If you have been searching for a comforting, flavorful dish that combines the richness of creamy sauce with succulent shrimp and perfectly cooked pasta, the Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe is your dream come true. This dish takes the classic flavors of shrimp scampi and transforms them into a cozy, cheesy bake that’s absolutely irresistible. Imagine tender shrimp swimming in a garlicky, buttery sauce, tossed with al dente pasta, then baked to bubbly perfection with a golden crust. Whether you’re cooking for family or looking to impress guests, this recipe is a shining star in any kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe plays an essential role, from creating that luscious sauce to adding texture and color. These simple pantry staples come together effortlessly to make a dish that tastes like it took hours but is surprisingly quick to prepare.
- 12 oz rigatoni or penne pasta: These tubular shapes hold onto sauce beautifully, ensuring each bite is flavorful.
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined: The star protein of the dish, bringing tender, juicy seafood flavor.
- 4 tbsp butter: Adds richness and helps build the sauce’s creamy base.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic infuses the dish with aromatic depth and classic scampi taste.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates a velvety texture that coats every piece of pasta and shrimp.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Balances the richness and enhances the overall savory flavor.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds sharpness and helps thicken the sauce perfectly.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings lovely earthiness and complexity.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings that brighten and balance flavors.
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional): For a subtle kick that livens up the dish.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into a gooey, dreamy topping that everyone loves.
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley: Adds freshness and a pop of color at the end.
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional): Gives a crunchy, golden crust that makes the bake irresistible.
How to Make Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe
Step 1: Boil the Pasta
Start by boiling the rigatoni or penne pasta in salted water until it reaches al dente—the perfect tenderness to absorb the delicious sauce without turning mushy. Once cooked, drain and set the pasta aside to await the flavorful components that make this dish unforgettable.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
Season your peeled and deveined shrimp with a pinch of salt, pepper, and if you like, some red pepper flakes. Sauté them in butter until pink and just cooked through. This method locks in their natural sweetness and keeps them tender so they don’t become rubbery during baking.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
Using the same skillet, gently sauté minced garlic in butter until fragrant—this step is where the aroma of your kitchen really starts to come alive. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, letting the mixture simmer and thicken slightly. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning, creating that irresistibly creamy, savory sauce that defines this Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe.
Step 4: Combine Pasta, Shrimp, and Sauce
Now, toss your cooked pasta and shrimp directly into the skillet with the sauce. This ensures every bite is richly coated with that garlicky, buttery goodness. The combination is already scrumptious at this stage but wait until you bake it—it gets even better.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Transfer the saucy pasta and shrimp mixture into an oven-safe baking dish. Top it generously with shredded mozzarella cheese and sprinkle panko breadcrumbs on top if you want a crispy, golden crust. Bake in a preheated oven until the cheese is bubbly and the breadcrumbs are toasted to perfection.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top to add a fresh, herbaceous lift and a splash of vibrant green. It’s that final flourish that makes your Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe as beautiful as it is delicious.
How to Serve Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is essential for a bright, fresh note, but you can also add a squeeze of lemon juice or some extra grated Parmesan on top before serving for that extra zing and richness.
Side Dishes
This hearty bake pairs wonderfully with simple sides like a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables. A crusty bread is also fantastic for mopping up every last bit of that luscious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, serve the Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe in individual ramekins and garnish each with a lemon wedge and an herb sprig. This makes the presentation charming and the portions just right for your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, store any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors meld more over time, making the next meal just as delicious.
Freezing
This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe freezes beautifully. Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the bake with foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. This keeps the shrimp tender and the topping crisp. Alternatively, microwave portions on medium power, stirring occasionally.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture in your sauce.
What pasta works best for Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe?
Penne or rigatoni are ideal because their ridges and hollow centers trap the sauce perfectly, but you can also use fusilli or farfalle if preferred.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, using dairy-free butter, cream alternatives like coconut cream, and vegan cheese can help adapt this dish while maintaining the creamy texture.
Can I add vegetables to this bake?
Definitely! Spinach, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus work wonderfully and add freshness and color to your pasta bake.
How spicy is this dish with red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes provide a gentle heat that enhances the flavors without overwhelming the dish, but you can always omit or adjust the amount to suit your heat preference.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so satisfyingly indulgent about a homemade Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe, where every bite delivers a perfect balance of creamy sauce, tender shrimp, and cheesy goodness. I can’t recommend this recipe enough for any night you want to bring a little luxury to the dinner table without spending hours in the kitchen. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite weeknight meal!
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Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake combines succulent sautéed shrimp with a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce, rigatoni pasta, and a golden breadcrumb topping baked to perfection. A rich and comforting casserole that is perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz rigatoni or penne pasta
Shrimp and Sauce
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Toppings
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional)
Instructions
- Boil Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni or penne pasta and cook until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté Shrimp: Season the shrimp with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the shrimp and sauté until they turn pink and are cooked through, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare Sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, then bring to a simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Cook the sauce for a few minutes until slightly thickened and well combined. Season the sauce with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine Pasta and Shrimp: Add the cooked pasta and shrimp back into the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently to coat everything evenly with the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce.
- Assemble and Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the pasta and shrimp mixture to an oven-safe baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top, followed by the panko breadcrumbs if using. Bake uncovered for about 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the breadcrumbs are golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley. Serve hot for a delicious and satisfying shrimp scampi pasta bake.
Notes
- Use fresh parsley for the best flavor and garnish presentation.
- Panko breadcrumbs add extra crunch but can be omitted for a softer topping.
- Adjust red pepper flakes based on your heat preference.
- To make it gluten-free, substitute gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs.
- This dish can be prepared ahead and baked just before serving to save time.
