Cheesy Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake: A Comforting Delight

Indulging in a cheesy and garlicky Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is like wrapping yourself in a warm, delicious hug from the inside out. Imagine the crispy edges, the creamy sauce bubbling away, and the tantalizing aroma wafting through your kitchen, making even the pickiest eaters perk up with interest. This dish embodies comfort food at its finest, combining succulent shrimp with al dente pasta, all enveloped in a dreamy garlic butter sauce.

Every time I whip up this Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake, it transports me back to family gatherings where laughter mingled with the savory scents of dinner. My friends always tease me about how I can turn anything into a bake—who knew baking could be a culinary superpower? Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish never fails to impress and satisfy.

I still remember the first time I made this for my friends; their delighted reactions were priceless and inspired more memorable dinners together.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Medium Shrimp: Choose fresh or frozen shrimp; they should be peeled and deveined for easy cooking.

• Pasta: I prefer using penne or fusilli; their shapes hold onto the sauce perfectly.

• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds incredible depth and flavor; avoid pre-minced for better taste.

• Butter: Use unsalted butter for better control over the seasoning in your sauce.

• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated cheese melts beautifully and enhances the overall flavor profile.

• Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs adds warmth and complexity; feel free to add your favorites!

• Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley brightens up the dish with color and freshness just before serving.

• Lemon Juice: A splash of lemon juice elevates the flavors, adding brightness that balances richness.

• Cream Cheese: This gives an extra creamy texture that makes every bite irresistible.

• Olive Oil: For sautéing shrimp and enhancing flavors; choose high-quality extra virgin olive oil if possible.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Your Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and lightly grease it with cooking spray or butter.

Sauté the Shrimp and Garlic Delightfully: In a large skillet over medium heat, combine olive oil and butter until melted. Add minced garlic, sauté until fragrant—about 1 minute—then toss in the shrimp until they turn pink.

Add Creaminess and Flavor to Your Dish: Stir in cream cheese until melted smoothly into the mix. Then pour in lemon juice along with Italian seasoning for that perfect flavor explosion.

Mix Pasta Into The Creamy Mixture : Cook your pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well before folding it into the shrimp mixture gently so that every pasta piece gets coated.

Add Cheese for Ultimate Flavor & Texture : Sprinkle half of your grated Parmesan cheese into your pasta bake mix. Pour everything into your prepared baking dish evenly before topping it off with remaining cheese.

Bake Until Golden & Delicious : Pop your creation into the oven for about 20-25 minutes or until golden brown on top. Keep an eye on it—the bubbling aroma will be hard to resist!

Once you take that first bite of Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake, you’ll understand why it’s such a hit! Enjoy sharing this delightful dish with family or friends as you savor each cheesy morsel together.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by sautéing the shrimp until pink, then cook pasta while preparing the buttery garlic sauce. Combine everything and bake until bubbly for perfect results.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap shrimp for chicken or add veggies like spinach or cherry tomatoes. Experiment with different cheeses for a unique flavor profile!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven for best results, ensuring it stays creamy and delicious.

Sharing this recipe reminds me of a cozy dinner party where my friends couldn’t get enough of this dish. Their laughter and compliments made cooking worthwhile!

FAQ

Can I use frozen shrimp for Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake?

Yes, but fresh shrimp provides better flavor and texture in this dish.

What type of pasta works best?

Short pasta like penne or fusilli holds the sauce beautifully, enhancing every bite.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble it the night before and bake just before serving for added convenience.

Print

Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

---

• Author: Mark Taylor
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Indulge in the creamy, cheesy goodness of Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake, a comforting dish that brings together succulent shrimp, al dente pasta, and a rich garlic butter sauce. Baked to golden perfection with layers of melted cheese, this dish is perfect for family dinners or impressing guests. Easy to prepare and full of flavor, it will quickly become a favorite in your home.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 8 oz penne pasta
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 4 oz cream cheese
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

---

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, melt olive oil and butter. Sauté garlic until fragrant (about 1 minute) before adding shrimp until pink.
3. Stir in cream cheese until smooth. Add lemon juice and Italian seasoning.
4. Cook pasta according to package instructions; drain and fold into the shrimp mixture.
5. Mix half of the Parmesan into the pasta bake mix, then transfer to the baking dish and top with remaining cheese.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown on top.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 440
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 26g
• Cholesterol: 160mg

Keywords: For added flavor, swap shrimp for chicken or toss in veggies like spinach or cherry tomatoes. Experiment with different cheeses for unique twists!