Savory Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

There’s something magical about a baked pasta dish that combines tender shrimp, creamy sauce, and perfectly melted cheese. Our Savory Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is exactly that — a rich, comforting meal that brings all the flavors of a classic shrimp scampi into a convenient, baked casserole. Whether it’s a busy weeknight, a family dinner, or a special occasion, this dish promises satisfaction in every bite.

Imagine al dente pasta enveloped in a garlic-butter cream sauce, dotted with plump, juicy shrimp, and finished with golden, bubbly cheese. It’s a one-dish wonder that tastes like a restaurant meal but is simple enough for home cooking.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comfort in Every Bite: Creamy, garlicky, cheesy — it’s a warm hug in a dish.
• Quick and Simple: Ready in just 50 minutes, perfect for weeknight dinners.
• Customizable: Add spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to suit your tastes.
• Protein-Packed: Shrimp provides lean protein to keep the dish hearty.
• Family-Friendly: Mild, creamy, and cheesy flavors appeal to adults and kids alike.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep ahead, refrigerate, and bake when ready.

Ingredients Breakdown

Yield: 6 servings
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Resting Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

Pasta & Shrimp

• 1 pound medium shrimp, fresh or thawed from frozen
• 8 ounces pasta, penne, ziti, or rigatoni

Sauce

• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice, freshly squeezed
• 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free option)
• 1 cup chicken broth (vegetable broth for vegetarian option)

Topping

• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

Optional Extras

• Spinach
• Mushrooms
• Bell peppers

Tools & Equipment Needed

• Large baking dish
• Pot for boiling pasta
• Large skillet for sauce and shrimp
• Wooden spoon or spatula for mixing
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cheese grater (if shredding yourself)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a baking dish to prevent sticking.

2. Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook 8 ounces of pasta according to package directions, usually 8–10 minutes, until al dente. Drain and set aside. Cooking pasta slightly firm ensures it holds up in the bake and absorbs the creamy sauce without becoming mushy.

3. Sauté Garlic and Butter

In a large skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant, taking care not to burn it. Garlic is the heart of scampi flavor and sets the foundation for the sauce.

4. Cook the Shrimp

Add 1 pound of medium shrimp to the skillet and cook for 3–4 minutes, turning occasionally, until shrimp are pink and opaque. Avoid overcooking to keep them tender and juicy.

5. Make the Creamy Sauce

Stir in 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 cup heavy cream, and 1 cup chicken broth. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. The lemon juice brightens the richness, while cream and broth create a velvety texture.

6. Combine Pasta and Shrimp

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and gently toss to coat with the shrimp and sauce. At this stage, you can also fold in optional extras like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for added nutrition and color.

7. Transfer to Baking Dish

Pour the pasta and shrimp mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly.

8. Add Cheese and Red Pepper Flakes

Sprinkle 1 cup shredded mozzarella and ½ cup grated Parmesan over the top. Add 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes, adjusting for your preferred spice level. The cheese will melt into a bubbly, golden crust during baking.

9. Bake Until Golden

Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes until the cheese is melted and lightly golden. This step melds flavors and adds a beautiful finish.

10. Rest and Serve

Allow the pasta bake to rest for 5 minutes before serving. This lets the sauce thicken slightly and makes it easier to serve. Enjoy warm, straight from the dish.

Tips & Variations

• Pat Shrimp Dry: Remove excess moisture to prevent watery sauce.
• Cheese Swaps: Try fontina, Gruyère, or provolone for a different flavor.
• Vegetable Boost: Sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach add texture and nutrients.
• Spicy Twist: Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for more heat.
• Seafood Mix: Combine shrimp with scallops or crab for a luxurious seafood bake.

Flavor Profile & Pairings

• Creamy & Garlicky: Classic scampi flavors elevated with cheese.
• Tender & Juicy: Shrimp remains succulent, pasta perfectly coated in sauce.
• Mild Heat: Red pepper flakes add a gentle kick without overpowering.

Suggested Sides:

• Light green salad with lemon vinaigrette
• Steamed or roasted vegetables such as asparagus or broccoli
• Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread to soak up the sauce

Nutritional Overview

Approximate values per serving (1/6 of casserole):

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	550 kcal
Protein	30 g
Fat	30 g
Saturated Fat	15 g
Monounsaturated Fat	1.5 g
Polyunsaturated Fat	0.5 g
Carbohydrates	40 g
Fiber	2 g
Sugar	3 g
Cholesterol	200 mg
Sodium	850 mg
Potassium	600 mg
Vitamin A	10 IU
Vitamin C	15 mg
Calcium	20 mg
Iron	10 mg

This dish is rich in protein and healthy fats, providing a balanced, satisfying meal.

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

• Prep Ahead: Assemble all ingredients and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready.
• Freezing: Freeze unbaked for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding 5–10 minutes.
• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Oven reheat at 350°F for 10–15 minutes preserves the creamy texture better than microwaving.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, thaw completely and pat dry before cooking to prevent excess water.

Can I substitute pasta types?
Penne, ziti, rigatoni, or fusilli all work well. Avoid small pasta as it won’t hold up as nicely.

Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes, use vegetable broth and skip the shrimp. Add mushrooms or tofu as a protein replacement.

Can I adjust the spice level?
Absolutely — increase or decrease red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to taste.

Can this dish be made gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta, and ensure any broth used is gluten-free.

Cooking Timeline (At a Glance)

Step	Time	Description
Preheat Oven	5 min	350°F (175°C)
Cook Pasta	8–10 min	Al dente pasta
Cook Shrimp & Sauce	5–6 min	Garlic, butter, shrimp, cream, broth
Combine & Add Extras	2–3 min	Mix pasta with shrimp mixture
Bake	20–25 min	Melt cheese until bubbly
Rest & Serve	5 min	Let sauce thicken

Total Time: 50 minutes

Serving Suggestions

• Serve hot with freshly grated Parmesan on top.
• Garnish with chopped parsley or basil for a pop of color.
• Pair with a crisp, green side salad to balance richness.

Ingredient Spotlight: Shrimp

• Selection: Choose fresh or properly thawed frozen shrimp for the best texture.
• Storage: Keep refrigerated and use within 24 hours of thawing.
• Cooking Tip: Cook shrimp just until opaque to prevent rubberiness.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Even Sauce Distribution: Stir pasta gently to coat evenly before baking.
• Golden Cheese Crust: Broil for 1–2 minutes at the end if you prefer extra golden cheese.
• Layering: Don’t overcrowd shrimp; ensure even cooking and flavor absorption.
• Customize Creaminess: Mix part cream with part milk for lighter sauce.

Storage & Freezing Guide

• Refrigerate: Airtight container for 3 days.
• Freeze Unbaked: Freeze for up to 2 months; bake directly from frozen.
• Reheat: Oven is preferred for maintaining creamy texture.

Expanded Conclusion

Our Savory Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake combines all the best elements of comfort food — tender pasta, juicy shrimp, garlicky cream sauce, and melted cheese — into one indulgent, family-friendly meal. Whether for a busy weeknight, a cozy dinner, or a special occasion, this dish is quick, flavorful, and easily customizable.

By following this recipe, you can enjoy a restaurant-quality Italian-inspired pasta bake at home, impressing your family and friends without spending hours in the kitchen. Serve hot, garnish with fresh herbs, and savor every creamy, garlicky bite.

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