I first made this Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake on a breezy summer evening when I wanted something that combined comfort and freshness because I had shrimp defrosted and a box of pasta waiting in the pantry. I tossed everything in a garlicky lemon-butter sauce and added a cheesy finish before sliding it into the oven and the result was even better than I imagined so warm and rich yet still light thanks to that citrusy kick.

Now it’s a dish I come back to when I want to impress guests or treat myself to something special without spending hours in the kitchen. The shrimp stay juicy and tender the pasta holds onto the sauce beautifully and that cheesy golden top ties everything together in one delicious bite so whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a Saturday night in this Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake always feels like a win.

Ingredients

Here’s what I use for this recipe. You can always make substitutions if you prefer!
Rigatoni pasta – Holds up well to baking and soaks in all that buttery sauce
Shrimp – The star protein that brings a delicate sweet flavor
Garlic – Infuses the dish with bold savory aroma
Lemon zest – Brightens the whole dish and enhances the shrimp
Lemon juice – Adds a tangy note to balance the richness
Butter – Forms the base of the classic scampi sauce
Olive oil – Helps cook the garlic and shrimp without burning
Mozzarella cheese – Melts beautifully and creates a creamy topping
Parmesan cheese – Adds salty umami depth to the sauce
Fresh parsley – Sprinkled on top for color and a fresh finish
Salt – Enhances all the flavors
Black pepper – Adds just a touch of mild spice

Tools You’ll Need

Large pot – For boiling the pasta until al dente
Skillet – To sauté the garlic and shrimp in the scampi sauce
Baking dish – Where everything comes together and bakes to bubbly perfection
Mixing spoon – To stir the pasta and evenly coat it in the sauce
Grater – For freshly grating cheese and zesting the lemon
Knife and cutting board – To prep the garlic parsley and shrimp if needed

Instructions

Step 1:

I preheat my oven to 375°F so it’s ready once everything is assembled and I bring a large pot of salted water to a boil to cook the pasta just until al dente then I drain it and set it aside.

Step 2:

In a large skillet I heat butter and olive oil over medium heat then I add the minced garlic and cook it gently until fragrant followed by the shrimp which I season with salt and pepper and sauté until just pink.

Step 3:

I stir in the lemon juice and zest then toss in the cooked pasta and a generous handful of parmesan so everything gets coated in that luscious garlicky lemon-butter sauce.

Step 4:

I pour the mixture into a greased baking dish and top it with shredded mozzarella and a little extra parmesan then I arrange a few extra shrimp on top for a pretty finish.

Step 5:

I bake it uncovered for about 15–20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbling then I broil it for 2–3 minutes for that perfect golden crust.

Step 6:

Once out of the oven I sprinkle chopped parsley over the top and let it sit for a couple of minutes before serving so everything sets up nicely.

Tips

If you like a bit of heat I recommend adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic as it sautés. You can also use a mix of cheeses like fontina or provolone for a richer melt. I sometimes swap rigatoni for penne or even linguine depending on what I have and it works just as well!

Ways to Serve

This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is a standout on its own but I love pairing it with a crisp Caesar salad or some garlicky sautéed spinach for a full meal. A glass of chilled white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc complements it beautifully and warm bread on the side is always a welcome touch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen shrimp for Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake?

Yes just make sure to thaw and pat them dry before cooking so they sear nicely and don’t release too much water.

Can I make Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake ahead of time?

You can assemble the dish in advance and refrigerate it covered then just bake it when you’re ready to serve.

What’s the best pasta for Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake?

I love using rigatoni but penne ziti or even rotini work well because they hold the sauce nicely and don’t overcook in the oven.

See You in the Kitchen

I hope you try this Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake soon because it’s a dish that feels fancy but comes together with so little effort and always brings big flavor. Let me know how it turns out and share your twist on it—I’d love to see your version!

Happy Cooking!