Shrimp Scampi Bake Recipe with Garlic and Butter
Shrimp scampi pasta bake captures all the bold flavors of a beloved classic in one convenient dish that feeds a crowd.
This comfort food favorite combines seafood with tender noodles in a way that feels both special and satisfying.
Whether you need something impressive for company or simply want to enjoy a restaurant-style meal at home, it fits the bill perfectly.
The bubbling, golden top adds visual appeal while keeping everything underneath wonderfully moist and flavorful.
Weeknight dinners become more exciting when you have a dish that tastes like it took hours but comes together with minimal fuss.
Leftovers heat up beautifully, making it practical for meal planning throughout the week.
Serving it straight from the baking dish keeps cleanup simple and maintains that cozy, family-style atmosphere everyone loves.
Go grab that casserole dish and treat yourself to something truly delicious tonight.
What Sets Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Apart
Creamy Ingredients That Build Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake
Main Protein:Pasta Base:Flavor Enhancers:Creamy and Tangy Components:Crunchy Topping:Tools Used from Start to Finish for Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake
How to Bake Shrimp Scampi Pasta Casserole
Boil Pasta
Grab a large pot and fill it with water. Add a generous pinch of salt and bring to a rolling boil at 212°F. Drop 8 oz of linguine into the water and cook for 8 minutes until just tender. Drain the pasta, keeping 1/2 cup of the starchy water on the side.
Prepare Shrimp
Heat a skillet to medium heat (325°F). Grab your 1 lb of large shrimp and make sure they’re peeled and deveined. Create the base for the shrimp by melting 4 tbsp unsalted butter in the pan. Toss in:
Sauté the garlic for 30 seconds until it becomes wonderfully fragrant. Add the shrimp and cook for 3-4 minutes until they turn a beautiful pink color.
Mix Pasta Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the sautéed shrimp. Pour in these ingredients:
Gently toss everything together so each strand of pasta gets coated with the delicious sauce.
Prepare Breadcrumb Topping
Melt an extra 2 tbsp of butter and mix it with 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs until they’re evenly coated and slightly golden.
Assemble and Bake
Transfer the pasta and shrimp mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle the buttered breadcrumbs evenly across the top. Slide the dish into a preheated oven at 375°F and bake for 20-25 minutes until the top turns a gorgeous golden brown and the edges are bubbling.
Serve
Pull the baking dish out of the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. The dish will be hot, so be careful! Scoop out generous portions and enjoy your homemade shrimp scampi pasta bake while it’s warm.
Smart Tips for Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake
Creative Twists for Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake
Best Ways to Serve Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake
How to Store Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake
Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake FAQ Overview
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Thaw frozen shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking to prevent excess water in your dish.
How do I know if the shrimp are fully cooked?
Shrimp turn pink and curl into a “C” shape when they’re done. Overcooking makes them tough, so watch carefully during sautéing.
What if I don’t have panko breadcrumbs?
Regular breadcrumbs work perfectly fine. They’ll still create a delicious crispy topping for your pasta bake.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Prepare the entire dish, cover with foil, and refrigerate. Bake when ready, adding 5-10 extra minutes to the cooking time.
Is there a way to make this recipe spicier?
Add red pepper flakes to the garlic butter or sprinkle some cayenne pepper on top before baking for extra heat.
What pasta shapes work best for this recipe?
Shorter pasta like penne, rotini, or shells catch the sauce wonderfully and are perfect for this baked dish.
Baked Shrimp Scampi Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
Shrimp scampi pasta bake delivers pure comfort straight from your kitchen to the dinner table. Garlic, butter, and tender shrimp mingle with pasta in a creamy, cheesy casserole that makes weeknight dinners deliciously simple.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb large shrimp
- 8 oz linguine
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasoning and Aromatics:
- 4 cloves garlic
- ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley
Binding and Texture:
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients on your kitchen counter, ensuring everything is prepped and ready to transform into a delicious meal.
- Fill a large pot with water, add 1 tablespoon salt, and bring to a rolling boil. Add 8 oz of linguine and cook for 7-8 minutes until just shy of al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until aromatic.
- Add 1 lb of peeled shrimp to the skillet, cooking for 2-3 minutes until they turn pink and slightly curl. Remove from heat immediately to prevent overcooking.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, sautéed shrimp, ¼ cup fresh lemon juice, 2 tablespoons chopped parsley, and ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese. Stir gently to distribute ingredients evenly.
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with remaining butter and transfer the pasta-shrimp mixture into it.
- Mix 1 cup panko breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons melted butter until crumbs are evenly coated.
- Sprinkle the buttered breadcrumbs uniformly over the pasta mixture.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and bake for 18-22 minutes, watching for a golden-brown crust and bubbling edges.
Notes
- Choose large, fresh shrimp for the best flavor and texture in your pasta bake.
- If feeding a gluten-sensitive crowd, swap regular pasta for gluten-free noodles and use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs.
- Don’t overcook the shrimp, as they can quickly become tough and rubbery when heated too long.
- For a lighter version, replace some butter with olive oil and use whole wheat pasta for added nutrition.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Baked
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 440 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg




Daniel Navarro
Culinary Content Director
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Daniel writes about bold flavors, chef-driven dishes, and the kind of restaurant moments that turn tacos, mezcal, and shared plates into a night worth repeating.