Shrimp scampi pasta bake brings together a delightful medley of flavors, where succulent shrimp dances with garlic, butter, and pasta, creating a culinary hug in a dish. Picture this: cheesy goodness bubbling over the edges of a baking dish, enticing you into the kitchen with its warm aroma.

This dish is perfect for cozy family dinners or when you want to impress your friends without breaking a sweat. Close your eyes and imagine twirling the rich pasta around your fork while savoring every bite of that creamy, garlicky sauce. You’ll find yourself daydreaming about this meal long after it disappears from your plate.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The shrimp scampi pasta bake is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights
- Every bite bursts with flavor thanks to garlic and lemon zest
- Its golden-brown topping makes it visually stunning at any gathering
- Versatile enough for a casual dinner or an elegant party, it’s sure to impress everyone!
Sharing this dish at our last family gathering sparked laughter and compliments as everyone fought over the last serving.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
-
Spaghetti: Choose any pasta you love; spaghetti works best for that classic texture.
-
Fresh Shrimp: Use large, deveined shrimp for a satisfying bite; frozen works too if thawed properly.
-
Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves are key for that punchy flavor; avoid pre-minced varieties if possible.
-
Unsalted Butter: This adds richness; remember to adjust salt levels if using salted butter.
-
Heavy Cream: For a dreamy texture; half-and-half can work in a pinch but won’t be as rich.
-
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated cheese provides the best flavor; save some for topping!
-
Lemon Zest and Juice: Adds brightness; don’t skip this if you want that zingy flavor.
-
Parsley: Fresh parsley not only garnishes but also brightens the dish’s taste.
-
Panko Breadcrumbs: These create that lovely crunchy topping—trust me, it’s worth it!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make It Together
Cook the Pasta: Begin by boiling water in a large pot with a pinch of salt. Once boiling, add your spaghetti and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside while you prepare the other ingredients.
Sauté the Shrimp and Garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter until foamy. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant—about 1 minute—then toss in the shrimp. Cook until they turn pink and opaque, around 3-4 minutes.
Create the Cream Sauce: Pour in heavy cream along with lemon zest and juice into the skillet with shrimp. Stir well to combine everything while allowing it to simmer gently for about 3 minutes.
Mingle Everything Together: In a large bowl, combine cooked spaghetti with the shrimp cream mixture. Add grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley, mixing gently until every strand is coated beautifully.
Add Toppings and Bake!: Transfer your pasta mix into a greased baking dish. Top generously with panko breadcrumbs and extra Parmesan cheese for that golden finish. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown on top.
Now you’ve got yourself a delightful shrimp scampi pasta bake that’s ready to steal hearts! Grab your fork (or maybe just dive right in), because this divine dish will have you dreaming of more even before you finish!
You Must Know
- This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake combines the richness of shrimp with cheesy goodness, making it a perfect comfort food
- The blend of garlic and butter creates an irresistible aroma that fills your kitchen, inviting everyone to the table
- It’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by cooking the pasta until al dente, then sauté shrimp in garlic butter while the pasta cooks for perfect timing.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap shrimp for chicken or toss in some spinach for added nutrients and color.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to maintain texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always cook your pasta just shy of fully done since it will continue cooking in the bake
- Use fresh garlic for a robust flavor, and don’t skimp on the cheese—more is always better!
- Taste as you go to adjust seasoning perfectly
Sharing this dish with friends at a potluck led to many requests for my recipe; nothing beats that kind of flattery!
FAQ
Can I use frozen shrimp in this Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake?
Yes, just ensure they are thawed and drained before cooking for best results.
What can I substitute for white wine in the recipe?
You can use chicken broth or lemon juice as a non-alcoholic option that adds flavor.
How long does Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake last in the fridge?
It typically lasts about 3-4 days when stored properly in an airtight container.

Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Shrimp scampi pasta bake is a comforting dish that combines tender shrimp, creamy garlic sauce, and al dente spaghetti, all topped with crispy panko breadcrumbs and melted cheese. This delightful recipe is perfect for family gatherings or casual dinners with friends. With its rich flavors and inviting aroma, it’s sure to be a favorite at your table!
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 1 lb large shrimp, deveined
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for topping)
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Cook the spaghetti in salted boiling water until al dente (about 8-10 minutes), then drain.
- In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter and sauté minced garlic for about 1 minute. Add shrimp and cook until pink (3-4 minutes).
- Stir in heavy cream, lemon zest, and juice; simmer for about 3 minutes.
- Combine cooked spaghetti with the shrimp mixture, adding Parmesan cheese and parsley; mix gently.
- Transfer to a greased baking dish, top with panko breadcrumbs and extra Parmesan cheese.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 880mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 21g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 200mg