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Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake – Creamy, Cheesy & Oven-Baked Comfort

This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake takes the classic buttery garlic shrimp scampi you love and transforms it into a rich, cheesy baked pasta dish. Juicy shrimp, tender pasta, garlic butter sauce, and melted cheese come together in one irresistible casserole.

If you’re looking for an easy yet impressive shrimp scampi pasta bake recipe, this comforting dish is perfect for family dinners, date nights, or entertaining guests.

Why You’ll Love This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

This baked shrimp scampi pasta combines bold garlic flavor with creamy, cheesy goodness in every bite.

This recipe is:

  • Creamy and cheesy
  • Packed with garlic butter flavor
  • Ready in under an hour
  • Perfect for weeknight dinners
  • Great for entertaining
  • Easy to prepare ahead of time

It’s a crowd-pleasing meal that feels fancy but is surprisingly simple.

Ingredients

  • 12 ounces pasta (penne, linguine, or rotini)
  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter with olive oil. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Add shrimp, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side until pink. Remove shrimp and set aside.
  5. In the same skillet, pour in chicken broth, heavy cream, and lemon juice. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
  6. Toss cooked pasta into the sauce. Add shrimp back to the skillet and stir gently to combine.
  7. Transfer mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan evenly on top.
  8. Bake for 15–20 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
  9. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Tips for the Best Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

Do not overcook the shrimp — they will cook slightly more in the oven.

Cook pasta just until al dente so it doesn’t become mushy after baking.

Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor.

For extra crispiness, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end.

Variations

Garlic Butter Shrimp Alfredo Bake
Increase cream and add extra Parmesan for a richer sauce.

Low-Carb Version
Use zucchini noodles instead of pasta.

Spicy Shrimp Scampi Bake
Add extra red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce.

Vegetable-Loaded Version
Add spinach, cherry tomatoes, or broccoli for extra nutrition.

Storage

Store leftover Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through. Add a splash of broth or cream when reheating to maintain moisture.

Conclusion

This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is creamy, garlicky, and perfectly cheesy. With tender shrimp, buttery lemon sauce, and golden melted cheese, it’s a comforting baked pasta dish that’s easy enough for weeknights but impressive enough for special occasions. One bite and it will quickly become a favorite.

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