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Effortless Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

Featured in: Hearty Meals and Dinner Favorites

This shrimp scampi pasta bake takes the punchy flavors of garlicky, buttery shrimp mixed with lemon and just a touch of spice, then totally ups the cozy factor with a thick, creamy sauce and a heap of melty cheese. The pasta stays nicely firm and soaks up all the good stuff, while the shrimp don't get rubbery. You’ll get a sharp pop from Parmesan and plenty of cheese stretch from mozzarella up top, finished golden and bubbly. Whether you’re feeding the family or having friends over, it looks great, tastes awesome, and is really simple to throw together. It’s seafood but it feels like home.
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A woman in a kitchen smiling.
By Chloe Chloe
Updated on Tue, 13 May 2025 17:19:23 GMT
A bowl packed with cheesy pasta and shrimp. Pin it
A bowl packed with cheesy pasta and shrimp. | cookitdelish.com

Here’s a fresh spin on that Italian shrimp-and-pasta classic—think cozy casserole style. Silky pasta and juicy shrimp nestle in a buttery lemon-garlic sauce with a cheesy, melty top. Every forkful brings together creamy sauce, plump shrimp, and zesty lemon in a way that feels like a dinner party any night you want.

The first time I made this one was for friends who always ask for shrimp scampi or pasta. It was such a crowd-pleaser it’s basically mandatory at our get-togethers now. You really don’t need to be a kitchen pro to turn pantry favorites into something seriously tasty that feels like a treat.

Essential Ingredients

  • Shrimp: Go for large ones, about 16-20 per pound. Fresh is great, but frozen can totally work if thawed well.
  • Pasta: Fettuccine, spaghetti, or any other long noodles you like are fair game here.
  • Garlic: Don’t use garlic powder—real, fresh garlic is a must for flavor.
  • White wine: Dry types like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio are ideal.
  • Heavy cream: This keeps the sauce velvety and brings everything together.
  • Cheeses: Parmesan for the sauce, mozzarella for that dreamy browned top. Both bring it all together.

Simple Steps to Make It

Golden cheesy finish
Scatter mozzarella and parm generously over everything so the whole top gets bubbly and golden.
Everything bakes together
Slide the dish into a hot, 375-degree oven for 20–25 minutes, until you see golden cheese and the sauce is hot and bubbling at the sides.
Combine shrimp and pasta evenly
Give it all a good toss so the shrimp and pasta are mixed throughout and sauce coats every strand.
Mix in cream without rushing
Pour in the cream gently and cook it low and slow. Sauce too thick? Splash in a bit of pasta water. Too thin? Let it simmer longer before baking.
Let wine shine
When you add the wine, let it gently reduce to amp up the flavor before tossing in the cream.
Sizzle garlic for flavor
Saute garlic in the melted butter for around a minute. Add a pinch of chili flakes for a flavor boost.
Prep shrimp right
Make sure the shrimp are dry for a nice sear, not steam—just cook till they’re barely pink since they’ll get more heat in the oven.
Pasta basics
Cook the noodles so they’re just underdone—they’ll soften more in the oven. Save about half a cup of pasta water before draining—handy for the sauce.
A plate of shrimp and pasta. Pin it
A plate of shrimp and pasta. | cookitdelish.com

All About Garlic Flavor

Chopping garlic up tiny and giving it a quick sizzle in butter makes that signature, mouthwatering aroma. Want even punchier garlic? Toss in half at the start, then the rest before the wine goes in.

Choosing the Right Wine

You need wine for the right bite and to cut all the cream. Stick to dry whites, like Pinot Grigio. If you’re swapping in broth, squeeze in extra lemon for lift.

How to Nail a Creamy Sauce

Let the cream simmer along gently, don’t let it bubble like crazy or the sauce separates. If it gets too tight, add that pasta water you saved; too loose, let it simmer a little more before baking.

Make-Ahead Game Plan

Put everything together but wait to bake—stash in the fridge up to a day. Straight from the fridge, just tack on 10 more minutes to the baking time.

A plate of shrimp and pasta. Pin it
A plate of shrimp and pasta. | cookitdelish.com

This shrimp-baked pasta shows what’s so great about home cooking. It takes those crowd-pleasing flavors and makes them feel extra special and comforting. You get all the buttery, garlicky deliciousness, plus the baked pasta goodness that soaks up every bit of sauce. It’s one of those dishes that feels just right, whether you’re feeding friends or just want something extra cozy for dinner.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Is it okay to use shrimp from the freezer for this bake?
Totally! Just make sure the shrimp are thawed all the way and pretty dry before you start cooking. That keeps your sauce nice and thick without extra water.
→ I want this lighter. What swaps can I use?
Try half-and-half or regular milk plus a couple spoonfuls of flour, mixed first. The creaminess takes a small step down, but it’s still good! If you want it dairy-free, full-fat coconut milk works too.
→ Can I build this pasta bake the night before?
Absolutely. Get everything layered and ready, then cover and pop in the fridge. When it's go-time, let it hang out on the counter for about half an hour before finishing in the oven. You might want to give it an extra 5–10 minutes of bake time.
→ What sides go best with a cheesy seafood pasta bake?
Keep it fresh with a simple salad with vinaigrette, some roasted asparagus, green beans, or classic garlic bread to mop up all the sauce. A Caesar salad is always a winner, too.
→ Do I have to use the same pasta shape?
Nope! Use anything from linguine or spaghetti to penne, bow ties, or rigatoni. Just cook it a little less than usual so it still has some bite after baking.

Effortless Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

You get juicy shrimp and pasta mixed in a creamy lemon garlic sauce, then sprinkled with loads of cheese and oven baked till bubbly and golden for serious comfort food vibes.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
35 Minutes
Total Time
50 Minutes
By Chloe: Chloe

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Italian-American

Yield: 6 Servings (6 big servings)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

01 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
02 Salt and pepper as needed
03 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
04 12 ounces spaghetti or linguine
05 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes
06 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
07 2 tablespoons parsley, freshly chopped
08 1 cup shredded mozzarella
09 1 lemon, both zested and squeezed for juice
10 1 cup heavy whipping cream
11 1/2 cup white wine or chicken broth
12 1 pound shrimp, large and cleaned

Instructions

Step 01

Start by cranking up your oven to 375°F (190°C) to give it enough time to warm up. Meanwhile, organize your cooking space: pull out and measure everything you'll need. This way, you'll move through the steps smoothly without stopping to look for things.

Step 02

Fill a big pot with water, toss in lots of salt, and bring it to a good, rolling boil. Drop in the spaghetti or linguine and cook it al dente—that means not too soft, with just a little firmness when you bite. Times usually vary between 8-10 minutes. Drain it, but don't rinse; the starch will help hold onto the sauce.

Step 03

Melt the butter in a large pan over medium heat until it’s bubbly. Toss in the garlic and chili flakes, stirring constantly. In about a minute—when the garlic smells amazing and just starts to turn light brown—pull it off the heat to prevent overcooking.

Step 04

Put the cleaned shrimp into your buttery garlic mix, spreading them out evenly. Flip them after 1-2 minutes per side, just when they've turned pink and stopped looking translucent. They're not done just yet but will finish cooking later in the oven. Scoop them out onto a separate plate, keeping all the juices in the pan.

Step 05

Pour the wine (or broth) into the same pan, scraping the bottom with a wooden spoon to gather up all those tasty bits. Let it bubble for two minutes to cook off some of the alcohol. Next, add the cream, lemon zest, and juice. Stir it gently and let it simmer for a few minutes until it starts thickening a little.

Step 06

Drop the drained pasta back into the skillet with the sauce, giving it a thorough toss so every strand is coated. If your pan isn't big enough, you can use the pasta pot instead. Taste and sprinkle in salt and pepper as needed—but don't forget the cheese will also bring some saltiness.

Step 07

Transfer this saucy pasta into a large casserole dish and spread it out evenly. Place the cooked shrimp on top, spacing them across the dish so everyone gets a good portion. The pink shrimp against the creamy pasta looks as good as it tastes!

Step 08

Spread the Parmesan evenly across the surface, followed by the shredded mozzarella. With these two, you’ll get both sharp flavor and that gooey, stretchy cheese effect as it bakes.

Step 09

Slide your dish into the preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes. You'll know it's done when the cheese is melty, bubbly, and golden brown in spots. The edges of the pasta will crisp up slightly, giving a nice contrast to the creamy inside.

Step 10

Once out of the oven, sprinkle parsley over the dish before serving. The heat will release the fresh herb's fragrance, giving the dish a burst of brightness. Let everything settle for a couple of minutes before scooping it onto plates. Serve warm, with extra Parmesan on the side if anyone wants!

Notes

  1. This seafood pasta bake blends zesty lemon with velvety cream and two cheeses for a meal that's cozy yet elevated.
  2. Swap heavy cream with half-and-half if you want it a bit lighter—just know your sauce won't be as dense and rich.
  3. Fresh greens really pop in this dish. If you can't find parsley, freshly chopped basil or chives are great options.

Tools You'll Need

  • A big pot for boiling pasta
  • Strainer for draining
  • A large pan or skillet
  • Wooden spoon or something to stir with
  • Large casserole dish (9x13 inch is ideal)
  • A fine grater or zester

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Includes shellfish due to shrimp
  • Contains dairy products like butter, cream, and cheese
  • Made with wheat-based pasta so not gluten-free

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 475
  • Total Fat: 24 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 42 g
  • Protein: 28 g