If you’re craving a dish that combines the vibrant flavors of garlicky shrimp with creamy, cheesy pasta comfort, then this Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe is about to become your new go-to. It’s a sensational blend of tender linguine, succulent shrimp, and a luscious lemon-infused sauce, all baked until bubbly and golden. Every bite bursts with brightness from fresh lemon and a gentle kick from red pepper flakes, making it a dinner that feels special but comes together with surprisingly simple ingredients. Trust me, once you try this Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe, it’ll quickly earn a favorite spot at your table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl filled with raw, peeled shrimp sits on a wooden cutting board. To the left and slightly in front of the shrimp are three small clear glass bowls: one with chopped green herbs, one with minced garlic, and one with a light yellow creamy sauce. To the right on the board are two sticks of wrapped yellow butter. The board is placed on a white marbled surface with a light gray cloth featuring white flower designs behind it. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe calls for straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that work together perfectly to create an unforgettable dish. Each element plays a key role, whether adding creaminess, spice, or fresh brightness, resulting in a well-balanced, delicious bake.

12 oz linguine or spaghetti: Choose your favorite long pasta to soak up all the flavorful sauce.
1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined): The star protein that brings a tender, ocean-fresh taste to every bite.
4 tablespoons butter: Adds richness and helps to sauté garlic and shrimp beautifully.
4 cloves garlic (minced): Injects that classic aromatic punch essential to any scampi dish.
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes: Just enough heat to awaken your palate without overpowering.
1/2 cup white wine or chicken broth: Builds a flavorful base and deglazes the pan for depth.
1 lemon (juiced and zested): Brings a fresh, zesty brightness that brightens up the whole bake.
1 cup heavy cream: Creates the decadently smooth, luscious sauce that coats the pasta.
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: For a salty, nutty flavor that melts perfectly into the sauce.
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Provides that gooey, melty topping everyone loves.
Salt and pepper (to taste): Balances and enhances all the flavors.
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: Adds a pop of fresh green and herbaceous brightness at the end.

How to Make Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Cook Pasta

Begin by setting your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready when you assemble the bake. Cook your linguine or spaghetti to al dente following the package directions to ensure it still has a pleasant bite. Drain and set aside—perfectly cooked pasta is essential for that wonderful texture in the final dish.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter until it’s bubbling. Add your minced garlic and red pepper flakes, then sauté them just for about a minute. This step wakes up their flavors and fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma—an early indication of the deliciousness to come.

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp

Next, add the shrimp to the skillet. Cook them for 3 to 4 minutes until they turn pink and opaque—this means they’re perfectly cooked, juicy, and flavorful. Once done, transfer the shrimp to a plate and set aside for later to keep them tender.

Step 4: Prepare the Sauce Base

Pour in the white wine or chicken broth to the same skillet, scraping up any little browned bits stuck to the pan; this adds incredible flavor. Let it simmer gently for about 2 minutes to reduce slightly and concentrate the taste.

Step 5: Build the Creamy Lemon Sauce

Now stir in the fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer—it should start to thicken slightly while the lemon works its magic to brighten the rich sauce. This blend of creamy and citrus is the heart of the Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe.

Step 6: Toss Pasta in the Sauce

Add your cooked pasta right into the skillet and toss everything together thoroughly. This ensures each strand gets luxuriously coated with the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to your taste, balancing the zing and richness perfectly.

Step 7: Assemble and Bake

Transfer the sauced pasta into a large baking dish, spreading it evenly like a warm, comforting blanket. Arrange the pink shrimp artfully over the top, then sprinkle the grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella cheeses generously across the surface. Pop the dish into your preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes until the cheese is gloriously melted, bubbly, and just starting to brown.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Once baked to perfection, remove your Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe from the oven. Scatter fresh chopped parsley over the top for a vibrant, herbal touch. Serve it up while it’s hot so every bite delivers that perfect blend of creamy, cheesy, garlicky goodness with tender shrimp.

How to Serve Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe

A white oval dish filled with a single layer of pinkish-orange cooked shrimp that have a slight shine from a light butter sauce. The shrimp are sprinkled with small pieces of chopped green herbs scattered unevenly across them. The sauce pools slightly around the shrimp at the bottom of the dish, giving a smooth, moist look. The dish is set on a white marbled surface with a hint of green parsley visible at the edges and a blurred bowl of grated cheese in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh parsley is classic, but you can also add a sprinkle of extra lemon zest or even some chopped basil for an elevated garden-fresh feel. A drizzle of good quality olive oil just before serving adds a silky sheen and richness that boosts the flavors brilliantly.

Side Dishes

This bake is quite rich and filling, so pairing it with a crisp, refreshing side like a simple green salad with vinaigrette or steamed asparagus brings lovely balance. Garlic bread or crusty French bread are also wonderful for mopping up that delicious sauce left on your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For entertaining or a special occasion, serve the Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe in individual ramekins topped with a little extra cheese and parsley for a charming personal touch. Alternatively, arrange it on a large platter garnished with lemon wedges for a dramatic, family-style presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your meal, let any leftovers cool to room temperature then transfer them to an airtight container. Stored properly in the fridge, your Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe will remain delicious for up to 3 days, offering a quick and satisfying meal for busy nights.

Freezing

If you want to save some for longer, this dish freezes beautifully. Place cooled portions into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It keeps well frozen for up to 2 months. Be sure to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

To bring leftovers back to life, reheat gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15 minutes, to revive the cheesy topping nicely. Alternatively, microwave on medium power in shorter bursts, stirring occasionally to prevent overcooking the shrimp and pasta.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture, which could dilute the sauce.

Is there a substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or whole milk mixed with a little flour or cornstarch to thicken, but the sauce won’t be quite as rich and creamy as with heavy cream.

What if I don’t have white wine?

Chicken broth is a perfect substitute and keeps the sauce flavorful and moist without alcohol. Either option works wonderfully in this Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Use your favorite gluten-free pasta instead of regular linguine or spaghetti. Just be sure to cook it according to the package instructions so it holds up well in the bake.

How spicy is this dish?

It has a gentle kick thanks to the red pepper flakes, but it’s easily adjustable. Reduce or omit them if you prefer a milder flavor, or add a pinch more for extra heat.

Final Thoughts

This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that wonderfully combines comforting baked pasta with the bright, fresh flavors of classic scampi. It’s an ideal weeknight dinner or a special meal to share with friends and family. I’m confident once you make it, this dish will find a cherished place in your recipe collection. Go ahead, treat yourself to this creamy, zesty, and cheesy delight—you deserve it!