Creamy Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe

Oh boy, do I have a treat for you today! Picture this: it's a busy weeknight, and you're craving something indulgent but don't want to spend hours in the kitchen. Enter my Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake-creamy, garlicky, and topped with the cheesiest golden crust you've ever seen. The first time I made this, my family practically licked their plates clean, and now it's our go-to when we need a little comfort food magic.

What's not to love? Juicy shrimp, al dente pasta, and a rich, lemony sauce all come together in under 40 minutes. Seriously, it's faster than waiting for takeout! The best part? That bubbly mozzarella-Parmesan topping that gets perfectly crispy in the oven. Whether it's a cozy dinner for two or a last-minute potluck dish, this Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake never disappoints. Trust me, once you try it, you'll wonder how you ever lived without it.

Why You'll Love This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

Listen, I don't blame you if you're already drooling-this dish is seriously that good. Here's why it's about to become your new obsession:

• Creamy, garlicky perfection: That sauce? Oh, it's dreamy. Butter, garlic, and lemon juice simmered into heavy cream-it's like a hug for your taste buds.
• Cheese pull for days: That golden, bubbly mozzarella-Parmesan topping? Yeah, it's as Instagram-worthy as it is delicious.
• Weeknight superhero: Ready in 40 minutes flat, and most of that time is hands-off while it bakes. (Translation: more time for wine.)
• Leftover magic: Tastes even better the next day-if it lasts that long.
• Total crowd-pleaser: Fancy enough for date night, easy enough for Tuesday. Win-win.

Honestly, the hardest part is waiting for it to come out of the oven. But hey, that's what garlic bread is for, right?

Ingredients You'll Need for Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

Okay, let's raid the pantry-this is everything you'll need to make magic happen. Don't stress if you're missing something; I've got notes for swaps!

For the Pasta and Shrimp

• 1 pound medium shrimp - Peeled and deveined (fresh or thawed frozen works-just pat 'em dry so they sear nicely).
• 8 ounces pasta - Penne, ziti, or rigatoni are my go-tos-anything that holds sauce like a champ.

For the Sauce

• 4 cloves garlic - Minced (or hey, cheat with 2 teaspoon pre-minced-no judgment).
• 4 tablespoons butter - Because everything's better with butter. Use olive oil for dairy-free.
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice - Freshly squeezed, please! Bottled just doesn't hit the same.
• 1 cup heavy cream - Swap coconut cream if you're going dairy-free-still crazy delicious.
• 1 cup chicken broth - Vegetable broth works too if you're keeping it veg-friendly.

For the Topping

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella - The meltier, the better.
• ½ cup grated Parmesan - The salty, nutty kick that takes it over the top.
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes - Adjust to your spice tolerance (or skip if heat's not your thing).

See? Nothing too wild-just good, simple stuff that comes together like a dream. Now, let's get cooking!

Step-by-Step Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Instructions

Alright, let's do this! Don't let the fancy name fool you-this is *so* easy. Just follow these steps, and you'll have a showstopper on your table in no time.

Prep the Pasta and Shrimp

1. Boil the pasta: Cook your pasta in salted water until it's al dente (about 1 minute less than the package says). Drain it, but don't rinse-that starchy goodness helps the sauce cling later.
2. Dry those shrimp: Pat them dry with paper towels (this is KEY for getting a nice sear instead of a sad steam). Season lightly with salt and pepper.

Make the Creamy Scampi Sauce

3. Sizzle the garlic: Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and stir for just 30 seconds-until it's fragrant but not burnt. (Burnt garlic = sadness.)
4. Build the sauce: Pour in the lemon juice, cream, and broth. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly. It should coat the back of a spoon. Too thick? Add a splash more broth. Too thin? Let it bubble another minute.

Assemble and Bake

5. Mix it up: In a greased baking dish, toss the cooked pasta, shrimp, and sauce together gently. Make sure everything's cozy and coated.
6. Cheese avalanche: Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the top, then dust with red pepper flakes if you're feeling spicy.
7. Bake to glory: Pop it in a preheated 375°F oven for 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is golden and bubbly. (If your broiler's safe, a quick broil at the end gives that *perfect* crust-just watch it like a hawk!)

Pro tip: Let it sit for 5 minutes after baking. I know, the smell will torture you, but this keeps the sauce from being too runny. Now dig in-you've earned it!

Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Variations

Listen, rules were made to be broken-especially in the kitchen! Here are some fun twists to make this dish your own:

• Gluten-free? Swap regular pasta for your favorite GF penne or rice noodles. Just adjust the cook time (and maybe sneak an extra splash of broth-GF pasta loves to drink up sauce).
• Dairy-free dream: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream, olive oil instead of butter, and skip the cheese (or go wild with dairy-free mozzarella-it melts surprisingly well!).
• Veggie boost: Toss in a handful of spinach or kale when you mix the pasta and shrimp. It wilts perfectly in the oven, and hey, now it's *technically* healthy.
• Protein shuffle: Not a shrimp fan? Try diced chicken or even white beans for a vegetarian twist. Just adjust cook times accordingly.
• Extra zing: Add a tablespoon of capers or a handful of sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce for a briny, tangy punch.

See? The world's your garlicky, cheesy oyster. Have fun with it!

Serving and Storing Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

Okay, let's talk about the grand finale-serving this beauty up! I love topping mine with a sprinkle of fresh parsley (because green makes it fancy, right?) and a few lemon wedges on the side for that extra zing. If you're feeling extra, garlic bread is basically mandatory for sauce-mopping duty. A simple side salad balances out the richness, but let's be real-this dish shines all on its own.

Now, if by some miracle you have leftovers (weird flex, but okay), here's the deal: stash them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce, then microwave or warm in the oven at 350°F until it's back to its bubbly glory. Pro tip: the cheese won't be as pretty the second time around, but it'll still taste amazing. No freezer recs here-shrimp and dairy sauces don't love the deep freeze, and neither will your taste buds.

Helpful Notes for the Best Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

Alright, let's talk pro tips-because even the simplest dishes have their little secrets. First up: sauce consistency. If it's too thick out of the skillet, don't panic! Just whisk in a splash of broth (or even pasta water) until it's silky and pourable. Too thin? Let it simmer a tad longer-it'll tighten up as it bakes, promise. And if you're watching calories, swap heavy cream for half-and-half (or even whole milk in a pinch-just know it won't be *quite* as luscious).

Oh, and about the shrimp: don't overcook them during the sauté step. They'll finish in the oven, so just sear until pink-about 1-2 minutes per side. Burnt garlic? Big no-no. Low and slow is the way to go. Lastly, if your cheese isn't browning enough, a quick broil blast (2-3 minutes) does wonders. Just don't walk away-cheese goes from golden to charcoal in a heartbeat. You got this!

Frequently Asked Questions About Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

You've got questions? I've got answers! Here are the big ones I hear all the time:

1. Can I use frozen shrimp?
   Absolutely! Just thaw them overnight in the fridge or under cool running water. Pat them *super* dry before cooking-soggy shrimp won't sear properly.
2. How do I make it spicier?
   Double the red pepper flakes, or add a pinch of cayenne to the sauce. Feeling wild? Toss in some diced jalapeños when you sauté the garlic.
3. Can I prep this ahead?
   Sort of! Assemble everything (unbaked) and refrigerate for up to 8 hours. Add 5-10 extra minutes to the bake time since it'll be cold. The sauce might thicken-just stir in a splash of broth before baking.

Still stumped? Drop me a comment-I love troubleshooting kitchen adventures!

Final Thoughts on Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

Seriously, what's not to love? This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is the ultimate weeknight hero-fast, foolproof, and packed with flavor. Whether you're feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, that creamy, cheesy goodness never fails to impress. So grab your skillet and a big appetite-this dish is ready to rock your dinner routine. Go on, give it a try tonight! You'll thank me later.