If your taste buds daydream about a creamy, garlicky, and lemon-bright seafood dinner that’s delightfully easy yet impressive enough for guests, trust me, Baked Shrimp Scampi Pasta is the answer! This dish turns classic shrimp scampi into a cozy baked pasta—juicy shrimp meet twirls of al dente linguine, all bathed in a buttery, citrus-kissed sauce and blanketed with bubbly Parmesan. Whether you’re a lover of Italian-inspired flavors or just want a new spin on seafood pasta, this is the comforting, crowd-pleasing meal you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Baked Shrimp Scampi Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Baked Shrimp Scampi Pasta lies in how it transforms simple, everyday ingredients into something truly special. Each item not only brings a distinct flavor or texture but also ensures the final dish bursts with color and freshness.

Linguine or spaghetti (12 ounces): This is the hearty foundation that soaks up all that zesty, buttery sauce.
Large shrimp (1 pound): Use peeled and deveined shrimp for the sweetest, juiciest bites every time.
Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons, melted): Lends rich, velvety flavor and keeps the sauce luscious.
Olive oil (3 tablespoons): Adds depth and helps the garlic gently sizzle without burning.
Garlic (4 cloves, minced): The star aromatics—freshly minced is best for that irresistible aroma.
Red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon): Just enough to give your sauce a delicate, spicy tickle.
Dry white wine or chicken broth (1/2 cup): Wine adds sophistication, broth is a flavorful, alcohol-free swap.
Lemon (zest and juice of 1): Fresh lemon brings brightness and zing that makes the flavors pop.
Grated Parmesan cheese (1/3 cup): For nutty, savory depth, plus that golden finish after baking.
Chopped fresh parsley (1/4 cup): A scattering of color and a burst of freshness right before serving.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Just enough to enhance every flavor in the pan.
Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): For a subtle, peppery finish.
Extra lemon wedges for serving: Perfect for squeezing over your plate just before digging in.

How to Make Baked Shrimp Scampi Pasta

Step 1: Get Set and Prep Your Ingredients

Before you even turn on the oven, gather all your ingredients and preheat to 375°F (190°C). Peeling and deveining your shrimp ahead of time makes everything go smoother. Zest and juice your lemon, mince that garlic, and chop your parsley—you want everything at your fingertips once you start cooking.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta to Al Dente Perfection

Bring a big pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook your linguine or spaghetti until it’s just al dente (still firm in the center). Remember, the pasta will spend more time baking in the oven, so avoid overcooking it. Drain the pasta and set it aside for now.

Step 3: Build the Garlicky Lemon Scampi Sauce

Heat the olive oil and half the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for about a minute until the fragrance is dreamy but the garlic isn’t browned. Pour in the wine (or chicken broth), followed by the lemon juice and zest. Let everything simmer together for 2–3 minutes so the flavors meld and the sauce reduces slightly.

Step 4: Sauté Shrimp Until Just Pink

Stir in the remaining butter, salt, and pepper, then add the shrimp to your skillet in a single layer. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side until they’re pink and opaque. Don’t overcook—shrimp should be juicy and plump. Once done, take the skillet off the heat.

Step 5: Assemble and Toss Everything Together

In a large mixing bowl, combine the just-cooked pasta with the scampi sauce and half of the Parmesan cheese. Toss well so that the sauce coats every strand of pasta. This step ensures maximum flavor in every bite.

Step 6: Bake to Golden, Bubbly Goodness

Transfer the coated pasta to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, then evenly nestle the shrimp throughout. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan on top for that lovely cheesy finish. Bake for 10–12 minutes, just until the dish is heated through and the cheese melts into a light golden crust.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve Your Baked Shrimp Scampi Pasta

Pull your Baked Shrimp Scampi Pasta out of the oven, then shower with freshly chopped parsley. Serve right away with extra lemon wedges on the side, so everyone gets that last burst of citrus. Enjoy every forkful!

How to Serve Baked Shrimp Scampi Pasta

Garnishes

Don’t skip the finishing touches! A little fresh parsley adds color and a clean, herbal flavor. Extra lemon wedges let everyone customize their plate with extra brightness. And if you love texture, a sprinkle of toasted breadcrumbs or even a final dusting of Parmesan right at the table brings this dish to restaurant quality.

Side Dishes

Baked Shrimp Scampi Pasta pairs beautifully with crisp green salads—think arugula or baby spinach tossed with a simple vinaigrette. For contrast, warm garlic bread or a rustic baguette is perfect for mopping up that luscious, lemony sauce. Consider roasted asparagus or simply steamed broccoli to add color and balance the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For an elegant touch at dinner parties, twirl individual portions of pasta with shrimp on top and serve in shallow bowls. Family style, just bring the whole bubbling baking dish right to the table for a rustic, inviting feel. For something a bit different, portion into ramekins for personal pasta bakes—everyone gets their own little cheesy, scampi-packed treasure!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have extra Baked Shrimp Scampi Pasta (lucky you!), store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. The flavors actually deepen by day two, making your leftovers taste even more delicious.

Freezing

For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked pasta and shrimp in a well-sealed container for up to one month. For best results, let the dish cool completely before freezing and try to use within a few weeks for peak flavor and texture.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven, covered with foil, until warmed through (about 15–20 minutes). If reheating individual portions, a microwave does the job in a pinch. Add a splash of chicken broth, wine, or a squeeze of lemon to freshen up the sauce while reheating.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for Baked Shrimp Scampi Pasta?

Absolutely! Just thaw the shrimp completely before cooking, and pat them dry to avoid watering down your sauce. Frozen shrimp makes this dish even more convenient for busy weeknights.

What type Main Course

Linguine or spaghetti are classic choices, but you can experiment with fettuccine, bucatini, or even gluten-free pasta. Just be sure to cook until just al dente so the noodles hold up well during baking.

Is Baked Shrimp Scampi Pasta spicy?

It has a gentle kick from the red pepper flakes, but it isn’t overwhelming. If you’re sensitive to heat or making this for kids, simply use less or omit the pepper flakes entirely.

Can I prepare part of this dish in advance?

You can cook the pasta and prep the shrimp, lemon, and garlic ahead of time. Assemble everything just before baking for the freshest, most vibrant flavors. This makes it a stress-free option for entertaining.

What wine works best for the sauce?

Dry white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio are ideal because they add brightness without overpowering the shrimp. If you’d rather skip alcohol, low-sodium chicken broth is a wonderful, flavorful alternative.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so comforting and festive about sitting down to a big dish of Baked Shrimp Scampi Pasta, with its golden cheese crust and bright, zesty flavor. Whether it’s a weeknight family dinner or a dish to impress your guests, you’ll love how easy and rewarding this recipe is. Give it a try—you may just find your new favorite way to enjoy shrimp pasta!

Baked Shrimp Scampi Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 12 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in a delightful dish of Baked Shrimp Scampi Pasta that combines succulent shrimp with a zesty lemon-garlic sauce, tossed with pasta and baked to perfection with a cheesy Parmesan topping.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta:

12 ounces linguine or spaghetti

Shrimp:

1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails on or off)

Scampi Sauce:

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
3 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/2 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Extra lemon wedges for serving

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook Pasta: Cook pasta until al dente, drain, and set aside.
Prepare Scampi Sauce: In a skillet, sauté garlic and red pepper flakes in olive oil and butter. Add wine, lemon juice, zest, remaining butter, salt, and pepper. Cook shrimp until pink, then remove from heat.
Combine Pasta and Scampi Sauce: Toss cooked pasta with scampi sauce and half of the Parmesan. Transfer to a baking dish, arrange shrimp, sprinkle with remaining Parmesan.
Bake: Bake for 10–12 minutes until heated through and cheese is golden.
Serve: Garnish with parsley and lemon wedges before serving.