Name: Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake : Creamy Seafood Dish
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 12 oz cavatappi or penne pasta; 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined; 3 tablespoons butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat); 1 cup chicken or seafood broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated; 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded; ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon blackened seasoning (for blackened shrimp cavatappi variation); ¼ teaspoon black pepper; ½ cup panko breadcrumbs; ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated; 1 tablespoon butter, melted; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

If you love the rich flavors of shrimp scampi Alfredo pasta but want an easy, comforting baked version, this Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is the perfect dish for you! Combining succulent shrimp, garlicky butter sauce, tender pasta, and a cheesy, golden topping, this one-pan shrimp scampi dish is a must-try for seafood lovers.

This shrimp pasta bake recipe is ideal for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or even special occasions when you want to serve impressive pasta dishes without too much effort. Whether you’re craving a creamy garlic shrimp pasta bake or looking for delicious little shrimp recipes, this baked shrimp scampi will satisfy your taste buds with its irresistible flavors.

Why You’ll Love This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

✔ Creamy, Garlicky, and Cheesy – The perfect blend of butter, garlic, shrimp, and Parmesan.
✔ Easy One-Pan Dish – Simple preparation and minimal cleanup.
✔ Packed with Flavor – A delicious twist on traditional shrimp recipes with pasta.
✔ Perfect for Any Occasion – Great for casual dinners or fancy gatherings.
✔ Customizable – Swap the pasta, cheese, or seasonings to your liking.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Pasta Bake:

12 oz cavatappi or penne pasta
1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
3 tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
1 cup chicken or seafood broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon blackened seasoning (for blackened shrimp cavatappi variation)
¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the Topping:

½ cup panko breadcrumbs
¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1 tablespoon butter, melted
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Kitchen Equipment Required

✔ Large pot – For cooking the pasta.
✔ Oven-safe skillet or baking dish – For assembling and baking.
✔ Mixing bowls – For preparing the breadcrumb topping.
✔ Whisk – To mix the creamy sauce.

How to Make Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Boil the cavatappi or penne pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp

In a large oven-safe skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Toss in the shrimp, season with salt, pepper, and blackened seasoning (if using), and sauté for 2-3 minutes until pink. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Scampi Sauce

In the same skillet, add chicken broth, heavy cream, lemon juice, and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 2 minutes. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.

Step 4: Assemble the Pasta Bake

Return the pasta and shrimp to the skillet, stirring to coat in the sauce. Add cherry tomatoes and mozzarella cheese, mixing gently.

Step 5: Add the Crispy Topping

In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle over the pasta.

Step 6: Bake Until Golden

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 15 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Remove from the oven, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve warm. Enjoy your shrimp scampi Alfredo pasta with garlic bread or a side salad!

Expert Tips for the Best Shrimp Pasta Bake

✔ Use Fresh Shrimp – Enhances flavor and texture.
✔ Toast the Breadcrumbs – For an even crispier topping, toast the panko in a dry pan before adding.
✔ Don’t Overcook the Shrimp – It will continue cooking in the oven.
✔ Use a Cast-Iron Skillet – Allows for seamless stovetop-to-oven cooking.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

🚫 Overcooking the Pasta – Keep it al dente to prevent mushiness.
🚫 Adding Too Much Liquid – The sauce should be thick and creamy, not watery.
🚫 Skipping the Broiling Step – Helps achieve a beautifully golden crust.

Variations and Substitutions

✔ Spicy Shrimp Scampi Pasta – Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
✔ Gluten-Free Option – Use gluten-free pasta and substitute panko with crushed almonds.
✔ Lighter Version – Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or Greek yogurt.
✔ Cheese Lover’s Twist – Add a layer of ricotta or extra mozzarella before baking.

How to Store and Make Ahead

Storage:

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes or microwave in 30-second intervals.

Make-Ahead Tips:

Assemble the pasta bake, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
Freeze the unbaked dish for up to 1 month and bake straight from frozen, adding an extra 10 minutes.

Serving and Presentation Ideas

🍋 Serve with Lemon Wedges – Enhances the bright, garlicky flavors.
🥖 Pair with Garlic Bread – A perfect side for soaking up the sauce.
🥗 Add a Green Salad – Balances the richness of the pasta.
🍤 Top with Extra Shrimp – For a stunning presentation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes! Thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.

2. What’s the best pasta for this dish?

Cavatappi, penne, or rigatoni hold the sauce well.

3. Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?

Yes, but add them at the end before baking to prevent overcooking.

4. How do I make this even creamier?

Mix in cream cheese or extra mozzarella for a richer texture.

Conclusion & Call to Action

This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is a deliciously creamy, cheesy, and garlicky dish that’s perfect for seafood lovers. Whether you’re making it for a cozy weeknight dinner or impressing guests with impressive pasta dishes, this shrimp pasta bake recipe is a guaranteed hit!

Try this recipe today and let us know how it turned out! Don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and subscribe for more amazing shrimp recipes with pasta and comforting baked dishes!