Dinner

Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe

ByElla Hart December 2, 2025December 2, 2025

Introduction

Savor the rich, garlicky flavors of this Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake, a perfect comforting meal that combines tender shrimp with creamy cheese and pasta. Easy to prepare and bake, it’s an ideal dish for weeknights or gatherings.

A white rectangular dish filled with two layers: the bottom layer is creamy yellow spaghetti pasta, and the top layer is grilled shrimp with golden-brown grill marks, arranged evenly over the pasta. The shrimp are plump and orange-pink, speckled with black seasonings, and sprinkled with small green parsley leaves for garnish. The edges of the dish show baked, slightly browned cheese or sauce, adding texture and color contrast. The dish is set on a white marbled surface with blurred background items creating a warm and inviting feel. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

8 oz pasta (penne or fusilli works best)
1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
4 tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Step 2: Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 3: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Step 4: Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until pink and fully cooked. Season with salt and pepper.
Step 5: Pour in the heavy cream and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 6: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta and shrimp mixture, mixing evenly. Transfer to the prepared baking dish.
Step 7: Top with the remaining Parmesan and all of the shredded mozzarella cheese.
Step 8: Bake for 20-25 minutes or until bubbly and golden on top.
Step 9: Remove from oven and garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Tips & Variations

If you don’t have heavy cream, substitute with half-and-half or a dairy-free cream alternative for a lighter dish.
For extra flavor, add a splash of white wine when cooking the garlic and shrimp.
Serve alongside a crisp green salad or garlic bread to complement the creamy sauce.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through to maintain the creamy texture and flavor.