Easy Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

This easy shrimp scampi pasta bake delivers all the zesty garlic butter flavors you love in classic shrimp scampi, but with the creamy comfort and convenience of a baked pasta casserole. With just 15 minutes of prep and a total time of under 45 minutes, this recipe makes for an elegant yet effortless weeknight dinner. Each bite is loaded with juicy shrimp, tender pasta, and melty cheese, making it a crowd pleasing pasta bake perfect for busy families and special occasions.

I first whipped up this easy shrimp scampi pasta bake on a busy Tuesday when I was trying to stretch a bag of frozen shrimp I had in the freezer. My whole family raved about the rich garlic flavor and gooey mozzarella cheese, and even the picky eaters cleared their plates. If you are looking for something special that requires little work but delivers restaurant worthy taste, this pasta bake fits the bill and is now a go to in our weeknight dinner rotation.

Gather Your Ingredients

• Medium shrimp peeled and deveined: Provides the sweetest flavor and best texture; choose fresh or thawed frozen shrimp for convenience. Look for shrimp that are plump and have no odor for peak freshness; substitute chicken if desired.
• Penne pasta: Holds the cheesy, garlicky sauce beautifully, ensuring each bite is satisfying; rigatoni or rotini can be used as alternatives for a similar feel.
• Extra virgin olive oil: Enhances the garlic flavor and helps with the browning of shrimp; use any high quality olive oil for sautéing, but can substitute canola oil if needed.
• Butter: Adds a rich and velvety mouthfeel to the scampi sauce; unsalted butter is best for seasoning control, though salted butter can be used with adjusted salt.
• Fresh garlic cloves minced: Delivers robust, authentic scampi flavor; always use fresh garlic for the best taste and avoid jarred for optimal results.
• Red pepper flakes: Optional for a subtle heat that brightens the sauce and enhances depth; omit for a milder dish or add more for a spicier kick.
• Italian seasoning: Balances the herbs and deepens the flavor profile; dried oregano or basil work if you do not have a blend.
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste: Ensures every layer is seasoned perfectly; use kosher salt and adjust pepper for a stronger bite.
• Chicken broth: Adds savory depth in place of wine, making it family friendly; vegetable broth also works for pescatarian diets.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a salty, nutty richness and melts smoothly; fresh grated is ideal but pre grated works well in a pinch.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: Gives the bake its creamy, gooey melt; whole milk mozzarella provides the creamiest result, but part skim is a lighter option.
• Chopped fresh parsley: Provides a fresh, herby finish and vibrant color; basil is a great swap for a different herbal note.

How to Make Easy Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

Prep and Preheat for Baked Perfection:

Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly coat a 9x13 inch baking dish with olive oil or butter. This step prevents sticking and ensures your shrimp scampi pasta bake develops a golden crust as it bakes.

Boil Pasta Until Just Al Dente:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta for 8 to 10 minutes, until just al dente. The pasta will finish cooking in the oven, absorbing the sauce for a tender, not mushy, result. Drain and toss lightly with olive oil to prevent clumping while you prepare the sauce.

Sauté the Shrimp for Juicy Results:

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil and half the butter, then place peeled and deveined shrimp in a single layer. Cook undisturbed for 2 to 3 minutes until they turn pink on the edges, flip, and cook for another 2 minutes. Remove shrimp as soon as they are firm to avoid overcooking.

Make the Garlicky Scampi Sauce:

In the same skillet, add remaining butter and let it melt gently over medium heat. Add minced fresh garlic, optional red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning. Stir for about a minute until fragrant but not browned—this infuses the oil and butter with classic scampi flavor.

Simmer and Build the Sauce:

Pour in chicken broth (or lemon juice and broth) and scrape up any browned bits from the pan. Let the sauce bubble for 2 minutes so flavors meld and reduce slightly for a deeper, tangy, herby aroma.

Toss Pasta with Scampi Sauce and Cheese:

Add the cooked pasta and half the shredded mozzarella into the skillet. Mix gently until the pasta is evenly coated in sauce and cheese starts melting, seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed.

Mix in the Shrimp for Balanced Flavor:

Return the cooked shrimp to the pasta mixture and stir to distribute evenly. Transfer everything to the prepared baking dish and spread into an even layer for consistent baking.

Layer on More Cheese for a Golden Top:

Sprinkle grated Parmesan and the remaining mozzarella evenly over the top. Cover the entire surface for a bubbling, golden finish that appeals to everyone.

Bake Until Bubbly and Golden:

Bake in the preheated oven uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes, watching for the cheese to melt and caramelize at the edges. Bubbling sauce and stretchy cheese indicate readiness—be careful not to overbake or the shrimp could toughen.

Garnish and Serve Warm:

Remove from the oven and let the pasta bake rest for 5 minutes before serving to thicken the sauce naturally. Top with chopped fresh parsley for color and a fresh taste, then serve warm for the best cheese pull and scampi flavor.

My favorite ingredient in this easy shrimp scampi pasta bake has to be the fresh garlic, which turns the whole sauce into something truly restaurant worthy and fragrant. Last Christmas, we served this pasta bake at a large family get together and it disappeared before anything else, with people immediately asking for seconds. You will appreciate how this dish combines nutrition, comfort, and convenience, making it a hit for both casual dinners and special occasions.

Smart Swaps and Variations

Swap penne for gluten free or whole wheat pasta to suit dietary needs while keeping the bake flavorful. For dairy free versions, use plant based mozzarella and skip the Parmesan, or substitute chicken or mixed seafood for shrimp on a budget. Adding veggies like baby spinach, mushrooms, or even roasted asparagus creates a more hearty and seasonal shrimp scampi pasta bake the whole family will enjoy.

How to Store and Reheat Easy Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

Store leftover shrimp scampi pasta bake in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to keep the pasta moist and the shrimp tasting fresh. For longer storage, freeze single portions or the entire bake in freezer safe containers for up to 2 months. Reheat in a 350°F oven covered with foil for even warming, or microwave gently in 60 second intervals to keep shrimp tender and the cheese melty.

What to Serve with Easy Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

Pair your shrimp scampi pasta bake with a crisp green salad tossed in zesty vinaigrette for a refreshing balance. Serve alongside crusty garlic bread or homemade focaccia to soak up every last drop of sauce, and add roasted vegetables such as broccolini or zucchini for a complete, colorful plate. For special occasions, individual ramekins create an upscale feel and portion out servings perfectly.

Nutritional Benefits

This shrimp scampi pasta bake is a balanced meal rich in lean protein from shrimp and fiber from pasta, perfect for rebuilding muscle and keeping you satisfied. Healthy fats from extra virgin olive oil and just enough cheese provide energy without making the dish overly heavy. Naturally low in sugar and simple to prepare gluten free, it is a crowd pleasing mainstay suitable for a range of healthy diets.

Recipe Success Tips

If you forget to thaw your shrimp, place them in a colander under cold water for 5 to 8 minutes for quick, perfect texture. Never skip the 5 minute rest after baking so the sauce sets and does not become runny on the plate. If you want an extra crisp topping, sprinkle with seasoned breadcrumbs mixed with olive oil before baking, and add a splash of reserved pasta water if sauce feels dry before baking to keep everything silky smooth.

This easy shrimp scampi pasta bake has become my secret weapon for stress free family dinners and is sure to be a comfort food staple in your kitchen as well. Try your favorite variation or ingredient discovery with this recipe, and share your results to inspire fellow home cooks!

Common Questions About This Recipe

→ Can I use another type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute penne with ziti, rotini, or fusilli for equally great results.

→ What’s the best way to cook the shrimp?

Sauté shrimp on medium heat, 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Avoid overcooking.

→ Can I prep this dish in advance?

Assemble everything up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.

→ How can I make this bake spicier?

Add extra red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne to the garlic sauce for more heat.

→ Is it possible to make this bake dairy-free?

Swap out butter and cheeses with your favorite dairy-free alternatives for a similar texture and flavor.

→ What sides pair well with this pasta bake?

Try a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables to complement the rich flavors.