Description

This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake combines succulent shrimp with a creamy garlic sauce, melty mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese, baked to golden perfection. Featuring quick-cooking shrimp and al dente pasta that absorbs the garlicky, buttery flavors, this dish is an indulgent yet balanced meal perfect for weeknights or entertaining.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Protein

8 oz pasta (penne or fusilli works best)
1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

Sauce & Seasonings

4 tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 cup heavy cream
Salt and pepper to taste

Cheese

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Garnish

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
Cook Pasta: Boil the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside, ensuring it is slightly undercooked to absorb sauce well during baking.
Sauté Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes if using, sautéing for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned, to develop flavor without bitterness.
Cook Shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet, cooking for 2-3 minutes until shrimp turn pink and opaque. Season with salt and pepper to enhance flavor.
Make Cream Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir and let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly, creating a rich garlic cream sauce.
Combine Pasta & Sauce: Transfer cooked pasta to a large mixing bowl, pour in the shrimp and cream sauce, mixing thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly.
Assemble Bake: Pour the pasta and shrimp mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese and all the shredded mozzarella evenly on top to create a cheesy crust.
Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top, signaling a perfect cheesy finish.
Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a fresh herbaceous note, and serve warm for best taste.

Notes

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warm.
Use gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles for gluten-free variations.
Substitute shrimp with cooked chicken or tofu for protein alternatives.
If you don’t have heavy cream, half-and-half or dairy-free cream alternatives like coconut cream work well.
Adding red pepper flakes gives a spicy kick; adjust quantity to taste.
Assemble ahead by preparing the dish and refrigerating up to 24 hours before baking; add extra baking time if cold.
Pair with a crisp green salad or garlic bread to complement the rich pasta bake.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian-American

Keywords: shrimp pasta bake, shrimp scampi, garlic pasta bake, cheesy shrimp pasta, baked scampi, easy weeknight dinner, creamy shrimp pasta