perfect for assembling and baking the creamy pasta.
• Large Bowl: Great for mixing pasta, shrimp, cheese, and cream together.
• Colander: Helps drain pasta quickly and efficiently.
• Cutting Board: Use for chopping fresh parsley and preparing ingredients.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp tool for precise ingredient preparation.
• Measuring Cups/Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient measurements.

How To Prepare Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

• Boil Pasta

Grab a big pot and fill it with water. Sprinkle in some salt and wait for a rolling boil. Drop in your pasta and cook until it’s perfectly tender.

• Sizzle Shrimp

Heat a skillet with butter and olive oil. Toss in minced garlic and a dash of red pepper for some kick. Slide in the shrimp and cook until they turn a beautiful pink color. Splash some white wine and lemon juice to create a mouthwatering sauce.

• Create the Bake

Mix your cooked pasta with the zesty shrimp. Stir in creamy goodness and cheesy delights. Pour this magical mixture into a baking dish. For extra crunch, sprinkle some golden breadcrumbs on top.

• Bake and Enjoy

Crank up the oven to a toasty 375°F. Slide in your dish and let it bubble and brown for about 20 minutes. When the cheese is melted and edges are crispy, pull it out. Garnish with fresh green herbs and serve immediately. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Tips And Ideas

• Garlic Lovers' Dream: Boost the garlic flavor by roasting whole garlic cloves before adding them to the dish or using garlic-infused olive oil for an extra punch.
• Gluten-Free Modification: Swap regular pasta with gluten-free pasta and use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this recipe celiac-friendly without compromising taste.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust red pepper flakes to create a mild or fiery version – use just a pinch for subtle warmth or increase for a spicier kick that tingles your taste buds.
• Protein Power-Up: Replace shrimp with chicken, salmon, or tofu for different protein options that work beautifully with the creamy scampi sauce and Italian seasonings.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire dish ahead of time and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve – perfect for meal prepping or entertaining guests with minimal last-minute cooking stress.

Ways To Serve Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

• Coastal Dinner Party Delight: Invite friends over for a Mediterranean-inspired evening, pairing this shrimp scampi pasta bake with crisp white wine and light salad.
• Romantic Meal Magic: Create an intimate dinner for two with soft candlelight, serving the dish alongside roasted asparagus and crusty garlic bread for a complete experience.
• Weekend Family Comfort: Serve family-style with a big green salad and warm dinner rolls, letting everyone dig into this cheesy, seafood-packed casserole that satisfies all ages.
• Sunday Entertaining Centerpiece: Set up a buffet-style presentation with the pasta bake as the star, complemented by chilled white wine and a simple herb-dressed tomato salad.

Store And Plan Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Meals

• Quick Chill Strategy: Store leftovers in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Refrigeration Tactics: Keep shrimp scampi pasta bake sealed in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring optimal taste and texture when reheated.
• Freezer-Friendly Method: Wrap tightly in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil to store up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating Wisdom: Warm gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil to prevent drying out. Add a splash of cream or chicken broth to restore moisture and prevent pasta from becoming tough.

Cheesy Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe

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4.9 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Succulent shrimp scampi pasta bake delivers Mediterranean coastal flavors in one comforting dish. Rich garlic butter sauce and tender pasta create a delightful meal you can savor with friends and family.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled & deveined
• 12 oz (340 g) penne or rigatoni pasta
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half & half)
• 3 tbsps butter
• 3 tbsps olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup white wine (or chicken broth)
• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs (optional, for crispy topping)
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Juice of 1 lemon
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

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Instructions

1. Pasta Preparation: Cook pasta until al dente, draining and setting aside to maintain a slight firmness that will absorb the upcoming flavor-rich sauce.
2. Aromatic Foundation: Sauté minced garlic and red pepper flakes in a butter-olive oil blend, creating an intensely fragrant base that will permeate the entire dish with deep, nuanced flavors.
3. Seafood Integration: Introduce shrimp to the sizzling pan, cooking until they transform to a pristine opaque color with delicate golden edges, carefully absorbing the herbal-infused cooking environment.
4. Liquid Enhancement: Deglaze the pan with white wine and lemon juice, creating a vibrant liquid that will elevate the overall flavor profile and tenderize the seafood components.
5. Creamy Amalgamation: Merge cooked pasta, prepared shrimp, and scampi sauce in a large mixing bowl, gently folding in heavy cream, parmesan, and mozzarella to develop a luxuriously smooth and cohesive mixture.
6. Baking Preparation: Transfer the combined mixture into a generously greased baking dish, spreading evenly to ensure consistent flavor distribution and optimal texture throughout.
7. Crispy Topping: Sprinkle panko breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter across the surface, creating a golden, crunchy layer that will provide textural contrast to the creamy underneath.
8. Final Baking: Roast in a preheated oven until edges bubble energetically and the top achieves a lustrous, bronzed appearance that signals perfect doneness.
9. Garnish and Serve: Shower freshly chopped parsley over the dish, adding a vibrant green accent and subtle herbaceous freshness before presenting piping hot to eager diners.

Notes

• Prevent Pasta Overcooking: Cook pasta just until al dente, as it will continue cooking during baking, ensuring a perfect texture without becoming mushy.
• Control Shrimp Doneness: Remove shrimp from heat immediately when they turn opaque to prevent rubbery, tough texture – they’ll finish cooking in the oven.
• Enhance Flavor Layering: Toast garlic and red pepper flakes briefly to release maximum aromatics without burning, creating a deeply flavored base for the dish.
• Customize for Dietary Needs: Substitute heavy cream with light coconut milk for a dairy-free version, or use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs for a celiac-friendly adaptation.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 580
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg