Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake – The Ultimate Comfort Dish

When I was a kid, I can still remember the sound of butter sizzling in a pan, the aroma of garlic filling the air, and my mom tossing shrimp into the pan like a culinary magician. That moment was the start of my lifelong love affair with seafood pasta. This shrimp scampi pasta bake is everything I loved then, but upgraded. It’s cozy, easy, and guaranteed to win family dinner night—every single time.

Imagine this: tender pasta tossed in a garlic-butter-cream sauce, packed with juicy shrimp, and baked under a cheesy, golden crust. It’s the best of both worlds—shrimp scampi meets baked pasta casserole—and yeah, it’s as good as it sounds.

How a Vacation Inspired This Baked Shrimp Pasta

From Seaside Scampi to Creamy Shrimp Pasta Bake

The inspiration? A coastal trip where I devoured shrimp scampi by the forkful. That buttery garlic-lemon combo stuck with me. But back home, I needed something heartier, more comforting. So I merged it with my favorite weeknight go-to: baked pasta. Enter the creamy shrimp pasta bake—where scampi flavors meet comfort food realness.

Why a Scampi Pasta Casserole Just Works

Turning a stovetop dish into a casserole meant I could prep ahead, bake once, and feed everyone with ease. Plus, cheese. Lots of it. A proper scampi pasta casserole deserves a golden, bubbling top.

Ingredient Spotlight: What Makes This Garlic Butter Shrimp Bake Shine

Shrimp – The Star of This Shrimp and Cheese Pasta

• Use large shrimp, peeled and deveined.
  
• Tail-on for drama, tail-off for practicality.
  
• Packed with protein and cooks in minutes.
  

Garlic & Butter – Non-Negotiables in Shrimp Parmesan Pasta

• Garlic brings bold aroma—don’t skip or skimp.
  
• Butter makes the base rich and decadent.
  
• Adds the classic taste you expect from garlic butter shrimp bake.
  

Pasta, Cheese & Cream – The Comfort Trifecta

• Use sturdy pasta: linguine, penne, or rotini.
  
• Mozzarella for stretch, Parmesan for bite.
  
• Heavy cream builds a luscious sauce base—aka shrimp and cream pasta goodness.
  

Healthier Twists for Shrimp Pasta Oven Recipes

Nutritional Benefits of This Shrimp Pasta Dish

• Shrimp = lean protein + minerals.
  
• Garlic = flavor plus antioxidant perks.
  
• Cheese = calcium powerhouse.
  

Make It Lighter Without Losing Flavor

• Sub whole grain or chickpea pasta.
  
• Try half-and-half or Greek yogurt for cream.
  
• Toss in spinach or asparagus for green power.
  

Flexible & Flavorful: One-Pan Shrimp Pasta Variations

Dietary Swaps to Fit Any Table

• Gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles.
  
• Swap shrimp for chicken, tofu, or scallops.
  

Bold Flavor Additions

• Add red pepper flakes for kick.
  
• Stir in roasted veggies or sun-dried tomatoes.
  

Seasonal Ingredient Spins

• Spring: lemon zest, peas, fresh herbs.
  
• Fall: roasted squash, sage, nutmeg.
  

Cooking Science of Oven Baked Shrimp Scampi

Why Shrimp Cooks So Fast

• Shrimp turns opaque and curls into a “C” when done.
  
• Overcooking = rubbery texture. Pull them early.
  

Al Dente Pasta: The Backbone of Cheesy Garlic Shrimp Pasta

• Undercook pasta slightly—it finishes in the oven.
  
• Keeps texture perfect, not mushy.
  

Cheese on Top = Shrimp Scampi with Mozzarella Perfection

• Mozzarella melts beautifully.
  
• Broil at the end for golden bubbles.
  

Step-by-Step Instructions for This Easy Shrimp Casserole

Ingredients

• 12 oz pasta (linguine or penne)
  
• 1 lb large shrimp (peeled & deveined)
  
• 4 tbsp butter
  
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
  
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  
• 1 cup heavy cream
  
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
  
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella
  
• Salt & pepper to taste
  
• Zest & juice of 1 lemon
  
• 1/2 cup white wine or broth (optional)
  
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley
  

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish.
   
2. Cook pasta until just al dente. Drain and save 1/4 cup pasta water.
   
3. Sauté garlic in butter over medium heat until fragrant—about 1 minute.
   
4. Add shrimp, season, and cook just until pink. Remove shrimp.
   
5. Deglaze with wine or broth, add cream, lemon, Parmesan, and pasta water. Simmer.
   
6. Stir in pasta, coat evenly. Taste and season.
   
7. Add shrimp back, mix gently. Pour into baking dish.
   
8. Top with mozzarella. Bake 15–20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
   
9. Garnish with parsley, let rest 2 minutes. Serve hot.
   

Smart Tips for Shrimp and Cream Pasta Success

Storing & Reheating

• Keeps for 3 days in fridge.
  
• Reheat in oven or microwave with splash of cream or broth.
  

Perfect Pairings

• Salad with lemon vinaigrette.
  
• Garlic bread or roasted green beans.
  

Ingredient Swaps

• Use half-and-half instead of cream.
  
• Fontina or Gruyère instead of mozzarella.
  
• Penne or rigatoni for a twist.
  

Make-Ahead Magic & Batch-Friendly Meal Prep

• Assemble and refrigerate pre-bake.
  
• Double batch for future dinners.
  
• Broil briefly when reheating to refresh cheese crust.
  

Eco-Friendly Kitchen Hacks for Your Shrimp Pasta Dish

• Save veggie scraps to make broth.
  
• Use pasta water to thicken soups.
  
• Store leftovers in glass containers.
  

Perfect Pairings for Your Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

Beverage Matches

• Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
  
• Lemon-infused sparkling water.
  

Sides That Pop

• Arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette.
  
• Roasted Brussels sprouts or garlic bread.
  

FAQs – Your Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Questions Answered

Related Shrimp & Seafood Recipes

If you loved this shrimp scampi pasta bake, check out these other seafood favorites:

• Cajun shrimp pasta recipe for spice lovers
  
• Healthy cauliflower fried rice with shrimp
  
• Traeger smoked salmon with bold flavors
  
• Texas Roadhouse style baked salmon for weeknights
  
• Air fryer salmon – a quick & healthy option
  

Conclusion

You’ve now got everything you need to create a standout shrimp scampi pasta bake—a dish that’s cozy, rich, and packed with layered flavor. If you try this recipe, I’d love to see your results! Share it online and don’t forget to follow my Pinterest page for more comfort food hits.

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