Cheesy Garlic Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

Cheesy Garlic Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is the ultimate cozy dinner that brings garlicky shrimp and creamy butter sauce together in perfect harmony. Tender shrimp sizzle in a Parmesan cream, mingling with al dente penne before being crowned with gooey mozzarella and broiled to golden-brown perfection. Each bite offers rich, savory layers kissed by red pepper flakes and fresh parsley. Ready in under an hour, this intermediate-level bake is sure to impress your family or dinner guests—grab your fork and let’s dive into this irresistible, warm pasta masterpiece!

Key Ingredients

Before we start cooking, let’s gather the star players that make this bake so irresistible:

• 12 ounces penne pasta: Al dente base that holds onto the creamy garlic-butter sauce perfectly.
• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined: Tender protein that soaks up all the garlicky, buttery flavors.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced: Pungent aromatics that infuse the sauce with classic scampi goodness.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds richness and helps sauté the garlic evenly.
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter: Delivers that silky, indulgent sauce we all crave.
• ½ cup dry white wine: Bright acidity that deglazes the pan and lifts the sauce.
• 1 cup heavy cream: Creates the luscious, velvety texture of the scampi sauce.
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Sharp, nutty backbone that thickens and enriches the cream.
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into a stretchy, golden topping for the perfect bake.
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes: A hint of heat to balance the richness.
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: Fresh, herbaceous finish that brightens every bite.
• Salt to taste: Enhances all the flavors in the dish.
• Black pepper to taste: Adds a touch of warm spice and depth.

How To Make Cheesy Garlic Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

Let’s walk through the steps to build this luscious, bubbly pasta bake. You’ll start by cooking the pasta and shrimp, then whip up a creamy garlic-parmesan sauce before combining everything for a final bake. Each step ensures your shrimp stay tender, the sauce clings beautifully, and the cheese topping turns irresistibly golden.

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a little butter or oil to prevent sticking.

2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne until al dente, about 1–2 minutes less than package instructions. Drain, reserving ½ cup of pasta water to help bind the sauce.

3. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter with the olive oil. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute, being careful not to let the garlic brown.

4. Add the shrimp in a single layer, season with salt and pepper, and cook until they turn pink and opaque, about 2 minutes per side. Transfer shrimp to a plate and set aside.

5. Pour the white wine into the skillet and let it simmer for 2 minutes, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom.

6. Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and reserved pasta water. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3 minutes.

7. Return the cooked penne and shrimp to the skillet, tossing gently to coat evenly in the creamy sauce.

8. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the top with shredded mozzarella for that perfect cheesy crust.

9. Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly around the edges.

10. For an extra golden finish, switch the oven to broil on high and broil for 1–2 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.

11. Remove from the oven, let the bake rest for 5 minutes, then garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Transform this bake into a complete feast with these fun serving ideas:

• Serve with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness and add refreshing crunch.
• Pair with garlic breadsticks or crusty baguette for scooping up every last bit of creamy sauce.
• Add a side of blanched asparagus or steamed broccoli for vibrant color and a healthy veggie boost.
• Offer lemon wedges at the table so guests can squeeze fresh juice over their portion, brightening each bite.

Tips For Perfect Cheesy Garlic Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

Mastering this bake is all about timing and ingredient swaps to suit your taste. Here are some friendly pointers before you dive in:

• Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Substitute chicken broth for white wine if you prefer a non-alcoholic version.
• Add a squeeze of lemon juice before baking for extra brightness.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

How To Store It

This pasta bake reheats beautifully, so you can enjoy it all week long! Here’s how to keep it fresh:

• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain creaminess.
• To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes until warmed through, ensuring the cheese remains gooey.
• For quick reheating, place a portion in a microwave-safe dish and microwave on medium power for 2–3 minutes, stirring halfway to heat evenly.
• If you’d like to freeze leftovers, transfer cooled portions to freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 1 month; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to the most common questions about this bake:

• How long does it take to prepare and bake the Cheesy Garlic Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake?

The total time is about 45 minutes. This includes 10 minutes for prep (chopping garlic, seasoning shrimp, and preheating the oven), 10 minutes to cook the pasta and shrimp, 5 minutes to make the sauce, 12–15 minutes to bake until bubbly, and a 5-minute resting period before serving.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes. Simply substitute the penne pasta with an equal amount of your favorite gluten-free pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions, drain, and reserve some cooking water just as you would with regular pasta to help thicken the sauce.

• What can I use instead of dry white wine for a non-alcoholic version?

You can replace the ½ cup of dry white wine with ½ cup of low-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth. This swap will maintain the savory depth of flavor without the alcohol.

• How do I prevent the shrimp from overcooking and becoming rubbery?

Sauté the shrimp over medium heat for only about 2 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove them from the skillet immediately and set aside; they will finish cooking in the sauce and the oven, ensuring they stay tender.

• Can I prepare this dish in advance and reheat it later?

Yes. Assemble the pasta and shrimp in the baking dish, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, uncover, sprinkle with mozzarella, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes until heated through and the cheese is melted.

• How should I store and reheat leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place portions in a microwave-safe dish and heat for 2–3 minutes, stirring halfway through. For better texture, reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 minutes, covered with foil.

• What variations can I make to customize the flavor?

You can add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before baking for brightness, swap in Fontina or provolone for mozzarella, stir in a handful of baby spinach, or increase red pepper flakes for more heat. Fresh basil or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper after baking also adds a nice touch.

What Makes This Special

This Cheesy Garlic Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake shines because it balances rich, garlicky goodness with tender shrimp and perfectly al dente penne—all topped with a bubbly, golden crust that’s hard to resist. It works every time, whether you’re cooking for family or hosting friends, and it’s flexible enough to swap in gluten-free pasta or broth for wine. Feel free to print this recipe and tuck it into your favorite binder—you’ll want to save it for weeknight dinners and casual gatherings alike. Let me know how it turns out or drop your questions below!

Print Recipe

Cheesy Garlic Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

Author: Rachael Foster Courses: Dinner

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 37 mins Rest Time 5 mins Total Time 57 mins

Calories: 645

Description

Tender shrimp sizzle in garlic-butter sauce, mingling with al dente penne bathed in Parmesan cream. Baked until cheese bubbles and caramelizes, each forkful offers rich, savory layers kissed by flaky red pepper flakes and fresh parsley.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 12 ounces penne pasta

• 1 pound large shrimp peeled and deveined

• 4 cloves garlic minced

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

• ½ cup dry white wine

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

• Salt to taste

• Black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and reserve ½ cup of pasta cooking water.
3. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and olive oil. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
4. Add the shrimp to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and cook until pink and opaque, about 2 minutes per side. Remove shrimp and set aside.
5. Pour the white wine into the skillet and simmer for 2 minutes, scraping up any browned bits.
6. Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and reserved pasta water. Cook until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3 minutes.
7. Add the cooked penne and shrimp back into the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the sauce.
8. Transfer the pasta and shrimp mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly on top.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. For a golden brown top, switch the oven to broil on high and broil for 1–2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
11. Remove from the oven, let rest for 5 minutes, then garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Note

• Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Substitute chicken broth for white wine if you prefer a non-alcoholic version.
• Add a squeeze of lemon juice before baking for extra brightness.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Keywords: shrimp pasta, garlic pasta bake, scampi bake, cheesy shrimp dish, creamy pasta, baked penne