If you’re craving a dish that feels like a big, warm hug on a plate, look no further than this Baked Shrimp Scampi Pasta Recipe. It’s the perfect blend of tender shrimp, garlic-infused buttery sauce, and cheesy baked goodness all tossed with your favorite pasta. Every forkful delivers a beautiful balance of creamy textures, bright flavors, and that irresistible golden crust from the oven. Whether it’s an easy dinner for two or a dish to impress friends, this recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that brings both comfort and a bit of elegance to your table.

Baked Shrimp Scampi Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and how each ingredient plays a starring role. From the juicy shrimp to that luscious butter-garlic sauce to the cheesy topping, everything works together to create magic in one dish.

Butter (2 Tbsp): Gives the base of the sauce a rich, silky mouthfeel that coats every bite.
Jarred minced garlic (1 tsp): Adds a punch of savory flavor, essential for authentic scampi.
All-purpose flour (1 Tbsp): Helps thicken the sauce to just the right consistency.
Whole milk (⅓ cup): Brings creaminess without overpowering the delicate shrimp.
Chicken broth (¼ cup): Boosts the savory notes and adds depth to the sauce.
Salt (⅛ tsp) and pepper (⅛ tsp): Perfectly seasons the dish to highlight all flavors.
Egg (1, slightly beaten): Binds the sauce and pasta together beautifully before baking.
Parmesan cheese (⅛ cup, shredded): Provides a salty, nutty layer that melts into the sauce.
Ricotta cheese (¼ cup): Adds a creamy, slightly tangy richness for extra silkiness.
Uncooked pasta (4 oz, any shape): Holds onto the sauce perfectly; feel free to pick your favorite kind.
Raw shrimp (½ lb, thawed and peeled): Juicy and tender, they turn beautifully tender after baking.
Mozzarella cheese (½ cup, shredded): Creates that luscious, gooey baked cheese topping you dream about.
Fresh parsley (1 tsp, chopped, optional): Adds a pop of bright color and fresh herbal notes at the end.

How to Make Baked Shrimp Scampi Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pasta

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to get it nice and ready for baking. Then, cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it’s just al dente. This ensures that the pasta holds its shape and doesn’t become mushy in the oven later on.

Step 2: Create the Garlic Butter Sauce

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter until bubbly. Stir in the minced garlic and flour to form a fragrant roux. The garlic infuses the butter with intense flavor while the flour thickens the sauce as it cooks.

Step 3: Add the Liquids and Seasonings

Slowly whisk in the whole milk and chicken broth along with salt and pepper. Continue cooking and stirring for 2 to 3 minutes to let the sauce thicken to a velvety consistency. This mix will coat your shrimp and pasta with a rich, flavorful base.

Step 4: Combine the Cheese and Egg

In a separate bowl, whisk together the beaten egg with the Parmesan and ricotta cheeses. Then, stir this cheesy mixture into the warm broth sauce—this creates a creamy binder that makes the dish luscious and holds everything together beautifully once baked.

Step 5: Mix in Pasta and Shrimp, Then Bake

Gently fold the cooked pasta and peeled raw shrimp into your sauce mixture, ensuring everything is evenly coated. Pour the entire mixture into two greased baking dishes, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top, and bake in the oven for about 20-25 minutes or until bubbly and golden. The shrimp will cook through and the cheese will create that perfect golden crust.

How to Serve Baked Shrimp Scampi Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top right before serving for a burst of color and a subtle herbal freshness. You can also add a few twists of cracked black pepper or a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil to enhance the flavors even more.

Side Dishes

This hearty, flavorful pasta goes beautifully with a crisp green salad or lightly steamed vegetables like asparagus or broccoli to balance the richness of the dish. Garlic bread or a warm baguette is also a lovely companion to mop up any extra sauce left on the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the dish in individual ramekins for a charming, restaurant-style presentation. Or layer the pasta and shrimp with extra mozzarella before baking for a cheesy, casserole-like appeal. Adding a lemon wedge on the side invites your guests to squeeze fresh citrus over their serving, which brightens the richness wonderfully.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer your leftover Baked Shrimp Scampi Pasta Recipe to airtight containers and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This not only keeps the shrimp tender but also preserves the creamy sauce and cheesy topping.

Freezing

You can freeze leftovers by placing portions in freezer-safe containers. For best quality, consume frozen shrimp pasta within a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the sauce’s smooth texture and shrimp’s tenderness.

Reheating

Reheat gently in the oven at 325 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through, or heat in a covered microwave-safe dish to prevent drying out. Add a splash of milk or broth if the sauce thickens too much during storage—that’ll bring back that luscious, creamy feel.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before adding to the pasta mixture so they cook evenly and don’t add extra water to the sauce.

What type of pasta works best?

This recipe is flexible—use any shape you love! Smaller shapes like penne or rotini catch the sauce well, but spaghetti or linguine can work too if broken into smaller pieces.

Is it possible to make this dairy-free?

Definitely. Substitute the butter with olive oil, use non-dairy milk of your choice, and pick a vegan cheese alternative to keep it creamy and flavorful without dairy.

Can I double this recipe for more servings?

Yes, just double all ingredients and use a larger baking dish or two dishes to ensure even baking. Keep an eye on the cooking time as it might take a few minutes longer to heat through completely.

How do I know when the shrimp is perfectly cooked?

The shrimp should turn opaque and pink with a slight curl. Overcooking can make them rubbery, so baking just until bubbly and golden helps keep them tender and juicy.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about the Baked Shrimp Scampi Pasta Recipe that makes it a treasured go-to meal. With its impressive flavor and simple process, it’s the kind of dish that makes any night feel a little more festive. I can’t wait for you to try it and enjoy the cozy, comforting joy it brings straight from your oven to your plate.

Baked Shrimp Scampi Pasta Recipe

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4.2 from 59 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 2 servings 1x

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Description

This Baked Shrimp Scampi Pasta is a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful dish combining tender shrimp and pasta in a savory garlic butter sauce. Baked to perfection with a golden mozzarella topping, it’s a comforting meal perfect for a cozy dinner or special occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Sauce Ingredients

2 Tbsp butter
1 tsp jarred minced garlic
1 Tbsp all-purpose flour
⅓ cup whole milk
¼ cup chicken broth
⅛ tsp salt
⅛ tsp pepper

Cheese Mixture

1 egg (slightly beaten)
⅛ cup Parmesan cheese (shredded)
¼ cup ricotta cheese

Main Ingredients

4 oz uncooked pasta (any shape)
½ lb raw shrimp, thawed and peeled
½ cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
1 tsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the assembled pasta dish.
Cook Pasta: Boil your pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
Melt Butter and Make Roux: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Stir in minced garlic and all-purpose flour, cooking until the mixture is bubbly to form a roux.
Add Liquids and Seasonings: Gradually stir in whole milk, chicken broth, salt, and pepper. Cook and stir this mixture for 2 to 3 minutes until it thickens slightly, then remove from heat.
Combine Sauce and Cheese Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the slightly beaten egg, Parmesan cheese, and ricotta cheese. Slowly combine this with the sauce mixture, ensuring the egg mixture is tempered.
Mix Pasta and Shrimp: Add the cooked pasta and raw shrimp to the sauce mixture and gently combine to coat everything evenly.
Assemble in Baking Dishes: Pour the combined pasta, shrimp, and sauce mixture into two prepared baking dishes.
Add Mozzarella and Bake: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of each dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and optionally sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Ensure shrimp is fully thawed and peeled before adding to the dish.
Watch the oven closely towards the end of baking to prevent the cheese from burning.
You can substitute whole milk with 2% milk for a lighter option.
Use freshly grated Parmesan for better flavor if available.
Feel free to use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten free.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian-American