Golden, buttery shrimp tucked into a creamy, cheesy pasta bake—this Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is a dreamy dinner that blends elegance with comfort food charm. It has everything you want in a satisfying seafood dish: juicy shrimp, rich garlic-lemon flavor, and bubbling layers of mozzarella and Parmesan blanketing tender pasta shells. It’s the kind of meal you serve when you want to impress guests or simply treat yourself to something extra delicious on a weeknight.

What makes this dish truly shine is the scampi sauce itself—a lush, garlicky butter sauce kissed with fresh lemon and a touch of white wine, which soaks into every nook and cranny of the pasta. The shrimp roast to golden perfection on top, locking in flavor while adding a gorgeous presentation. From prep to table, this dish transforms basic ingredients into a crave-worthy bake that’s both easy to make and impossible to resist.

What Kind of Pasta Should I Use?

While you can use just about any pasta shape, tube-style pastas like rigatoni, penne, or ziti are ideal. Their hollow centers catch the sauce beautifully, giving each bite that perfect scampi flavor. Make sure the pasta is cooked just shy of al dente since it will continue to bake in the oven.

Ingredients for the Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

Shrimp – Choose large, raw shrimp (peeled and deveined). They cook up juicy and hold their shape beautifully when baked.

Butter – Essential for the rich scampi sauce base. Use unsalted to better control seasoning.

Garlic – Fresh minced garlic gives the sauce its bold, classic aroma.

Lemon Juice & Zest – Adds brightness to cut through the creamy cheese and butter.

White Wine – A splash of dry white wine deepens the flavor. You can substitute with chicken broth if needed.

Heavy Cream – Brings a luscious, velvety texture to the sauce.

Parmesan Cheese – Adds salty, nutty depth. Freshly grated is best.

Mozzarella Cheese – For that gooey, melty topping every pasta bake craves.

Parsley – Fresh chopped parsley finishes the dish with color and a hint of herbal freshness.

Pasta – Rigatoni or penne work best to hold the sauce and balance the shrimp.

Olive Oil, Salt, and Pepper – Pantry staples that season the shrimp and sauce perfectly.

How To Make the Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

Step 1: Sauté the Garlic and Shrimp

In a large skillet, melt butter and add a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Toss in the shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook for just 2–3 minutes per side until they start to turn pink. Remove shrimp and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Scampi Cream Sauce

To the same skillet, pour in the white wine, scraping up any bits from the pan. Let it reduce slightly, then stir in heavy cream, lemon juice, and zest. Simmer for a few minutes until thickened. Add Parmesan and stir until melted into the sauce.

Step 3: Combine with Pasta

Boil your pasta just shy of al dente. Drain and mix it into the sauce, coating each piece well. Transfer the pasta to a greased baking dish.

Step 4: Top with Shrimp and Cheese

Arrange the cooked shrimp on top of the pasta. Sprinkle a generous layer of mozzarella cheese over the dish. Optionally, add another light dusting of Parmesan.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Bubbly

Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and golden. Finish under the broiler for 2–3 minutes if you want a crispier top.

How to Serve and Store This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

Serve this dish hot from the oven with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a wedge of lemon on the side. It pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or garlic bread. For wine lovers, a chilled glass of Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc complements the creamy, garlicky notes beautifully.

Leftovers? They store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Reheat in the oven or microwave with a splash of cream or broth to keep it from drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just make sure to thaw them fully and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture in the dish.

What can I use instead of white wine?

Chicken broth or seafood stock works great as a substitute.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble everything in the baking dish and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.

Is this dish spicy?

Not at all, but if you like heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.

Can I use gluten-free pasta?

Yes, just be sure not to overcook it during boiling since it tends to be more delicate.

What cheeses melt best in this bake?

Mozzarella is perfect for gooey melt, and Parmesan adds depth. You can also mix in Gruyère or Fontina for more richness.

Want More Seafood Pasta Ideas?

If you love this Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake, here are a few more satisfying pasta dishes you might enjoy:

For more delicious inspiration, visit my Pinterest board where I share new recipes daily: Life with Nina on Pinterest.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can find it easily whenever the craving strikes.

I’d love to hear how your Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake turned out! Did you use a different pasta shape or toss in extra cheese? Let me know in the comments below. Your tips and tweaks help us all make dinnertime even more amazing.

Shrimp Scampi Pasta BakeShrimp Scampi Pasta BakeShrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

Author: Nina Johnson
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Dinner
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American/Italian

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Description

This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake combines the bold, buttery flavors of shrimp scampi with the cozy, cheesy comfort of baked pasta. Juicy shrimp are layered over pasta tossed in a creamy garlic-lemon scampi sauce and topped with melty mozzarella and parmesan. It’s elegant enough for guests and easy enough for a weeknight.