Get ready to transform a classic Italian-American favorite into an unforgettable weeknight dinner. This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake takes everything you love about the original—juicy shrimp, a rich garlic butter sauce, and tender pasta—and elevates it into a bubbling, golden-brown casserole that’s pure comfort in a dish. It’s the kind of meal that feels restaurant-worthy but is surprisingly simple to pull together, making it perfect for both busy weeknights and special occasions.
Why This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is a Weeknight Winner
You’re going to fall in love with this recipe, and here’s why. First, it’s incredibly flavorful. We’re talking layers of savory garlic, bright lemon, rich butter, and a hint of white wine, all clinging to perfectly cooked pasta and plump shrimp. Second, the texture is divine. The creamy, saucy pasta base is topped with a crunchy, cheesy breadcrumb topping that gets beautifully golden in the oven. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that the whole family will request again and again.
The Key Ingredients for Perfect Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake
The magic of this dish lies in using simple, high-quality ingredients. Let’s break down what you’ll need to create this masterpiece.
Choosing Your Pasta
While classic shrimp scampi is often served with long pasta like linguine or angel hair, a baked dish calls for something that can hold up to the sauce. I recommend using a medium-sized pasta shape like penne, fusilli, or cavatappi. These shapes have plenty of nooks and crannies to trap the delicious garlic butter sauce.
Fresh vs. Frozen Shrimp
You can use either fresh or frozen shrimp for this recipe. If using frozen, make sure to thaw them completely first. For the best flavor and texture, I recommend using large or jumbo shrimp that have been peeled and deveined. Leaving the tails on is optional but can add a touch of elegance to the final presentation.
The Scampi Sauce Essentials
The sauce is the heart of this dish. You’ll need unsalted butter, a good quality olive oil, plenty of freshly minced garlic (don’t be shy!), a dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, fresh lemon juice, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a gentle warmth. A handful of fresh parsley stirred in at the end adds a burst of freshness.
How to Make Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake: A Step-by-Step Guide
This recipe is all about simple steps that build incredible flavor. We’ll cook the pasta, make the luscious scampi sauce, combine everything, and then bake it to perfection under a blanket of cheesy breadcrumbs.
- Prep Your Ingredients: Start by preheating your oven and greasing your baking dish. Cook your chosen pasta according to package directions until it’s just shy of al dente. Mince your garlic, juice your lemon, and chop your parsley.
- Create the Scampi Sauce: In a large skillet, melt the butter with olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking just until fragrant. Pour in the white wine and lemon juice, letting it simmer and reduce slightly.
- Cook the Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for just 2-3 minutes, until they are pink and opaque. You don’t want to overcook them as they will continue to cook in the oven.
- Combine and Bake: Gently stir the cooked pasta and fresh parsley into the skillet with the shrimp and sauce. Transfer the entire mixture to your prepared baking dish. In a small bowl, combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and a little melted butter, then sprinkle it evenly over the pasta. Bake until the sauce is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
Expert Tips for a Flawless Pasta Bake
Want to ensure your baked scampi is absolutely perfect? Follow these simple tips:
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook the pasta for about 1-2 minutes less than the package directs. It will absorb sauce and continue cooking in the oven, so this step prevents it from becoming mushy.
- Use Fresh Garlic and Lemon: The flavor difference is huge. Avoid the jarred minced garlic and bottled lemon juice for the best, brightest taste.
- Toast Your Breadcrumbs: For an extra layer of crunch and flavor, toast your breadcrumbs in a dry skillet for a few minutes before mixing them with the Parmesan and butter.
Delicious Variations to Try
While this recipe is fantastic as is, it’s also a great starting point for customization. For a touch of green, stir in a few handfuls of fresh spinach at the end. If you love rich, creamy sauces, check out how to make a homemade alfredo sauce which can inspire a creamier version. For a spicy kick, add a dash of Calabrian chili paste to the sauce. You can even add some sun-dried tomatoes for a pop of sweet and tangy flavor.
What to Serve with Your Pasta Bake
This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a few simple sides. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette is a perfect complement. For something heartier, serve it with a side of delicious garlic butter green beans or some crusty bread for soaking up every last bit of the incredible sauce.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
This pasta bake is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers are still delicious! Store any extra in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. You can add a splash of broth or water to help loosen the sauce if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, this dish is very versatile! You can stir in vegetables like fresh spinach or kale at the end with the parsley, or add steamed asparagus or broccoli florets when you combine the pasta with the sauce.
Yes, you can assemble the entire casserole without the breadcrumb topping up to one day in advance. Cover and refrigerate. When ready to cook, add the topping and bake as directed, adding 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
Absolutely! To make this gluten-free, simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta and substitute the panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed pork rinds for a crunchy topping.
The key is to cook the shrimp in the skillet for only 2-3 minutes, just until they turn pink. They will not be fully cooked through, but they will finish cooking in the oven. This two-stage cooking process ensures they remain tender and juicy.
If you prefer to omit the wine, you can substitute it with an equal amount of chicken broth, vegetable broth, or even clam juice. This will still provide a flavorful liquid base for the sauce.
The Ultimate Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe
Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake: The Ultimate Cheesy & Garlicky Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Cook pasta in a large pot of salted water according to package directions until al dente, about 1-2 minutes less than the suggested time. Drain and set aside.
- While the pasta cooks, melt 1/2 cup of butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Pour in the white wine and lemon juice, bring to a simmer, and cook for 2-3 minutes to allow the sauce to reduce slightly. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are pink and just cooked through. Season with salt and pepper.
- Remove the skillet from the heat. Add the drained pasta and chopped parsley to the skillet and toss well to combine everything.
- Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer.
- In a small bowl, mix together the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and 2 tbsp of melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the pasta. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the topping is golden brown and crispy.
- Let the pasta bake rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with additional fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
No Wine? If you prefer to cook without alcohol, you can substitute the white wine with an equal amount of chicken or vegetable broth.
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