Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake
Garlicky, buttery shrimp meets creamy baked pasta with a golden cheesy topping
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta penne, rigatoni, or ziti
- 1 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 5 garlic cloves minced
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes optional
- ½ cup dry white wine or chicken broth
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Boil salted water, cook pasta until just shy of al dente.
- Drain and set aside.
- Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp
- Heat olive oil + 1 tbsp butter in a skillet.
- Season shrimp with salt and pepper.
- Cook 1–2 minutes per side until just pink, then remove.
- Step 3: Make the Scampi Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt remaining butter.
- Add garlic, cook until fragrant.
- Stir in red pepper flakes and wine, simmer 2 minutes.
- Add lemon juice, zest, and cream. Whisk until slightly thickened.
- Stir in half the Parmesan.
- Step 4: Assemble the Bake
- Toss pasta and shrimp with the sauce.
- Transfer to a greased 9x13-inch dish.
- Top with mozzarella + remaining Parmesan.
- Step 5: Bake
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
Shrimp cooks fast—pull it early.
Slightly undercook pasta before baking.
Simmer sauce longer if it looks too thin.