Why Make This Recipe
Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is a deliciously creamy and comforting dish that combines tender pasta and succulent shrimp in a rich sauce. It’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings. The blend of flavors, along with the crispy topping, makes it an irresistible meal that everyone will love. It’s also a great way to elevate a classic shrimp scampi into a hearty baked dish.
How to Make Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake
Ingredients
For the Pasta & Shrimp:
- 12 oz (340 g) penne or rotini pasta
- 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled & deveined
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter (divided)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1 lemon
- ½ cup dry white wine or chicken broth
For the Creamy Bake Sauce:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (mixed with 2 tbsp water)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
For Topping:
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan
- 2 tbsp butter (melted)
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs (optional for crunch)
- 1 tbsp parsley for garnish
Directions
-
Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente, about 1–2 minutes less than package instructions. Drain and set aside.
-
Sauté the Shrimp: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 2 tbsp butter over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp, paprika, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1–2 minutes on each side until they turn pink. Remove the shrimp to a plate; they will finish cooking in the oven.
-
Make the Scampi Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tbsp butter. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the white wine (or broth) to deglaze the pan. Stir in lemon juice and lemon zest. Add heavy cream and chicken broth, then mix in the Parmesan and mozzarella until melted. Add the cornstarch slurry and simmer for 1–2 minutes until slightly thickened.
-
Combine Everything: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Add the cooked pasta and shrimp into the sauce and stir in chopped parsley. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 baking dish.
-
Add the Topping & Bake: Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan. For a crunchy topping, mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle on top. Bake for 15–18 minutes or until bubbly and golden. Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
How to Serve Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake
Serve the Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake hot, right out of the oven. It pairs well with a simple green salad or garlic bread. Everyone will appreciate the warm, cheesy goodness of this dish!
How to Store Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake
To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely and then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing it. Wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Tips to Make Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake
- Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor.
- Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste. If you like more heat, add extra crushed red pepper flakes.
- Don’t overcook the shrimp when sautéing; they will finish cooking in the oven.
- You can add vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes for added nutrition and flavor.
Variation
You can easily swap the shrimp for other proteins like chicken or scallops. Additionally, you can use different types of pasta if you prefer. For a vegetarian option, exclude the shrimp and add more vegetables.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare everything up to the baking step. Cover and refrigerate until you are ready to bake, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
3. What if I don’t have panko breadcrumbs?
You can use regular breadcrumbs or omit them altogether if you prefer a softer top.
Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake
A deliciously creamy and comforting dish combining tender pasta and succulent shrimp in a rich sauce, topped with crispy cheese and breadcrumbs.
For the Pasta & Shrimp
- 12 oz penne or rotini pasta
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled & deveined
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter (divided)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional) (Adjust for spice preference.)
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 unit lemon, zest of
- 1 unit lemon, juice of
- ½ cup dry white wine or chicken broth (Either works for added flavor.)
For the Creamy Bake Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (mixed with 2 tbsp water)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
For Topping
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan
- 2 tbsp butter (melted)
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs (optional) (Use for extra crunch.)
- 1 tbsp parsley for garnish
Preparation
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente, about 1–2 minutes less than package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 2 tbsp butter over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp, paprika, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1–2 minutes on each side until they turn pink. Remove the shrimp to a plate.
Making the Sauce
- In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tbsp butter. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the white wine (or broth) to deglaze the pan. Stir in lemon juice and lemon zest.
- Add heavy cream and chicken broth, then mix in the Parmesan and mozzarella until melted. Add the cornstarch slurry and simmer for 1–2 minutes until slightly thickened.
Combining and Baking
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Add the cooked pasta and shrimp into the sauce and stir in chopped parsley.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 baking dish.
- Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan. For a crunchy topping, mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle on top.
- Bake for 15–18 minutes or until bubbly and golden. Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
Serve with a simple green salad or garlic bread. Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor and feel free to adjust spices. Can add vegetables for more nutrition.