This Creamy Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is a cheesy, garlicky one-dish meal with tender shrimp, al dente pasta, and a silky cream sauce. It’s bright from garlic and parsley, rich from cream and cheeses, and just a touch spicy if you add red pepper flakes. The top gets bubbly and golden in the oven comfort food that still feels a little fancy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Top reasons to make it: it’s quick to pull together, uses simple pantry ingredients, and it’s great for feeding picky eaters or weekend company.
- Ready in about 30–40 minutes
- Uses simple pantry staples and frozen or fresh shrimp
- Crowd-pleasing cheesy finish
- Easy to make ahead and reheat
If you like creamy pasta bakes, you might also enjoy a similar comfort classic such as Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake.
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta, (such as penne or fusilli)
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes, (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions of Creamy Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the pasta until just shy of al dente (about 1–2 minutes less than package time); drain and set aside.
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté half the garlic until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
- Add the shrimp, season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using), and cook 1–2 minutes per side until pink and just cooked through; remove shrimp to a plate.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil and the rest of the garlic; cook 30 seconds then pour in the heavy cream.
- Stir in half the Parmesan and half the mozzarella until the sauce thickens slightly (about 2–3 minutes). Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
- Toss the cooked pasta and shrimp into the cream sauce until coated.
- Transfer everything to a lightly greased 9×9-inch (or similar) baking dish and sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan evenly on top.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and lightly golden. Turn on broiler for 1–2 minutes if you want extra browning watch closely.
- Remove from oven, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve warm.
Tips for Success
- Use medium or large shrimp for best texture and avoid overcooking; shrimp cook fast.
- Don’t skip salting the pasta water it adds flavor from the inside out.
- Let the bake rest 3–5 minutes before serving so the sauce sets and is easier to scoop.
Substitutions & Variations of Creamy Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake
To Make It Vegan/Gluten-Free:
- Use gluten-free pasta if you need a GF option.
- For a vegan twist, swap heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk or a cashew cream and use vegan cheeses; replace shrimp with roasted chickpeas or hearts of palm.
Variations:
- Add a squeeze of lemon and extra parsley for a brighter flavor.
- Stir in baby spinach during step 6 for greens.
- Swap half the mozzarella for fontina for a richer melt, or add a handful of cherry tomatoes for sweetness.
Storage Instructions of Creamy Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 325°F or in the microwave until warmed through.
Freezer: You can freeze the bake without cheese topping for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, add cheese, and bake until hot and bubbly.
Make-Ahead: Prepare the pasta, sauce, and shrimp, assemble in the dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add cheese and bake when ready.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) of Creamy Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes — thaw, pat dry, and remove excess water before cooking so the sauce doesn’t get watery.
Can I make this without heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or a mix of milk and a little cornstarch to thicken, but the sauce will be lighter and less rich.
How do I prevent the shrimp from getting rubbery?
Cook shrimp only until they turn pink and curl; overcooking makes them tough. They’ll finish in the oven, so stop a touch early on the stove.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is an easy, comforting dish that feels special without a lot of fuss. It brings garlicky, cheesy, and creamy flavors together in one pan, perfect for busy weeknights or a simple dinner party. Try it, leave a comment about how it turned out, and don’t forget to give it a star rating if you loved it your feedback helps others find tasty, practical meals.
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Creamy Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake
A cheesy, garlicky one-dish meal featuring tender shrimp, al dente pasta, and a silky cream sauce, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (such as penne or fusilli)
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the pasta until just shy of al dente (about 1–2 minutes less than package time); drain and set aside.
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté half the garlic until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
- Add the shrimp, season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using), and cook 1–2 minutes per side until pink and just cooked through; remove shrimp to a plate.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil and the rest of the garlic; cook 30 seconds then pour in the heavy cream.
- Stir in half the Parmesan and half the mozzarella until the sauce thickens slightly (about 2–3 minutes). Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
- Toss the cooked pasta and shrimp into the cream sauce until coated.
- Transfer everything to a lightly greased 9×9-inch (or similar) baking dish and sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan evenly on top.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and lightly golden. Turn on broiler for 1–2 minutes if you want extra browning—watch closely.
- Remove from oven, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve warm.
Notes
Use medium or large shrimp for best texture and avoid overcooking; shrimp cook fast. Don’t skip salting the pasta water — it adds flavor from the inside out.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Seafood