If you love the classic flavors of shrimp scampi — buttery garlic sauce, lemony brightness, and tender shrimp — you’re going to fall head over heels for this Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake. It’s the ultimate comfort food fusion: juicy shrimp, al dente pasta, savory garlic, and herbs, all tossed in a light lemon-butter sauce and baked under a melty cheese blanket.
Perfect for busy weeknights, romantic dinners, or casual gatherings, this dish is elegant enough to impress but easy enough to make anytime.
🛒 Ingredients
- 12 oz penne or spaghetti (cooked al dente)
- 1 lb raw shrimp, peeled and deveined (medium or large)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- ½ cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
- Lemon wedges, for serving
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Preheat oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the pasta
Boil pasta in salted water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Sauté shrimp
In a large skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, sauté for 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
Add shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 2–3 minutes until pink and opaque (don’t overcook — they’ll finish in the oven). Remove shrimp and set aside.
4. Deglaze & build the sauce
To the same skillet, add white wine and lemon juice. Simmer for 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly. Add lemon zest and stir to combine.
5. Combine pasta & shrimp
In a large bowl, toss the cooked pasta with the scampi sauce. Add shrimp back in, half the mozzarella, and all the Parmesan. Mix until well coated.
6. Bake
Pour the pasta and shrimp mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella. Bake for 15–20 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
7. Garnish and serve
Remove from oven, top with chopped parsley, and serve hot with lemon wedges.
🍽 Nutrition Info (per serving – serves 6)
- Calories: 460
- Protein: 29g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 620mg
Nutrition values vary by pasta type and cheese used.
✅ Tips & Tricks
- No wine? Use low-sodium chicken broth with a splash of white wine vinegar.
- Don’t overbake: Shrimp can turn rubbery if baked too long.
- Make it cheesy: Add a layer of ricotta or cream cheese for a creamier version.
- Add veggies: Sautéed spinach, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms mix in perfectly.
- Use cooked shrimp: Just skip the skillet step and toss them in with the pasta before baking.
🍴 Serving Suggestions
- Pair with garlic bread, Caesar salad, or roasted asparagus
- Serve with a glass of chilled white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc
- Great for a family dinner, potluck, or romantic night in
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