Irresistible Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe – Comfort Food

Shrimp scampi pasta bake is like a warm hug on a plate, with shrimp dancing in a buttery garlic sauce, mingling with pasta, and topped with a golden crust of cheese. Imagine pulling that bubbling dish from the oven, the aroma wrapping around you like your favorite blanket, making it impossible to resist. If you’re craving comfort food that’s also fancy enough for guests, this dish is your new best friend.

Every time I make this shrimp scampi pasta bake, I’m reminded of family gatherings where laughter filled the air, and everyone scrambled for seconds. It’s perfect for cozy nights or festive celebrations. Trust me; once you taste those succulent shrimp and creamy pasta together, you’ll be counting down the days until your next serving.

I remember serving this dish at a family reunion last summer; the oohs and aahs were music to my ears.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Shrimp: Use large, deveined shrimp for the best texture; fresh or frozen works well—just thaw them first.

• Pasta: Choose any short pasta like penne or fusilli; they hold onto the sauce perfectly.

• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds a robust flavor that elevates the entire dish; avoid powdered garlic if possible.

• Butter: Use unsalted butter to control seasoning better; it gives a rich flavor when sautéing.

• Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan not only enhances flavor but forms a lovely golden crust on top.

• Cream: Heavy cream provides that luscious texture; half-and-half can be used in a pinch but won’t be as rich.

• Parsley: Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness; don’t skip it!

• Lemon Juice: A splash brightens all flavors; fresh juice is ideal for maximum zing.

• Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings to bring all the flavors together; adjust according to taste.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make It Together

Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish lightly with cooking spray or butter for easy cleanup later.

Cook the Pasta: Boil salted water in a pot and cook your chosen pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside while you prepare the sauce—don’t forget to save some pasta water!

Sauté Shrimp & Garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter and add minced garlic until fragrant. Toss in shrimp, cooking just until pink—about 3-4 minutes. Trust me; keep an eye on them!

Create the Creamy Sauce: Pour in heavy cream and lemon juice into the skillet. Stir gently while mixing in grated Parmesan cheese until it melts smoothly into the sauce—this is where magic happens!

Combine Everything: Add cooked pasta to your skillet along with chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir thoroughly so every noodle gets its fair share of that heavenly sauce.

Bake & Enjoy: Transfer everything into your greased baking dish. Sprinkle additional Parmesan on top and bake for 20 minutes until bubbly and golden brown! Let it cool slightly before serving—it will be hard but worth it!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by sautéing the shrimp in butter and garlic, then add pasta while preparing the sauce for optimal timing.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to customize with seasonal veggies or substitute shrimp with chicken for a different flavor profile.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days; reheat gently in the oven.

Sharing this dish at a family gathering brought smiles all around, as everyone dug into the creamy goodness and begged for seconds.

FAQ

Can I make shrimp scampi pasta bake ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it earlier and refrigerate before baking.

What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

Linguine or fettuccine complements the shrimp nicely, but any pasta will work.

Can I substitute shrimp with another protein?

Absolutely! Chicken or even tofu works well for a delicious alternative.

Print

Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Indulge in the comforting flavors of Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake, where succulent shrimp swim in a creamy garlic butter sauce, perfectly enveloped by tender pasta and topped with a golden layer of cheese. This dish is not only a family favorite but also an impressive centerpiece for any gathering. With each bite, you’ll experience a heavenly blend of rich textures and tantalizing aromas that will have everyone coming back for seconds!

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb large shrimp, deveined
• 8 oz short pasta (penne or fusilli)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt & pepper to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
2. Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente; drain and set aside.
3. In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant. Add shrimp and cook until pink (about 3–4 minutes).
4. Stir in heavy cream and lemon juice; mix in Parmesan cheese until melted.
5. Combine cooked pasta with the shrimp mixture, adding parsley, salt, and pepper; stir well.
6. Transfer to the baking dish, top with extra Parmesan, and bake for 20 minutes until bubbly.

• Author: DANIEL LAWSON
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 26g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 220mg