If you’re craving a dish that perfectly balances buttery richness, garlicky brightness, and succulent shrimp with comforting pasta, then this Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe is destined to become your new favorite. Imagine tender shrimp cooked in a fragrant garlic butter sauce, tossed with al dente pasta, then baked with a golden parmesan crust that’s simply irresistible. It’s a wonderful twist on classic scampi that transforms it into a cozy, crowd-pleasing casserole ready in just about 35 minutes. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this recipe hits all the right notes of flavor and comfort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe lies in its simple, fresh ingredients that come together beautifully. Each component plays an essential role, from the juicy shrimp bringing the star protein, to the garlic and lemon giving the perfect zing, and parmesan adding that irresistible golden finish.
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined: The tender shrimp is the flavorful heart of the dish, offering a sweet, delicate seafood taste.
- 12 oz short pasta (penne, rotini, or ziti): Perfect for holding onto the buttery scampi sauce, these pasta shapes catch every delicious bite.
- 4 tbsp butter: Essential for creating that rich, silky garlic butter base that makes this dish so satisfying.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: The aromatic powerhouse that infuses every mouthful with savory warmth and depth.
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice: Adds a fresh, zesty brightness that cuts through the richness perfectly.
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese: Melts into a golden crust that enhances both texture and flavor.
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped: Adds a pop of color and a subtle herbal hint to finish the dish.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Simple seasoning to balance all the flavors beautifully.
How to Make Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Pasta
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. While the oven warms, cook your pasta according to the package directions until it’s al dente, drain it well, and set it aside to wait for the sauce.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic and Shrimp
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter until it starts to bubble gently. Add the minced garlic and sauté it until you smell that irresistible golden aroma—about 1 to 2 minutes. Then, toss in the shrimp, cooking them just until they turn pink and are perfectly tender, roughly 3 to 4 minutes. This step builds the luscious base flavor that will coat every bite.
Step 3: Add Brightness and Seasoning
Next, stir in the fresh lemon juice to brighten the rich butter and garlic, and season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. This simple step balances the dish so it’s both indulgent and refreshing.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Shrimp Mixture
Return the drained pasta to the skillet and toss it gently to coat every piece in that flavorful buttery shrimp sauce. This ensures the noodles are fully infused before baking.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Transfer the shrimp and pasta mixture into your prepared baking dish. Generously sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese over the top to create a glorious golden crust. Pop it into the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and beautifully browned.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, sprinkle the freshly chopped parsley over the top for a vibrant finish that adds both color and a subtle fresh flavor, making your creation as stunning as it is delicious.
How to Serve Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe
Garnishes
A light sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley is classic and essential, adding a fresh, herbaceous note and a burst of green color. If you want to get fancy, a few lemon wedges on the side invite diners to add a little extra zing.
Side Dishes
Keep the sides simple to complement without overpowering. A crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette or some roasted asparagus are excellent choices. They bring freshness and a bit of crunch, rounding out the meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For an inviting presentation, serve the pasta bake straight from the dish to preserve the cheesy crust, but consider portioning the servings on wide, shallow bowls. This way, each plate maintains some of that delicious crusty top alongside nestling the pasta. For special occasions, you can even try individual mini casseroles for a charming personal touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, making for an easy next-day meal that still tastes amazing.
Freezing
You can freeze the entire dish before baking. After assembling the pasta and shrimp mixture in the baking dish and topping with parmesan, cover it tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, bake it straight from the freezer, adding a little extra time to ensure it heats through completely.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to preserve the texture and flavor. Alternatively, microwave individual portions but watch closely to avoid overcooking the shrimp, which can become tough.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp fully and pat them dry before cooking. This helps prevent excess water from diluting the sauce and ensures the shrimp cook evenly.
What type of pasta is best for the Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe?
Short, sturdy pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or ziti work best because they hold onto the butter garlic sauce perfectly and bake nicely without becoming mushy.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can swap out butter for a dairy-free alternative and use nutritional yeast or a dairy-free cheese substitute instead of parmesan. It’ll change the flavor slightly but still deliver great results.
Can I add vegetables to the bake?
Definitely! Adding spinach, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus spears can enhance flavor, color, and nutrition. Just sauté or blanch the veggies first to ensure they’re tender when baked.
How spicy is this Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe?
This recipe is mild and buttery with a bright lemon note. If you like a bit of heat, you can easily add red pepper flakes during the garlic sautéing step for a subtle kick.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so comforting and rewarding about making the Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe that it quickly becomes a trusted go-to for any occasion. With simple, fresh ingredients and a straightforward process, it’s perfect for sharing great food and good vibes. Give it a try—you might just find your new all-time favorite pasta bake that never fails to impress!
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Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake combines tender shrimp sautéed in buttery garlic and lemon sauce with perfectly cooked short pasta, all baked together with a golden parmesan topping. A comforting and flavorful dish ready in just 35 minutes, perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Sauce
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Pasta and Topping
- 12 oz short pasta (such as penne, rotini, or ziti)
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prepare it for baking the pasta later.
- Cook Pasta: Boil the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain thoroughly and set aside to prevent overcooking.
- Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and add the minced garlic, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and golden but not browned.
- Cook Shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally until the shrimp turn pink and are cooked through.
- Add Lemon and Seasoning: Stir in the fresh lemon juice and season with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors of the shrimp and garlic butter sauce.
- Toss Pasta with Shrimp Mixture: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss well to coat the pasta evenly with the buttery shrimp and garlic sauce.
- Assemble Bake: Transfer the pasta and shrimp mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle grated parmesan cheese over the top for a cheesy crust.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, golden, and the dish is bubbling around the edges.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the pasta bake from the oven and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley before serving to add freshness and color.
Notes
- You can substitute the short pasta with any other preferred shapes like rigatoni or fusilli.
- For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic.
- Make sure not to overcook the shrimp in the skillet—the shrimp will continue cooking slightly in the oven.
- Use freshly grated parmesan for the best flavor and melting quality.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
