Description
Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is the perfect marriage of creamy pasta, succulent shrimp, and a garlicky, buttery sauce. It’s like your favorite shrimp scampi, but with the comforting, cheesy goodness of a baked pasta dish. This isn’t just your average pasta bake — it’s a dish that brings together the best of two worlds. Crispy, cheesy edges, tender pasta, and shrimp that’s perfectly seasoned and packed with flavor. You can have it on the table in under an hour, and trust me, every single bite is worth the wait. If you’ve ever dreamed of a pasta bake that’s as indulgent as it is comforting, this is it.
Ingredients
1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
12 oz pasta (cavatappi, penne, or rigatoni work well)
3 tablespoons butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese, plus extra for topping
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Salt and black pepper to taste
Juice of half a lemon
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (for that crispy topping)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the pasta in salted water according to the package instructions, but stop just short of al dente, as it will cook a little more when baked. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for about 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Season with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 3: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Add the heavy cream to the skillet and bring to a simmer. Stir in the parmesan and mozzarella cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little more cream or some pasta water to loosen it up.
Step 5: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shrimp, and creamy sauce. Stir in half of the chopped parsley.
Step 6: Transfer everything into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the top with mozzarella cheese, parmesan, and panko breadcrumbs.
Step 7: Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy. If you want extra crispiness, broil the top for 1–2 minutes at the end of baking.
Step 8: Remove from the oven and sprinkle with the remaining parsley before serving.
Notes
Pair with a simple side salad for a well-rounded meal
Serve with garlic bread or a crusty baguette to soak up the creamy sauce
A glass of chilled white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc) never hurts
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: ~450 calories
- Protein: ~35g