Transfer the pasta to a large baking dish, spreading it evenly Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that perfectly blends creamy, garlicky goodness with tender shrimp and pasta, this Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is the answer. It’s a fantastic twist on the traditional shrimp scampi, bringing the comfort of a cheesy pasta bake and the bright flavors of lemon and garlic all in one. The magic truly begins when you transfer the pasta to a large baking dish, spreading it evenly so every bite is perfectly coated and topped with bubbly, golden cheese. Whether you want a cozy dinner or an impressive meal for guests, this recipe will become your go-to favorite with its simple yet irresistible layers of flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are straightforward but incredibly important, each bringing its own charm to the dish—fresh shrimp for juiciness, butter and garlic for depth, a splash of white wine or broth for brightness, and cheeses that melt to golden perfection.

• 12 oz linguine or spaghetti: The perfect pasta to soak up all that creamy sauce without losing its bite.
• 1 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined: Fresh or thawed shrimp provide tender, sweet seafood flavor essential to the dish.
• 4 tablespoons butter: Adds richness and helps create a fragrant base for sautéing garlic.
• 4 cloves garlic minced: Garlic infuses the entire dish with that classic scampi flavor.
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes: Just enough heat to wake up your taste buds without overpowering.
• 1/2 cup white wine or chicken broth: Adds acidity and depth, balancing the creaminess.
• 1 lemon juiced and zested: Brings fresh citrus brightness that cuts through the richness.
• 1 cup heavy cream: Creates a luxuriously smooth sauce with a wonderful mouthfeel.
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Offers a salty, nutty note that complements the shrimp perfectly.
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully for a gooey, golden topping.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to bring out all the flavors.
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: Adds a pop of color and a fresh herbal finish.

How to Make Transfer the pasta to a large baking dish, spreading it evenly

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), so it’s ready to go once your pasta and shrimp are combined. Cook the linguine or spaghetti until al dente, which means it’s tender but still has a firm bite—perfect for baking later. Drain the pasta well because you don’t want any unwanted sogginess in your final dish.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Shrimp

Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat, then add minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté these just until they start to smell incredible—about one minute. This is the flavor foundation of the entire dish! Toss in the shrimp and cook until they turn pink and opaque, usually 3 to 4 minutes, then set them aside to keep from overcooking.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Next, pour in your choice of white wine or chicken broth, scraping up those tasty brown bits at the pan’s bottom. Let this simmer for two minutes to reduce slightly. Then stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and heavy cream. Allow it to come to a gentle simmer, thickening just enough to coat your pasta beautifully.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add your cooked pasta to the sauce in the skillet, tossing to ensure every strand is glossy and covered with luscious creaminess. This is where you want to season with salt and pepper carefully—taste as you go to get it just right.

Step 5: Transfer the pasta to a large baking dish, spreading it evenly and Assemble

Here’s a crucial step: Transfer the pasta to a large baking dish, spreading it evenly. This ensures even baking and lets the sauce cling to every noodle. Arrange the cooked shrimp on top for a visually inviting presentation.

Step 6: Cheese it Up and Bake

Sprinkle the grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella generously over the pasta and shrimp. Then pop your dish into the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and turning a delicious golden color.

How to Serve Transfer the pasta to a large baking dish, spreading it evenly

Garnishes

Once out of the oven, sprinkle the dish with chopped fresh parsley for a vibrant touch and a hint of fresh flavor. Adding a few lemon wedges on the side is also lovely for those who want an extra citrus zing at the table.

Side Dishes

This pasta bake pairs wonderfully with something crisp and light, like a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette. Garlic bread or a warm baguette is another excellent choice to sop up every bit of the creamy sauce, making sure not a morsel goes to waste.

Creative Ways to Present

For casual dinners, serve it straight from the baking dish for that cozy, family-style feel. For a more elegant meal, plate individual portions topped with an extra sprinkle of parsley and a drizzle of good olive oil. Mini ramekins can also make charming individual servings if you’re entertaining.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Allow the pasta bake to cool before transferring leftovers to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, it will stay fresh for up to 3 days and maintain most of that baked flavor and creamy texture.

Freezing

You can freeze this dish, but to keep the best texture, it’s ideal to freeze before baking. After assembling with the pasta, shrimp, and sauce, but before adding the cheese topping, cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating

When reheating, transfer the pasta to a large baking dish, spreading it evenly again if needed, cover with foil, and warm at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Remove the foil in the last 5 minutes to revive that lovely cheese crust.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure the shrimp are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture in your dish.

What if I don’t have white wine? Can I skip it?

You can substitute white wine with chicken broth or even vegetable broth. It adds flavor without the alcohol and keeps the sauce bright and delicious.

Is it okay to use a different type of pasta?

Sure thing! Linguine and spaghetti work best for this recipe, but penne or rigatoni can also hold up nicely to the creamy sauce and cheese.

How spicy is this dish with red pepper flakes?

The red pepper flakes add a gentle warmth, not overpowering heat. You can always adjust the amount to suit your taste.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version, replace shrimp with sautéed mushrooms or artichoke hearts for a similar texture and savoriness.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake enough—once you transfer the pasta to a large baking dish, spreading it evenly, everything comes together so beautifully in the oven. It’s creamy, comforting, and bursting with flavor in every bite. Give this recipe a go, and you just might find your new favorite weeknight dinner or party dish. Enjoy every cheesy, garlicky mouthful!