Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

Tender shrimp and pasta tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce with fresh lemon, then baked under a blanket of melty cheese until golden and bubbly.

Prep Time

30 Minutes

Cook Time

35 Minutes

Total Time

65 Minutes

By: Clare Greco

Category: Hearty Mains

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Italian-American

Yield: 6 Servings

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Pasta and Shrimp

1 pound (450g) pasta (like cavatappi, cellentani, penne, or rotini)

1½ pounds (680g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined

→ Sauce Base

½ cup (113g) unsalted butter

¼ cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil

6-8 cloves garlic, minced

1 large lemon, zested and juiced (about ¼ cup juice)

½ cup (120ml) vegetable or chicken broth

½ cup fresh parsley, chopped, plus extra for garnish

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

¼-½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

→ Cheesy Topping

1 cup (100g) Parmesan cheese, freshly grated

1 cup (113g) low-moisture mozzarella cheese, shredded

Instructions

Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until it’s al dente, about 1 minute less than package directions suggest (it will continue cooking in the oven). Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining. Don’t rinse the pasta – the starch helps the sauce cling better.

While the pasta cooks, melt the butter and olive oil together in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Reduce heat if necessary.

Pour in the broth and fresh lemon juice, allowing the mixture to simmer for about 2 minutes. Stir in the lemon zest and half of the chopped parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting as needed.

Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook just until they begin to turn pink and curl slightly, about 2-4 minutes depending on size. Be careful not to overcook as they’ll continue cooking in the oven. Remove from heat as soon as they’re pink.

Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the shrimp and sauce, gently tossing until everything is well coated. Stir in half of the Parmesan and half of the mozzarella. If the mixture seems dry, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up – you want it saucy but not soupy.

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). If you’re not using an oven-safe skillet, transfer the mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan and mozzarella evenly over the top.

Bake for 20-25 minutes until the edges are bubbling and the cheese on top is melted and golden. For extra browning, you can broil for the final 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.

Let the pasta bake rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly. Sprinkle with the remaining fresh parsley just before serving for a burst of color and fresh flavor.

Notes

Pasta shapes with nooks and crannies like cavatappi or rotini work best for this dish as they capture more of the delicious sauce.
For extra crunch, mix some panko breadcrumbs with a little melted butter and sprinkle over the cheese before baking.
This dish is perfect paired with garlic bread and a simple green salad with lemon dressing.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat gently to prevent the shrimp from becoming rubbery.