Easy Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe

Table of Contents

• Why This Dinner is a Game-Changer
• The Secret to Effortless Weeknight Meals
• From Stove to Oven Perfection
• A Dish That Impresses With Ease
• Practical Tips for Your Best Bake
• Making It Your Own: Delicious Variations
• Notes & Tips

Key Takeaways

This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is your new go-to for a stress-free, impressive dinner. It transforms the classic flavors of a restaurant-quality shrimp scampi into a comforting, all-in-one casserole. With a creamy, cheesy sauce and a golden, bubbly top, it’s a crowd-pleaser that comes together in under an hour. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or hosting a casual dinner party, this recipe delivers big flavor with minimal fuss, making those easy recipes for dinner nights something to truly look forward to.

Why This Dinner is a Game-Changer

Hey everyone, it’s Patricia from Patricia Universe! Let’s talk about the eternal weeknight question: “What’s for dinner?” We all crave something delicious and satisfying that doesn’t keep us chained to the stove all evening. That’s where this Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake comes in. It’s the ultimate solution for creating memorable easy recipes for dinner. Imagine all the garlicky, lemony, buttery goodness of a classic shrimp scampi, but baked into a warm, cheesy, family-style casserole. It’s the kind of meal that feels special but is deceptively simple to make.

The Secret to Effortless Weeknight Meals

The beauty of a baked pasta dish is in its forgiving nature and hands-off cooking time. After a quick sauté on the stovetop to cook the shrimp and build that flavorful scampi base, the oven does the rest of the work. This method is a cornerstone of simple dinner solutions that deliver maximum flavor. You get a precious 15-20 minutes to set the table, pour drinks, or simply relax while your kitchen fills with the most incredible aroma. It’s a practical approach that turns dinner prep from a chore into a manageable, even enjoyable, process.

From Stove to Oven Perfection

What sets this bake apart is the textural journey. The initial stovetop step ensures the shrimp are perfectly tender and infused with garlic and wine. Then, the oven transforms the dish, creating that irresistible golden-brown cheese crust we all love while allowing the pasta to soak up every drop of the creamy sauce. This two-step process is the key to a quick family meal that doesn’t sacrifice depth or quality. The result is a harmonious blend where every bite offers a little bit of crisp topping, creamy sauce, and succulent shrimp.

A Dish That Impresses With Ease

Don’t let its simplicity fool you—this dish has serious “wow” factor. Serving a bubbling, cheesy pasta bake straight from the oven is always a hit. It’s perfect for a casual Friday night with the family, a potluck where you want to bring the star dish, or even a low-key dinner party. It proves that you don’t need complicated techniques or exotic ingredients to create a meal that feels indulgent and special. It’s the epitome of a delicious dinner idea that works for any occasion.

Practical Tips for Your Best Bake

A great easy weeknight dinner is reliable, and a few simple tips ensure this one turns out perfectly every time. Be sure to cook your pasta just to al dente, as it will continue to soften in the sauce while baking. That reserved pasta water is liquid gold—its starch helps bind the creamy sauce to the pasta. For the shrimp, patting them thoroughly dry before sautéing is crucial for getting a nice sear instead of steaming them. And finally, don’t skip the fresh parsley garnish! That pop of color and fresh herbal note brightens the entire rich dish.

Making It Your Own: Delicious Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is how adaptable it is. For a lighter version, swap the heavy cream for half-and-half. Want to add some greens? Toss in a cup of fresh spinach or steamed broccoli florets with the pasta. If you’re a fan of heat, a generous pinch of red pepper flakes added with the garlic will do the trick. You can even use a different pasta shape like campanelle or cavatappi, which are fantastic at holding sauce. This flexibility makes it a foundational recipe you can tweak to become your family’s signature simple dinner idea.

Notes & Tips

• Shrimp: Frozen shrimp work great here. Just thaw them overnight in the fridge or under cold running water, and be sure to pat them very dry before cooking.
• Wine Substitute: If you prefer not to cook with wine, you can use an equal amount of low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth with an extra tablespoon of lemon juice.
• Make-Ahead: You can assemble the dish up to the point of baking, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if cooking straight from the fridge.
• Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or in a covered dish in the oven with a splash of milk or cream to refresh the sauce.

Easy Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe

Creamy shrimp scampi pasta bake is the ultimate easy dinner recipe. This family-friendly meal combines tender shrimp, garlic, lemon, and a rich, cheesy sauce for a comforting and flavorful dish that’s ready in under an hour.

Prep Time20 minutes mins

Cook Time25 minutes mins

Total Time45 minutes mins

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Italian-American

Keywords: comfort food, creamy shrimp pasta, easy dinner recipe, family-friendly meal, pasta bake, shrimp scampi pasta

Servings: 6 servings

Author: Patricia

Ingredients

For the Pasta

• 1 pound (16 oz) linguine or fettuccine pasta
• Salt for pasta water

For the Shrimp Scampi

• 1 ½ pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup dry white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc)
• Juice of 1 large lemon (about ¼ cup)
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Creamy Sauce

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup reserved pasta water
• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

Prep and Cook Pasta

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining. Set aside.

Make Shrimp Scampi

1. Pat shrimp dry and season lightly with salt and pepper.
2. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt butter over medium-high heat.
3. Add minced garlic and cook for 30-60 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
5. To the same skillet, add white wine and lemon juice. Scrape up any browned bits. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly reduced. Stir in red pepper flakes (if using).

Assemble the Bake

1. Reduce heat to medium-low. Pour heavy cream into the skillet and stir to combine.
2. Add ¾ cup of Parmesan cheese and the mozzarella, stirring until melted and smooth.
3. Add the drained pasta and cooked shrimp to the sauce, tossing gently to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add the reserved pasta water a little at a time until creamy.
4. Fold in half of the chopped parsley.
5. Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of Parmesan cheese on top.

Bake and Serve

1. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
2. Garnish with remaining fresh parsley. Serve hot directly from the baking dish.

Notes

For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream. You can use frozen shrimp—just thaw and pat dry before cooking. Add 1 cup of broccoli florets to the pasta water during the last 2 minutes of cooking for extra veggies.