Quick Tips Before You Start
Don’t overcook the shrimp — they’ll finish in the oven.
Use a wine you’d drink if you go that route — the flavor matters.
Short on time? Prep everything ahead and bake when ready.
Craving crunch? Toss some breadcrumbs on top before baking.
Make It Your Own
Swap proteins: Try scallops or shredded rotisserie chicken.
Go low-carb: Use zucchini noodles or cooked spaghetti squash.
Switch cheeses: Pecorino Romano or provolone add fun twists.
Add veggies: Spinach, cherry tomatoes, or peas mix in easily.
Make it spicy: Add extra red pepper or Cajun seasoning.
Storage & Leftovers
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven.
Freezer: Wrap tightly or place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat until warm.
What to Serve With It
This dish is a star on its own, but here are a few easy add-ons:
A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette
Garlic bread or warm focaccia
Steamed asparagus or roasted broccoli
Real Talk
This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is the kind of meal you make when you want something fancy without the extra effort. It feels restaurant-level but comes together with simple ingredients and a single skillet. Plus, it feeds a crowd — or just leaves you with the best leftovers ever.
One Last Tip
If you’re entertaining, assemble the dish earlier in the day and keep it chilled. Pop it in the oven when guests arrive and you’ve got a showstopper meal without breaking a sweat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes! Just make sure they’re fully thawed and patted dry before cooking. You don’t want extra water thinning out your sauce.
What kind of pasta works best for this?
Linguine or spaghetti are great because they soak up that buttery sauce, but feel free to use penne, fettuccine, or even shells. Just stick to something that holds sauce well.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Definitely. You can assemble the whole dish up to a day in advance, cover it, and refrigerate. When you’re ready, pop it in the oven and bake until hot and bubbly — you might need to add an extra 5–10 minutes to the bake time if it’s cold from the fridge.
I don’t cook with wine. What should I use instead?
Chicken broth is a great swap — it still adds flavor and works perfectly in the sauce. You can also add a little more lemon juice for brightness if you’d like.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely. Just use your favorite gluten-free pasta, and double-check your broth and cheese to be sure they’re GF-friendly too.
What if I don’t like shrimp?
No problem! This recipe is super flexible — try it with cooked chicken breast, scallops, or even tofu for a vegetarian spin.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes. Let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe dish. It’ll keep for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven or microwave until hot.
Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 6
Difficulty: Easy
Tools Needed: Large skillet, pot for boiling pasta, 9×13 baking dish, zester
Ingredients
12 oz linguine or spaghetti
1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
4 tbsp butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
¼ tsp red pepper flakes
½ cup white wine (or chicken broth)
Juice and zest of 1 lemon
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Sauté garlic: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for about 1 minute.
Add shrimp: Cook for 3–4 minutes until pink and opaque. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Deglaze: Add wine or broth to skillet and scrape up any brown bits. Simmer 2 minutes.
Add flavor: Stir in lemon juice, zest, and cream. Bring to a gentle simmer.
Toss pasta: Add cooked pasta and toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper.
Layer dish: Transfer pasta to a 9×13 dish, place shrimp on top.
Top with cheese: Sprinkle Parmesan and mozzarella evenly.
Bake: Place in oven for 15–20 minutes or until bubbly and golden.
Garnish: Remove from oven and top with parsley before serving.
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