Creamy Shrimp Scampi Bake

This shrimp scampi pasta bake transforms the classic stovetop dish into a comforting casserole that's perfect for family dinners or entertaining. The combination of garlicky butter sauce, plump shrimp, and two types of melted cheese creates an irresistible meal that feels both familiar and special.

I first made this dish when hosting a last-minute dinner party, and it has since become my go-to recipe when I want something that feels fancy without hours in the kitchen. The way the cheese forms a golden crust while keeping the pasta underneath perfectly saucy is pure magic.

Ingredients

• Linguine or penne pasta: Provides the perfect base for catching all the flavorful sauce. I prefer linguine for its elegant twist on the classic but penne holds up wonderfully for make-ahead versions
• Large shrimp: Deliver sweet seafood flavor and substantial texture. Look for "16/20 count" which indicates a good size without breaking the bank
• Unsalted butter: Creates richness in the sauce. Always use unsalted to control the final seasoning
• Olive oil: Prevents the butter from burning and adds its own fruity notes
• Fresh garlic cloves: Provide essential aromatic flavor. Freshly minced will give significantly better results than pre-minced
• Red pepper flakes: Add a gentle heat that balances the richness. Adjust according to your spice preference
• White wine: Deglazes the pan and provides acidity and depth. Choose a crisp Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc that you would enjoy drinking
• Fresh lemon juice: Brightens the entire dish. Always use freshly squeezed for the best flavor
• Fresh parsley: Adds color and a clean herbal note that cuts through the richness
• Mozzarella cheese: Creates that stretchy cheesy pull everyone loves
• Parmesan cheese: Provides nutty depth and helps form a golden crust
• Breadcrumbs: Give an irresistible textural contrast to the soft pasta beneath

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the pasta:

Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and add salt. The water should taste like the sea to properly season the pasta from within. Cook your pasta for 2 minutes less than the package directions indicate, as it will continue cooking in the oven. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining in case you need to loosen the sauce later.

Create the scampi sauce:

Start by melting butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. This combination gives you the flavor of butter without the risk of burning. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, stirring continuously for exactly 28 seconds. This precise timing ensures the garlic becomes fragrant without browning, which would create bitterness.

Cook the shrimp:

Add shrimp to the fragrant oil in a single layer, allowing them to cook undisturbed for 2 minutes until they begin to turn pink and opaque from the bottom up. Flip each shrimp and cook for another minute until just barely cooked through. Be vigilant here as overcooked shrimp become rubbery.

Deglaze and reduce:

Pour in the white wine and fresh lemon juice, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any flavorful bits from the bottom of the pan. Allow the liquid to simmer and reduce for 2 minutes, concentrating the flavors into a silky sauce. The alcohol will cook off, leaving behind only flavor.

Season and finish the sauce:

Remove the pan from heat and stir in the chopped parsley along with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. The residual heat will release the oils in the parsley without dulling its bright color.

Combine and assemble:

Gently fold the slightly undercooked pasta into the shrimp and sauce, ensuring every strand gets coated. Transfer this mixture to a thoroughly greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it into an even layer.

Add the cheese topping:

Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly across the surface, followed by an even layer of grated Parmesan. If using breadcrumbs, mix them with a tablespoon of olive oil first, then scatter them across the top for maximum crispiness.

Bake to golden perfection:

Place the dish in a preheated 375°F oven and bake uncovered for 16 to 21 minutes. You want the cheese to be completely melted, with areas of golden brown bubbling around the edges. For an extra golden top, broil for the final minute, watching carefully to prevent burning.

My favorite ingredient in this entire recipe is the combination of garlic and butter. There's something magical about this pairing that instantly transforms any dish into something crave-worthy. My daughter now requests this dish for her birthday dinner each year, claiming she can smell it cooking from all the way upstairs.

Make It Your Own

This shrimp scampi pasta bake welcomes customization based on your preferences and what you have on hand. Add halved cherry tomatoes, baby spinach, or artichoke hearts to incorporate vegetables. For a richer version, stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream with the wine. Shellfish lovers can mix in scallops or even chunks of lobster tail for special occasions. The base recipe provides a perfect canvas for your creativity.

Solving Common Issues

If your finished dish seems dry, there are several potential causes. The pasta may have been overcooked initially, causing it to absorb too much liquid during baking. Ensure you cook it 2 minutes shy of al dente. Another possibility is too much time between assembling and baking, allowing the pasta to continue absorbing the sauce. To fix a dry bake, drizzle 2 tablespoons of warm chicken broth over individual servings.

Perfect Pairings

A simple green salad with a bright vinaigrette provides the perfect counterpoint to the richness of this bake. For wine, continue with the same dry white you used in cooking, or choose a crisp Vermentino or unoaked Chardonnay. Garlic bread might seem redundant given the garlicky nature of the dish itself, but somehow the combination works beautifully, especially for soaking up every last bit of sauce.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, sprinkle the portion with a tablespoon of water, cover loosely with a damp paper towel, and microwave at 50% power in 30-second intervals until just heated through. Alternatively, reheat in a 300°F oven, covered with foil, for about 15 minutes. The shrimp may become slightly more firm when reheated, but the flavor remains delicious.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use frozen shrimp for this dish?

Yes, frozen shrimp works perfectly! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking to ensure they sauté properly and don't release excess water into the dish.

→ What can I substitute for white wine?

Chicken broth is an excellent non-alcoholic alternative that still provides flavor depth. You can also use vegetable broth or even clam juice for a more seafood-forward taste.

→ Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the entire dish up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate. When ready to serve, allow the dish to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking, and you may need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time.

→ What pasta shapes work best for this bake?

Medium shapes that hold sauce well are ideal. Linguine and penne work beautifully as specified, but farfalle, fusilli, or rigatoni are excellent alternatives that capture the creamy sauce in their nooks and crannies.

→ How can I make this dish spicier?

Increase the red pepper flakes to 1 teaspoon for medium heat or 1.5 teaspoons for a spicier kick. You could also add a finely chopped fresh chili pepper when sautéing the garlic.

→ What side dishes pair well with shrimp scampi pasta bake?

A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette provides a fresh contrast. Garlic bread is perfect for soaking up extra sauce, while roasted asparagus or broccoli adds a nutritious vegetable component to complete the meal.