Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Bake

9 2 minutes read

This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake transforms the classic garlic-and-lemon scampi flavors into a rich, cheesy casserole that’s perfect for sharing. With the addition of heavy cream and a layer of melted mozzarella, it becomes extra indulgent—somewhere between traditional scampi and a creamy Alfredo-style dish.

Pro tip: Cook the pasta 1–2 minutes less than the package instructions so it can absorb the flavorful sauce in the oven without becoming too soft.

Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

12 oz pasta (penne, ziti, or fettuccine)
1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/2 cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
Juice of 1 lemon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

For the Creamy Sauce

1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the pasta
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta slightly under the recommended time (about 1–2 minutes less). Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the shrimp
In a large skillet, heat the butter and olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Remove from the skillet and set aside, being careful not to overcook.

Step 3: Prepare the scampi base
Using the same skillet, sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the wine (or broth) along with the lemon juice. Let it simmer for about 2 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.

Step 4: Make the creamy sauce
Stir in the heavy cream, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and nutmeg. Let the mixture simmer for 3–4 minutes, until it begins to thicken slightly.

Step 5: Assemble and bake
Combine the pasta and shrimp with the sauce, tossing until everything is well coated. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the top. Bake for about 15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 6: Serve
Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and serve right away while the cheese is hot and gooey.

9 2 minutes read