A tantalizing aroma wafts through the air, whispering promises of buttery goodness and savory satisfaction. This is the moment to transform your dinner routine with my irresistible Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake! Easy to whip up, this dish effortlessly combines the elegance of a classic shrimp scampi with the cozy appeal of a baked pasta. Packed with tender shrimp, a rich lemon-butter sauce, and gooey mozzarella, it’s designed to be a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting friends or cozying up for a weeknight dinner, this adaptable recipe is here to save the day. With gluten-free options available, it caters to everyone at the table. Are you ready to elevate your dining experience and impress your loved ones? Let’s dive into this delectable recipe that promises both comfort and flair!

Why is this Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake special?

Mouthwatering flavors: This dish marries the classic taste of shrimp scampi with a creamy, cheesy pasta bake that’s sure to please everyone.
Flexible recipe: Easily adapt it to suit gluten-free diets or swap out cheeses for a unique twist!
Quick and easy: With straightforward steps, it’s perfect for busy weeknights yet impressive enough for dinner parties.
Crowd-pleaser: Whether for a cozy family dinner or entertaining friends, everyone will be reaching for seconds!
Make-ahead convenience: Prepare it the night before, refrigerate, and simply bake when you need to wow your guests—just like my Tuna Pasta Bake!

Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Ingredients

• Dive into this delightful dish with the ingredients you’ll need.

For the Pasta

Rigatoni Pasta – Provides the perfect base; feel free to substitute with penne for a new texture!

For the Shrimp

Large Shrimp (1 lb) – Must be peeled and deveined; frozen shrimp can work—just make sure to thaw and dry them well.

For the Sauce

Unsalted Butter (4 tbsp) – Essential for richness and flavor; don’t skip this for a luxurious taste.
Olive Oil (2 tbsp) – Prevents butter from burning while adding savory notes to the sauce.
Garlic (4 cloves, minced) – The aromatic backbone; more garlic means more flavor!
Dry White Wine (1/2 cup) – Adds depth to the sauce; swap with broth and a splash of lemon juice for a non-alcoholic version.
Lemon Zest (1 tbsp) – Brightens the flavors; adds a refreshing twist to every bite.
Lemon Juice (2 tbsp) – Provides acidity to balance the richness of the dish.
Red Pepper Flakes (1/4 tsp, optional) – For a hint of heat; adjust according to your spice tolerance!

For the Topping

Mozzarella Cheese (1 1/2 cups, shredded) – Creates that signature gooey texture; fresh cheese melts beautifully!
Fresh Parsley (1/4 cup, chopped) – A touch of freshness and color to finish your dish.

For Seasoning

Salt (1/2 tsp) and Black Pepper (1/4 tsp) – Essential for flavor enhancement; season to taste as you prepare!

This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is a luscious blend of flavors that turn a simple dinner into a gourmet experience!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by setting your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by lightly greasing it with cooking spray or butter. This will ensure that your Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake comes out easily and doesn’t stick, making for a beautiful presentation.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta
In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil and add the rigatoni pasta. Cook it until it’s just under al dente, about 2 minutes less than package instructions. When done, drain the pasta and set it aside, allowing the excess water to evaporate so your bake doesn’t become watery.

Step 3: Sauté the Shrimp
In a large skillet over medium heat, combine the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter. Once the butter has melted, season your cleaned shrimp with salt and pepper before adding them to the skillet. Cook the shrimp for approximately 1-2 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the cooked shrimp and set them aside on a plate.

Step 4: Prepare the Sauce
In the same skillet, add the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter along with the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute, or until you can smell the delightful aroma of the garlic. Then, pour in the dry white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly reduced, then stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and optional red pepper flakes, simmering for an additional minute.

Step 5: Mix Pasta and Sauce
Carefully add the drained pasta into the skillet with the sauce while it’s still warm. Toss everything together thoroughly, ensuring that the rigatoni is well-coated in the rich lemon-butter sauce. To enhance the flavor, mix in 3/4 cup of shredded mozzarella and half of the sautéed shrimp, incorporating them evenly throughout the pasta.

Step 6: Assemble the Dish
Transfer the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly for a nice, even bake. Top the pasta with the remaining shrimp and sprinkle the rest of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top, creating a delicious cheesy layer that will melt beautifully in the oven.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Place the assembled Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake into the preheated oven and bake for about 15-18 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top, creating an irresistible crust that invites you to dig in.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, allow the dish to cool for a couple of minutes. Finish your Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake with a generous sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve hot, paired with lemon wedges if desired, to enhance the dish’s vibrant flavors.

How to Store and Freeze Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake tightly wrapped in foil for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating: To reheat, cover the dish with foil and place it in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15 minutes until heated through, or microwave individual portions until warm.

Tip: Always let the dish cool completely before storing to prevent excess moisture buildup.

Expert Tips for Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

Perfect Pasta: Cook rigatoni just under al dente; it will finish baking in the oven, preventing mushiness in your Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake.
Thawing Shrimp: If using frozen shrimp, ensure they’re completely thawed and patted dry. This helps avoid excess moisture that can make your dish watery.
Taste as You Go: Always taste and adjust seasoning throughout the process. A little extra salt or lemon juice can elevate the overall flavor of your shrimp dish!
Cheese Choice: For the best melting experience, opt for fresh mozzarella. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect texture.
Baking Dish Prep: Grease your baking dish properly to prevent sticking. This ensures your Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake comes out beautifully without falling apart.
Make it Ahead: Prepare the dish up to 24 hours in advance. Assemble, cover, and refrigerate, then simply bake before serving for effortless entertaining!

What to Serve with Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

A delightful dinner deserves equally enticing companions to create a truly memorable meal experience.

Garlic Bread: The perfect crunchy companion, garlic bread adds a delightful aroma and buttery richness, perfect for mopping up every last bit of sauce.
Crisp Caesar Salad: A fresh Caesar salad, with its tangy dressing and crunchy croutons, provides a refreshing contrast to the creamy pasta and makes for a perfect palate cleanser.
Roasted Asparagus: These tender stalks, roasted to perfection, bring a pleasant textural crunch and vibrant color, balancing the dish’s richness while adding a nutritious touch.
Lemon Wedge Garnish: A slice of lemon beside the pasta bake instantly brightens the dish with citrusy goodness, enhancing flavors and adding a pop of color to your plate.
Chardonnay: A chilled glass of Chardonnay complements the buttery shrimp wonderfully, echoing the wine used in the sauce and enhancing the meal’s overall elegance.
Tiramisu: End your meal on a sweet note with a classic Italian dessert. Its light texture and coffee flavor provide a lovely contrast to the rich pasta bake—an irresistible way to round out your dinner!

Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Variations

Feel free to take this delightful dish to new heights by customizing it to your taste and dietary needs!

Gluten-Free Pasta: Substitute regular pasta with gluten-free rigatoni or a pasta of your choice for everyone to enjoy. This switch encourages inclusivity around the dinner table without sacrificing flavor.
Cheese Swap: Replace mozzarella with Parmesan for a nuttier flavor, or choose fontina for added creaminess. Experiment with your favorite cheeses to find your perfect blend.
Extra Veggies: Bulk up the dish by adding sautéed spinach or zucchini. This not only enhances the nutritional value but also adds vibrant colors and textures that are irresistibly tempting.
Reduce the Heat: For a milder taste, simply omit the red pepper flakes. This keeps the dish savory and rich while allowing delicate flavors to shine through.
Lemon Lovers: Amplify the citrusy zing by incorporating additional lemon zest and juice. This bright addition elevates the flavor profile and refreshes your palate with each bite.
Pasta Chips: Transform leftovers into a gourmet treat by creating pasta chips! Simply bake leftover pasta until crispy, then garnish them with fresh herbs and enjoy as a crunchy snack.
Seafood Medley: Amp up your seafood experience by adding scallops or crab meat alongside the shrimp. This flavorful twist offers a taste of the ocean in every bite and makes it an extravagant feast.

If you enjoyed this scrumptious pasta bake, don’t forget to check out other delightful dishes like my Crab Shrimp Stuffed and One Pot Pasta for more recipe inspiration!

Make Ahead Options

This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is an excellent option for meal prep, allowing you to save precious time during your busy weeknights. You can assemble the entire dish up to 24 hours in advance; simply cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate to preserve its flavors and prevent drying out. To maintain quality, prepare the pasta just under al dente, and combine it with the shrimp and sauce before transferring to the baking dish. When you’re ready to serve, uncover and bake directly from the fridge, adding an extra few minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through. You’ll have a deliciously comforting meal ready to impress your family or guests with minimal effort!

Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe FAQs

What type of pasta is best for Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake?
I recommend using rigatoni for its ideal shape that holds the creamy sauce well. If you want to switch things up, penne or ziti are great alternatives. Avoid using long noodles like spaghetti, as they can clump together in a bake.

How should I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes until warmed through, or microwave individual portions until hot.

Can I freeze Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake?
Absolutely! You can freeze the pasta bake tightly wrapped in foil for up to 2 months. For best results, let it cool completely before wrapping. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge, then reheat as instructed.

What if I overcooked my shrimp?
No worries! Overcooked shrimp can become tough, but they will finish cooking in the oven. Make sure to keep the cooking time short in the skillet—about 1-2 minutes per side is enough for that pink, juicy texture. You can also add some broth or extra sauce during reheating to keep them moist.

Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?
Very much so! You can substitute the rigatoni with gluten-free pasta. Just ensure to check the cooking instructions for the specific pasta you choose, as cooking times may vary.

Can I use frozen shrimp, and how do I prepare them?
Yes, frozen shrimp work perfectly in this recipe! Thaw the shrimp overnight in the fridge or under cold water, then pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps your dish stay creamy and prevents it from becoming watery.