Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake: A Flavorful & Easy One-Pan Meal

If you’re craving an impressive and comforting seafood dinner, this Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is exactly what you need. Combining tender, juicy shrimp with a rich garlicky butter sauce, melty cheese, and baked pasta, this dish is an irresistible twist on the classic garlic shrimp pasta bake. It’s ideal for cozy weeknight dinners, casual get-togethers, or even when you want a shrimp recipe with pasta that feels elegant but comes together effortlessly.

Similar to our flavor-packed lemon dill salmon pasta, this seafood pasta bake delivers bold, zesty flavor in a creamy, cheesy package. Best of all, it’s a true one-pan meal—baked to golden perfection with minimal cleanup. If you love quick comfort dishes like our garlic parmesan chicken and potatoes or chicken mushroom rice casserole, this one belongs in your dinner rotation.

Looking for more easy shrimp recipes with pasta? Be sure to try our seafood pasta salad—a lighter, chilled version that’s just as satisfying.

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What Is Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake?

Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake takes all the rich, garlicky goodness of traditional shrimp scampi and transforms it into a cheesy, oven-baked masterpiece. It blends the bold flavors of shrimp scampi Alfredo pasta with the comfort and convenience of a creamy baked pasta casserole. Featuring blackened or sautéed shrimp tossed in a buttery garlic sauce, combined with cavatappi or your favorite pasta, and layered with a melty cheese blend, this dish is baked until golden and bubbling.

Unlike classic shrimp scampi, which is often served over plain spaghetti or linguine, this garlic shrimp pasta bake introduces a crispy, cheesy topping that elevates the dish into full comfort food territory. It’s a crowd-pleasing choice for anyone looking for shrimp recipes with pasta that go beyond the basics.

Love one-pan comfort meals like this? Don’t miss our 5-ingredient chicken enchilada rice casserole or garlic butter chicken with rigatoni—both are flavorful, hearty, and weeknight-friendly!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup and easy to prepare.
• Creamy & Cheesy: The perfect balance of butter, garlic, Parmesan, and mozzarella.
• Flavorful Shrimp: Seasoned and pan-seared to perfection.
• Great for Gatherings: A crowd-pleasing dish that feels elegant yet effortless.
• Customizable: Works with different pasta shapes and cheese blends.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this shrimp scampi pasta bake, gather these ingredients:

For the Shrimp Scampi:

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• Juice of 1 lemon
• ½ cup white sauce (Alfredo or heavy cream-based sauce)

For the Pasta & Bake:

• 12 oz cavatappi, penne, or fettuccine pasta
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup breadcrumbs (for a crispy topping)
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (for garnish)

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Large skillet (for cooking shrimp)
• Large pot (for boiling pasta)
• Mixing bowls
• Baking dish (9×13-inch)
• Tongs or spatula
• Oven (for baking)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook cavatappi or your preferred pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
3. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp

1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Season shrimp with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes.
3. Add shrimp to the pan and cook for 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
4. Remove shrimp from the pan and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

1. In the same skillet, melt butter and add minced garlic.
2. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, then stir in lemon juice and white sauce.
3. Simmer for 1–2 minutes, then remove from heat.

Step 4: Assemble the Pasta Bake

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, shrimp, and garlic butter sauce.
3. Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
4. Sprinkle with mozzarella, Parmesan, and breadcrumbs for a crispy topping.

Step 5: Bake & Serve

1. Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
2. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

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Tips for the Best Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

✔ Use fresh shrimp whenever possible – Fresh shrimp gives your shrimp scampi pasta bake the best texture and flavor. If you’re using frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw completely and pat them dry to avoid excess moisture in your bake. For more ideas on how to cook with seafood, check out our creamy spinach stuffed salmon—another easy and flavorful seafood dinner.

✔ Avoid overcooking the shrimp – Shrimp cook quickly—just a few minutes until they’re opaque and pink. Overcooking can make them rubbery, so be sure to sauté them briefly before adding them to your garlic shrimp pasta bake.

✔ Choose quality cheese – For a meltier, creamier finish, grate your own mozzarella and Parmesan instead of using pre-shredded. This helps your baked pasta casserole come out smooth and cheesy, like our chicken mushroom rice casserole which also benefits from fresh ingredients.

✔ Adjust the spice level to taste – Red pepper flakes add a mild heat, but you can increase or reduce the amount depending on your preference. Want another bold, comforting dinner with spice? Try our garlic parmesan chicken and potatoes.

✔ Add crunchy texture – Don’t skip the breadcrumb topping! It creates a satisfying contrast to the creamy interior of your shrimp pasta bake recipe. If you love texture-rich dishes, you’ll enjoy our 5-ingredient enchilada rice casserole too—it’s got layers of flavor and a bit of crunch baked right in.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

🚫 Skipping the breadcrumb topping – That golden, crispy layer isn’t just for looks—it adds essential texture to balance the creamy richness of the dish. Just like in our garlic parmesan chicken and potatoes, contrasting textures make comfort meals truly memorable.

🚫 Overcooking the pasta – Be sure to cook your pasta just until al dente. Since it continues baking in the oven, starting with slightly firm pasta helps prevent a mushy texture in your finished shrimp scampi pasta bake. For another perfectly balanced pasta bake, check out our creamy chicken mushroom rice casserole.

🚫 Adding too much sauce – While it may be tempting to pour in extra sauce, the pasta should be lightly coated—not swimming. Excess sauce can result in a soggy bake rather than a structured, sliceable casserole. Keep the balance like we do in our 5-ingredient chicken enchilada rice casserole, where every layer is just right.

Variations & Flavor Twists

• Spicy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Bake: Use Cajun seasoning instead of paprika for bold heat.
• Lemon Garlic Shrimp Bake: Add extra lemon zest for a fresh citrus burst.
• Seafood Medley: Add scallops or lobster for an even more decadent dish.
• Vegetable Boost: Stir in spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted bell peppers.

How to Store & Reheat

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat in the oven: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes to retain texture.
• Avoid microwaving: This can make the shrimp rubbery and the breadcrumbs soggy.

Serving Suggestions

This garlic shrimp pasta bake pairs perfectly with:

• Garlic bread or focaccia for extra indulgence.
• Caesar salad for a fresh contrast.
• Roasted asparagus or broccoli for added greens.
• A glass of sparkling lemonade for a refreshing balance.

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FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?

Yes, but add them at the end before baking to prevent overcooking.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble everything and refrigerate before baking. When ready, bake as directed.

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Absolutely! Cavatappi, penne, fettuccine, or even spaghetti work well.

Is this dish freezer-friendly?

Yes! Freeze before baking, then thaw and bake when ready to serve.

Conclusion

This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is an easy yet elegant impressive pasta dish that combines creamy, garlicky flavors with a crispy, cheesy topping. Whether you’re craving shrimp scampi Alfredo pasta, a comforting shrimp pasta bake recipe, or a simple little shrimp recipe that delivers big flavor, this dish is a guaranteed winner.

Try this one-pan shrimp scampi bake today and share it with family and friends! If you loved this recipe, subscribe for more shrimp recipes with pasta and delicious meal ideas.

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