Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake: A Delicious Twist on Classic Italian Flavors

There’s something irresistible about the combination of succulent shrimp, garlic-infused butter, and tender pasta. When these elements come together in a bubbling, cheese-topped casserole, the result is nothing short of magical. Shrimp scampi pasta bake transforms the beloved stovetop classic into a hearty, shareable dish perfect for family dinners, entertaining guests, or meal prepping for busy weeknights. This comforting creation delivers all the signature flavors you love about traditional shrimp scampi with the added dimension of a golden, crispy topping that will have everyone asking for seconds.

The Evolution of a Classic Dish

Traditional shrimp scampi has its roots in Italian-American cuisine, where immigrant cooks adapted their cooking techniques to locally available ingredients. “Scampi” actually refers to langoustines or Dublin Bay prawns in Italian cooking, but in America, the term came to describe the preparation method – shrimp cooked in a garlicky, buttery white wine sauce.

By transforming this stovetop favorite into a baked pasta dish, home cooks have created a more substantial meal that stretches the typically expensive shrimp further while adding new textural elements. The genius of this evolution lies in how the pasta absorbs the scampi sauce while baking, intensifying the flavor throughout the entire dish.

Essential Ingredients for Success

To create this showstopping pasta bake, you’ll need these key ingredients:

For the Scampi Base:

• 1 pound large shrimp (21-25 count), peeled and deveined
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 cup dry white wine (such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• Zest of one lemon
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

For the Pasta and Assembly:

• 12 ounces pasta (linguine, fettuccine, or penne work well)
• 1 cup reserved pasta cooking water
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/3 cup Panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

What makes this combination so successful is the balance between rich, savory elements and bright, acidic notes. The wine and lemon cut through the buttery sauce, while the breadcrumb topping adds a satisfying textural contrast to the tender shrimp and pasta.

Creating Your Showstopping Bake

The preparation process unfolds in several straightforward stages:

1. Prep Work: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta.
2. Cook the Pasta: Add pasta to boiling water and cook until just shy of al dente (about 2 minutes less than package directions). The pasta will continue cooking in the oven. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain pasta and set aside.
3. Prepare the Shrimp Scampi: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter with olive oil. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking until fragrant but not browned, about 1 minute. Add shrimp and cook just until they begin to turn pink, about 2 minutes per side. Remove shrimp with a slotted spoon and set aside.
4. Create the Sauce: To the same skillet with garlic butter, add white wine and lemon juice. Bring to a simmer and let reduce slightly, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in lemon zest, heavy cream, and 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 2 minutes.
5. Combine Elements: Return the partially cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce and toss to coat evenly. If the mixture seems dry, add more reserved pasta water. Gently fold in the shrimp and half of the chopped parsley. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
6. Assemble the Bake: Transfer the pasta and shrimp mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle evenly with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
7. Create the Topping: In a small bowl, combine Panko breadcrumbs with melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture over the cheeses.
8. Bake to Perfection: Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the breadcrumbs are golden brown. For an extra-golden topping, broil for the final 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
9. Final Touch: Remove from oven, sprinkle with remaining fresh parsley, and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

The result is a beautifully balanced dish with tender shrimp, perfectly cooked pasta, and a golden, crunchy topping that adds wonderful textural contrast.

Variations to Suit Your Taste

The versatility of shrimp scampi pasta bake makes it ideal for customization:

Seafood Alternatives

For a luxurious spin, add 1/2 pound of bay scallops along with the shrimp. For a more economical version, use half shrimp and half chunks of firm white fish like cod or haddock.

Pasta Possibilities

While long pasta varieties like linguine are traditional for scampi, shorter shapes like penne, rotini, or shells can be easier to serve in a baked dish. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta can be substituted for dietary preferences.

Vegetable Additions

Enhance the nutritional profile by adding vegetables. Sautéed spinach, roasted cherry tomatoes, or steamed asparagus pieces blend beautifully with the scampi flavors. Add them when combining the pasta and sauce.

Dairy-Free Adaptation

Replace butter with additional olive oil and omit the heavy cream, using additional reserved pasta water and a tablespoon of cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce. Top with dairy-free cheese alternatives.

Perfect Pairings

Complete your meal with thoughtfully selected accompaniments:

Side Dishes

A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette provides a peppery contrast to the rich pasta bake. Alternatively, roasted asparagus or broccoli offers a green element that pairs beautifully with seafood.

Bread Options

Garlic bread or a crusty Italian loaf is ideal for sopping up the delicious sauce. For a lighter option, try whole grain bread brushed with olive oil and toasted.

Wine Selection

The dish pairs beautifully with the same dry white wine used in cooking—Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, or an unoaked Chardonnay. The citrus and mineral notes complement the buttery, garlicky flavors.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This dish adapts well to busy schedules:

Preparation Options

Assemble the entire dish up to the baking stage, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, allow the dish to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking, adding 5-10 minutes to the baking time.

Leftovers Management

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave with a splash of water or broth to refresh the sauce.

Freezing Guidelines

While seafood dishes are best enjoyed fresh, this pasta bake can be frozen after assembly but before baking. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw completely in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed.

Nutritional Insights

A standard serving of shrimp scampi pasta bake (approximately 1/8 of the recipe) provides a balance of macronutrients. Shrimp offers lean protein rich in selenium and vitamin B12, while the pasta provides energy-giving carbohydrates. The dish contains approximately 420-450 calories per serving, with the specific count varying based on portion size and exact ingredients used.

For a lighter version, consider using half-and-half instead of heavy cream, reducing the amount of cheese by 25%, and increasing the proportion of shrimp to pasta.

Why This Dish Deserves a Spot in Your Recipe Collection

Shrimp scampi pasta bake elevates a beloved classic into a crowd-pleasing, shareable dish that strikes the perfect balance between sophisticated flavors and comforting familiarity. It offers several distinct advantages:

• The make-ahead potential makes it ideal for entertaining
• The transformation of an ordinary pasta dish into something special with minimal additional effort
• The beautiful presentation when it emerges golden and bubbling from the oven
• The way it stretches expensive ingredients like shrimp to feed more people

Whether you’re planning a dinner party, looking for a special family meal, or simply wanting to elevate your weeknight dinner routine, this shrimp scampi pasta bake delivers restaurant-quality results with straightforward preparation. The combination of tender shrimp, perfectly cooked pasta, and that irresistible garlic-butter sauce—all topped with a golden cheesy crust—creates a memorable dining experience that will quickly become a requested favorite.

Master this recipe, and you’ll have a versatile, impressive dish that adapts to various occasions while always delivering on flavor, comfort, and satisfaction.