This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is a delightful combination of elegance and comfort, making it a must-try for pasta and seafood lovers alike. Enjoy this cheesy, garlicky goodness any night of the week!

Not only is this pasta bake irresistibly delicious, but it’s also an excellent way to prepare a crowd-pleasing dish with minimal effort. By transforming a classic into a baked masterpiece, you get the best of both worlds: the freshness of scampi and the indulgence of baked pasta.

Why Choose This Crockpot Potato Casserole?

Bursting with Flavor: The garlicky butter sauce perfectly complements the shrimp and pasta.

Cheesy Goodness: The baked layer of cheese adds a golden, gooey topping that makes each bite heavenly.

Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s perfect even for beginners.

Make-Ahead Friendly: Ideal for meal prep, as you can assemble it ahead of time and bake when needed.

Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s a family dinner or a gathering, everyone will love this dish.

Ingredients

Shrimp: 1 lb of large shrimp, peeled and deveined

Pasta: 12 oz of linguine or spaghetti
Butter: 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter
Garlic: 4 cloves, minced

Lemon Juice: 2 tablespoons, freshly squeezed
White Wine: ½ cup (optional for depth of flavor)
Heavy Cream: 1 cup

Parmesan Cheese: 1 cup, grated
Mozzarella Cheese: 1 cup, shredded
Breadcrumbs: ¼ cup, for topping

Parsley: Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Salt and Pepper: To taste
Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Begin by boiling the pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Sauté the Shrimp: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink. Remove and set aside.

Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Add white wine and lemon juice, letting it simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly. Stir in heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce thickens.

Combine the Pasta and Sauce: Toss the cooked pasta in the garlic butter sauce, ensuring every strand is coated.

Assemble the Pasta Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a greased baking dish, layer the pasta mixed with sauce. Top with cooked shrimp, shredded mozzarella cheese, and breadcrumbs.

Bake: Bake the dish in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden.

Garnish and Serve: Remove the dish from the oven, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve hot.

Variations

Vegetarian Option: Replace shrimp with sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or a mix of your favorite vegetables for a vegetarian-friendly bake.

Add Spices: Sprinkle red pepper flakes or Cajun seasoning into the sauce for a spicy kick.

Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version.

Cheese Substitutions: Swap mozzarella for fontina or Gruyère for a different cheesy profile.

FAQs

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the dish up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready to serve.

2. Can I freeze Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake?
Yes, it freezes well. After assembling, wrap tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 10-15 minutes to the baking time.

3. What wine should I use?
A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio works best. You can also skip the wine and use chicken broth for a non-alcoholic option.

4. Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
Yes, but add them just before baking to prevent overcooking.

How to Serve

Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with:

Side Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette.
Garlic Bread: Perfect for scooping up the creamy sauce.

Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, asparagus, or green beans complement the dish beautifully.