Cheesy Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

A delicious fusion of buttery garlic shrimp scampi and baked pasta comfort food, this Cheesy Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is everything you’d want in a crowd-pleasing dinner. With golden cheese, juicy shrimp, and the freshness of lemon and herbs, this baked dish takes scampi to a whole new level.

---

Ingredients

For the Shrimp Scampi:

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Juice and zest of 1 lemon
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley

For the Pasta:

• 12 oz penne or rigatoni pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups milk (whole or 2%)
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup shredded provolone or fontina (optional)
• ¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Topping:

• ½ cup mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup Parmesan
• 1 tablespoon butter
• Optional: breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder and olive oil

---

Instructions

Step 1 – Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente according to package directions. Drain and set aside.

Step 2 – Prepare the Shrimp Scampi
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes; cook for about 1 minute. Add the shrimp and cook until pink and opaque, about 2 minutes per side.
Add lemon juice, lemon zest, parsley, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat. Set shrimp aside.

Step 3 – Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce
In the same pan, add a tablespoon of olive oil and sprinkle in the flour. Whisk for about 1 minute, then gradually add the milk and cream, stirring until smooth.
Add Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir in the shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, and provolone. Let simmer for 3–5 minutes until thickened and creamy.

Step 4 – Combine Everything
Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and toss until coated. Fold in the shrimp and any pan juices. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 5 – Add Toppings
Top evenly with mozzarella, Parmesan, and optional garlic breadcrumbs for crunch. Dot with butter.

Step 6 – Bake
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.

Step 7 – Serve
Garnish with extra parsley and a squeeze of lemon before serving. Serve hot with a side salad or garlic bread.

---

Notes

• Use wild-caught shrimp for the best flavor.
• Substitute gluten-free pasta and flour for a gluten-free version.
• Add spinach or sun-dried tomatoes to the bake for extra vegetables.
• Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat perfectly in the oven or microwave.

---

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 485 kcal
• Protein: 32 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 165 mg
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fiber: 2 g
• Sugar: 4 g

---

SEO Keywords

cheesy shrimp scampi pasta bake, baked shrimp pasta, garlic butter shrimp bake, creamy seafood pasta recipe, scampi casserole dinner

---

Category & Metadata

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings
• Cuisine: American with Italian Influence
• Method: Baked
• Diet: Pescatarian
• Course: Dinner, Main Dish

Print