Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Bake
This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake takes the classic garlicky, lemony flavors of traditional scampi and turns them into a cheesy, crowd-pleasing casserole. By adding a touch of heavy cream and a mozzarella topping, it becomes rich and indulgent—somewhere between classic scampi and a luxurious Alfredo.
Here’s a pro tip: cook the pasta just 1–2 minutes less than the package directions. This allows the noodles to soak up the delicious scampi sauce in the oven without getting mushy.
Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Ingredients
| Component | Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Main Ingredients | Pasta (Penne, Ziti, or Fettuccine) | 12 oz |
| Large shrimp (peeled and deveined) | 1 lb | |
| Unsalted butter | 3 tablespoons | |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons | |
| Garlic (minced) | 4 cloves | |
| Red pepper flakes | 1/2 teaspoon | |
| Dry white wine (or chicken broth) | 1/2 cup | |
| Lemon juice | 1 | |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon | |
| Black pepper | 1/2 teaspoon | |
| Italian seasoning | 1 teaspoon | |
| Shredded mozzarella cheese | 2 cups | |
| Grated Parmesan cheese | 1/2 cup | |
| Fresh parsley (chopped) | 2 tablespoons | |
| For the Creamy Bake | Heavy cream (or half-and-half) | 1 cup |
| Chicken broth | 1/2 cup | |
| Garlic powder | 1/2 teaspoon | |
| Nutmeg | 1/4 teaspoon |
How to Make Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake
Step 1: Prep the Pasta
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta 1–2 minutes less than the box directions. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Sear the Shrimp
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp, seasoning with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside (don’t overcook—they’ll finish in the oven).
Step 3: Make the Scampi Base
In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds. Pour in the wine (or broth) and lemon juice. Simmer for 2 minutes, scraping the pan to release any browned bits.
Step 4: Make It Creamy
Add the heavy cream, 1/2 cup chicken broth, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and nutmeg. Simmer 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Toss the pasta and shrimp in the sauce until fully coated. Transfer to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and top with mozzarella and Parmesan. Bake 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
Step 6: Serve
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately while the cheese is hot and stretchy.
