Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

Introduction

Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is a luxurious twist on classic shrimp scampi, transforming a beloved weeknight staple into a golden, bubbling casserole perfect for sharing. The savory garlic-butter sauce and plump shrimp meld seamlessly with al dente pasta, all topped with a crisp layer of Parmesan and breadcrumbs. This crowd-pleasing dish brings restaurant flavors right to your dinner table, with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Why This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Is Irresistible

What sets this pasta bake apart is its enticing mix of creamy, tangy, and garlicky notes. The bake’s top layer offers both crunch and comfort, while the tender noodles below soak up every bit of shrimp-infused sauce. With the convenience of being assembled ahead and baked when ready, it’s a winner for organized chaos—busy weeknights, dinner parties, or meal prep.

How to Get Succulent Shrimp and Flavorful Sauce

Start by using raw shrimp—fresh or thawed—for optimal sweetness and texture. Sautéing the shrimp in a good nonstick frying pan skillet ensures even cooking and speeds up the process. Letting the aromatics (garlic, shallots, and a pinch of chili flakes) bloom before adding the shrimp builds layers of flavor.

Deglaze the pan with white wine or broth, scraping up any delicious bits, then add a squeeze of lemon for brightness. Remember, the goal is to lightly cook the shrimp—overcooked shrimp can become rubbery.

Building and Baking the Pasta Bake

Toss your cooked pasta with the shrimp and sauce, then mix in a generous shower of grated Parmesan and chopped parsley. Transfer everything to a casserole dish lined with parchment paper roll to prevent sticking and make cleanup effortless.

Mix melted butter with breadcrumbs and a touch more Parmesan before sprinkling over the top for that craveable crisp finish. The final bake unifies the flavors, crisps the topping, and makes for an irresistible, bubbling casserole.

Serving and Storing for Peak Enjoyment

Let your Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake rest for a few minutes after removing from the oven—this allows everything to set and makes slicing easier. For orderly serving and leftovers, a set of Rubbermaid food storage containers will keep portions fresh for several days.

A fresh, crunchy salad with a vinaigrette pairs beautifully with the rich, savory pasta. Toss your greens and veggies in a dependable Bentgo salad container for an easy, balanced meal.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe makes about 6 generous servings, each containing approximately 425–475 calories, depending on the amount of cheese and butter used. It’s a complete, decadent dinner that satisfies with protein, carbs, and healthy fats.

Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake (Recap)

Combining the garlicky, lemony goodness of shrimp scampi with the cozy comfort of a baked pasta, this dish is guaranteed to win over any table. It offers sophistication without fuss—ideal for impressive yet approachable home cooking.

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Cook pasta in salted water to just shy of al dente; drain and set aside.
2. In a nonstick frying pan skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter with olive oil over medium heat. Add shallot and sauté 2 minutes. Stir in garlic and chili flakes and cook another minute, until fragrant.
3. Add shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook 1–2 minutes per side, just until turning pink. Remove shrimp and set aside.
4. Pour wine (or broth) into the skillet, scraping up browned bits. Let simmer 2 minutes. Stir in lemon juice and zest.
5. Toss drained pasta in the skillet with sauce, shrimp, half the Parmesan, and half the parsley. Add remaining butter and stir to combine.
6. Pour pasta mixture into a baking dish lined with parchment paper roll. In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs with a drizzle of olive oil and the rest of the Parmesan. Sprinkle evenly over top.
7. Bake for 15–20 minutes until golden brown and bubbling. Cool slightly before serving. Garnish with remaining parsley and chives if desired.
8. Store leftovers in Rubbermaid food storage containers for up to 3 days in the fridge.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Enjoy satisfying, organized chaos with every cheesy, garlicky forkful of this Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake!