There’s something undeniably comforting about a dish that combines tender shrimp, garlicky butter, and pasta baked together until warm and irresistible. Shrimp scampi pasta bake takes the bright, classic flavors of traditional shrimp scampi and transforms them into a cozy, oven-baked meal that feels both familiar and indulgent. It’s the kind of recipe that fills your kitchen with incredible aromas and makes dinner feel like something to look forward to.

What makes this dish especially appealing is how it balances elegance and ease. Shrimp scampi is often associated with quick stovetop cooking and restaurant-style meals, but baking it with pasta creates a heartier, more comforting version that’s perfect for sharing. The shrimp stay tender, the pasta absorbs all that buttery, garlicky goodness, and everything comes together in one satisfying dish that feels generous and comforting.

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This is a recipe made for real life. It works beautifully for busy weeknights when you want something special without extra effort, and it’s just as perfect for weekends, family dinners, or casual entertaining. The flavors are bright yet cozy, rich without being heavy, and familiar enough to please everyone at the table.

If you love comforting pasta dishes with a touch of elegance, shrimp scampi pasta bake is exactly the kind of recipe you’ll want to keep on hand. It’s warm, flavorful, and deeply satisfying—the kind of meal that invites you to slow down, serve generous portions, and enjoy every bite.

Why You’ll Love It

Shrimp scampi pasta bake brings together everything we love about comfort food and elevates it with bright, garlicky flavor and tender shrimp. It takes the classic stovetop shrimp scampi and turns it into a cozy baked dish that feels hearty, satisfying, and perfect for sharing. If you enjoy pasta dishes that are rich without being heavy, this recipe hits that sweet spot beautifully.

One of the biggest reasons this dish stands out is its balance. The shrimp remain light and delicate, while the buttery garlic sauce adds depth and richness. Baking everything together allows the pasta to soak up the flavors, creating a dish that tastes layered and complete rather than saucy or overpowering. It’s comforting without feeling excessive.

You’ll also love how practical this recipe is. It’s easy enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for guests. It can be prepped ahead, baked when needed, and served straight from the oven. Whether you’re cooking for family or hosting a casual dinner, shrimp scampi pasta bake feels special while still being approachable.

Ingredients + Tips

This dish relies on simple, familiar ingredients, but each one plays an important role in building flavor and texture.

Shrimp
Large or extra-large shrimp work best. Peel and devein them beforehand, and make sure they’re fully thawed if frozen. Shrimp cook quickly, so they stay tender and juicy when baked just until done.

Pasta
Short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or ziti are ideal because they hold the sauce well and bake evenly. Cook the pasta just until al dente so it doesn’t become mushy in the oven.

Garlic & Butter
Garlic is the heart of scampi flavor. Fresh minced garlic gives the best aroma and taste. Butter adds richness, while a touch of olive oil helps balance the sauce.

Lemon & Broth
Lemon juice brightens the dish and keeps it from feeling too heavy. A splash of chicken or seafood broth adds savory depth without overpowering the shrimp.

Cheese
Parmesan adds a salty, savory finish and helps bind everything together. Use freshly grated cheese for the smoothest texture.

Tips for Best Results

Don’t overcook the shrimp before baking; they’ll finish cooking in the oven.
Salt the pasta water generously for well-seasoned pasta.
Add lemon juice gradually and taste as you go.
Let the bake rest briefly before serving so it sets nicely.

Steps (Shrimp & Garlic Butter Sauce)

Cook the Pasta
Boil pasta in salted water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce
In a skillet, melt butter with olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, being careful not to brown it.
Add Shrimp
Add shrimp to the skillet and cook briefly until just opaque. Remove from heat.
Build the Sauce
Stir in broth, lemon juice, and seasoning. Let the sauce simmer lightly to combine flavors.
Assemble the Bake
Combine pasta, shrimp, and sauce in a baking dish. Toss gently to coat evenly.
Bake
Sprinkle with Parmesan and bake until bubbly and lightly golden on top.
Finish & Serve
Garnish with fresh herbs and serve warm.

Variations

Shrimp scampi pasta bake is easy to customize to your taste or pantry.

Extra Cheesy: Add mozzarella for a gooey, baked finish.
Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or chili oil.
Veggie Boost: Stir in spinach, asparagus, or roasted tomatoes.
Creamy Version: Add a splash of cream to the sauce.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta without changing the method.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Because shrimp are delicate, it’s best not to overstore.

To reheat, warm gently in the oven or microwave until just heated through. Add a small splash of broth or butter to keep the pasta from drying out.

Serving Suggestions

Serve shrimp scampi pasta bake with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables to balance the richness. Garlic bread or crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the buttery sauce. This dish also pairs beautifully with light, citrusy drinks or sparkling water.

Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

A cozy baked pasta dish made with tender shrimp, garlicky butter sauce, and lemony scampi flavors—comforting, elegant, and perfect for sharing.

Course: DinnerCuisine: American, Italian-InspiredPrep Time: 15 minutesCook Time: 25 minutesTotal Time: 40 minutesServings: 4–5Calories: ~540 kcal per serving

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Ingredients Method

Ingredients

For the Pasta Bake
12 oz short pasta penne, rotini, or ziti
1 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined
3 tbsp unsalted butter
1 tbsp olive oil
5 cloves garlic minced
1/2 cup chicken or seafood broth
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1/2 tsp lemon zest
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes optional
3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Method

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a skillet, melt butter with olive oil over medium heat.
Add garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
Add shrimp and cook just until pink, about 1–2 minutes per side.
Stir in broth, lemon juice, zest, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
Combine pasta, shrimp, and sauce in a baking dish.
Sprinkle evenly with Parmesan cheese.
Bake for 15–18 minutes until bubbly and lightly golden.
Garnish with parsley and serve warm.

Final Thoughts

Shrimp scampi pasta bake is the kind of dish that makes comfort food feel just a little more special. By combining tender shrimp, garlicky butter sauce, and baked pasta, it delivers warmth, flavor, and satisfaction in every bite. It’s familiar yet elevated, cozy yet fresh, and always comforting.

What truly sets this recipe apart is how effortlessly it fits into everyday life. It can be prepped ahead, customized to your taste, and served straight from the oven without fuss. Whether you’re cooking for loved ones or simply treating yourself to a comforting meal, this dish delivers consistent, delicious results.

If you’re looking for a pasta bake that feels indulgent without being heavy and elegant without being complicated, shrimp scampi pasta bake is a recipe you’ll come back to again and again. It’s warm, flavorful, and deeply satisfying—the kind of meal that turns any dinner into a moment worth enjoying.