Name: Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 oz pasta (penne or rigatoni); 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 2 Tbsp olive oil; 4 cloves garlic, minced; ½ cup dry white wine (or extra chicken broth); 1 cup heavy cream; ¼ cup chicken or vegetable broth; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice; 1 tsp lemon zest; 1 tsp fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish); ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional); Salt and black pepper, to taste; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this dish transforms classic shrimp scampi into a rich, baked comfort meal. With creamy garlic sauce, juicy shrimp, and a cheesy topping, it’s an easy and impressive way to satisfy everyone at the table.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

8 oz pasta (penne or rigatoni)
1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 Tbsp olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup dry white wine (or extra chicken broth)
1 cup heavy cream
¼ cup chicken or vegetable broth
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tsp lemon zest
1 tsp fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

directions

I preheat the oven to 375 °F (190 °C) and grease a 9×13‑inch baking dish.

Then I cook the pasta in salted boiling water until just al dente, drain it, and set it aside.

In a large skillet, I heat the olive oil over medium heat and sauté the garlic until it’s fragrant—about 1 minute.

I add the shrimp and cook until just pink, about 2–3 minutes per side, then remove them and set aside.

Next, I pour in the white wine or broth and let it simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly.

I stir in the heavy cream, chicken broth, Parmesan, lemon juice, lemon zest, parsley, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. I let it simmer for 3–4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

Then I return the shrimp to the skillet and stir to coat them in the sauce. I remove the skillet from heat.

I combine the shrimp mixture and pasta in the baking dish, then sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.

I bake it for 15–18 minutes until it’s bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden. I garnish with extra parsley before serving.

Servings and timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: ~530 kcal per serving

Variations

Sometimes I swap the shrimp for scallops or a seafood mix. I also like using Gruyère instead of mozzarella for a deeper cheesy flavor, or I add spinach for extra greens.

storage/reheating

I keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I reheat them in the oven at 325°F until warmed through, or microwave smaller portions.

FAQs

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, I assemble everything and refrigerate it. When ready, I bake it straight from the fridge, adding 5–10 minutes to the cook time.

What can I use instead of wine?

I often substitute with extra chicken broth or a splash of lemon juice for brightness without alcohol.

Can I freeze it?

I freeze the baked casserole after cooling it. I reheat it in the oven after thawing, and it still tastes great.

How can I make it lighter?

I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream or reduce the cheese slightly without sacrificing flavor.

Will the shrimp overcook?

Not if I follow the timing. I cook them until just pink, and they finish perfectly in the bake.

Conclusion

Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is my go-to when I want something cozy and a little fancy without too much fuss. It’s creamy, zesty, and packed with shrimp in every bite—perfect for weeknights or when I have guests to impress.