🍤🧀 Easy Cheesy Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake
Tender shrimp, zesty garlic butter, bright lemon, and pasta come together in a cheesy, comforting bake that’s as simple as it is delicious. This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is the perfect balance of fancy and easy, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or impressing guests at your next gathering. With gooey cheese melted on top and a golden, crispy finish, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
🛒 Ingredients (Serves 6–8)
Main Ingredients:
1 lb pasta (cavatappi, cellentani, penne, or rotini)
1½ lbs large shrimp, peeled and deveined
3 tbsp olive oil
5 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for a little heat)
1 cup dry white wine (or chicken broth as a substitute)
1 tbsp lemon juice (fresh)
Zest of 1 lemon
1 cup heavy cream
1½ cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
👨🍳 How to Make Easy Cheesy Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake
🍴 Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
Drain the pasta and set it aside.
🍴 Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp
While the pasta is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
🍴 Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and minced garlic. Sauté the garlic over medium heat for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Pour in the white wine (or chicken broth) and let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce slightly.
Stir in the heavy cream, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Let the mixture simmer for another 3-4 minutes, thickening slightly.
Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
🍴 Step 4: Combine the Pasta, Shrimp, and Sauce
Add the cooked pasta and shrimp back into the skillet. Stir to coat the pasta and shrimp evenly with the creamy garlic butter sauce.
Stir in 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese, allowing them to melt into the sauce, making it extra creamy.
🍴 Step 5: Assemble the Pasta Bake
Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Sprinkle the top with the remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella and 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
🍴 Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once the pasta bake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
Garnish with fresh parsley and an extra drizzle of lemon juice if desired.
Serve hot with a side of garlic bread or a crisp salad!
💡 Tips & Tricks
Make it Spicy: Add more red pepper flakes if you want an extra kick of heat in the dish.
Substitute Shrimp: If you’re not a fan of shrimp, you can easily substitute it with chicken breast, or even use a mix of both for added protein.
Creamy Texture: If you prefer an even creamier texture, you can increase the amount of heavy cream or add a splash of milk.
Cheese Variations: Use fontina or Gruyère for a richer, more robust flavor, or even try a combination of cheeses to customize the taste.
Prep Ahead: You can assemble the pasta bake up to a day in advance and store it in the fridge. When ready to bake, just pop it in the oven!
🥄 Serving Suggestions
Garlic Bread: Serve this cheesy pasta bake with warm, buttered garlic bread to soak up all the creamy sauce.
Side Salad: A fresh, crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette pairs perfectly with this rich, comforting dish.
Steamed Vegetables: Add some steamed broccoli or asparagus on the side for a healthy, crunchy contrast to the creamy pasta.
🏁 Final Thoughts
This Easy Cheesy Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake brings the luxurious flavors of shrimp scampi to the simplicity and comfort of a baked pasta dish. Perfect for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or even when you’re craving something indulgent yet easy to make, this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit. Creamy, cheesy, and bursting with flavors, this bake is bound to become a family favorite! 🍤🧀