If you’re looking for the ultimate seafood comfort dish, this Baked Shrimp Scampi Pasta Recipe is absolutely destined to become a weeknight staple in your home. Imagine twirling al dente pasta through a silky lemon-garlic butter sauce, all topped with juicy, perfectly roasted shrimp and a sprinkle of Parmesan that melts and crisps in all the right places. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just craving a bit of vacation-at-home flavor, this recipe packs vibrant color, irresistible aroma, and pure joy into every single bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Baked Shrimp Scampi Pasta Recipe is its simplicity. Each ingredient plays its own starring role, bringing flavor, freshness, and that signature scampi zing, so there’s no need for anything fussy or complicated! Here’s what you’ll want to have at the ready:
- 12 ounces linguine or spaghetti: The ideal base for soaking up all those luscious juices.
- 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined): Plump, sweet, and quick-cooking, shrimp are the hero of this dish.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted): Adds rich flavor and blends perfectly with the olive oil for a decadent sauce.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil: Balances and rounds out the buttery sauce, giving every bite a touch of Mediterranean flair.
- 5 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the whole dish with classic aromatic depth.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For just the right touch of background heat, if you like a little spice.
- 1/4 cup dry white wine or chicken broth: Adds brightness (use wine for more depth or broth for a family-friendly option).
- Juice of 1 lemon: Delivers tangy freshness and livens up the sauce.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Bakes into a golden, savory crust over the pasta and shrimp.
- 1/3 cup chopped fresh parsley: Brings a burst of green color and herby freshness for both baking and finishing.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential for making every other flavor pop.
- Lemon wedges for serving: Brightens each plate and lets everyone customize their lemony finish.
How to Make Baked Shrimp Scampi Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta
Start by bringing a generously salted pot of water to a boil, then cook your linguine or spaghetti until just al dente—remember, it’ll finish in the oven, so don’t overdo it! Drain, rinse lightly if desired, and set aside while you prepare the flavorful scampi sauce.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of your olive oil over medium. Toss in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes and sauté until the garlic is golden and fragrant, only about a minute. This is where that mouthwatering aroma starts to fill your kitchen!
Step 3: Simmer the Sauce
Pour in the dry white wine (or chicken broth, if you’re keeping things alcohol-free) and the fresh lemon juice. Let this mixture bubble away together for two to three minutes—it’ll slightly reduce and become even more flavorful.
Step 4: Create the Scampi Butter
Next, stir in the melted butter and the remaining olive oil, then season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. This rich, zesty sauce is the heart of your Baked Shrimp Scampi Pasta Recipe, coating every noodle and shrimp with unforgettable flavor.
Step 5: Toss with Shrimp and Pasta
Grab a large mixing bowl and combine your drained pasta, raw shrimp, most of your sauce, and half of your chopped parsley. Toss everything until the shrimp and noodles are evenly coated—that way, every forkful gets its share of buttery, herby goodness.
Step 6: Assemble and Bake
Transfer your pasta and shrimp mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan evenly over the top and slide it all into the preheated oven. Bake uncovered for 12 to 15 minutes, just until the shrimp turn pink and opaque—don’t let them overcook!
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Finish with a flourish: scatter the remaining parsley over the bubbling, golden casserole and serve immediately with lemon wedges. Get ready for rave reviews from everyone at your table!
How to Serve Baked Shrimp Scampi Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A final dusting of chopped parsley brings beautiful green color, while a shower of extra Parmesan adds both flavor and irresistible texture. Be sure to serve your Baked Shrimp Scampi Pasta Recipe with plenty of fresh lemon wedges on the side—everyone loves squeezing on an extra hit of brightness just before digging in.
Side Dishes
Pair this pasta bake with a crisp green salad drizzled in lemon vinaigrette for a refreshing counterpoint. Warm, crusty bread or garlic knots are perfect for scooping up any leftover sauce from your plate (trust me, you won’t want to leave a drop behind).
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving in individual baking dishes for a special dinner-party presentation, or nestle the pasta on a platter family style for a festive, shareable main course. For a colorful twist, toss in a handful of halved cherry tomatoes or fresh spinach before baking to make your Baked Shrimp Scampi Pasta Recipe pop against the creamy sauce.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any extra Baked Shrimp Scampi Pasta Recipe in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of baking. It keeps well for up to two days, making it a terrific option for lunch the next day—just be sure not to let those shrimp linger too long, as seafood is best enjoyed while fresh.
Freezing
While the pasta itself can freeze fairly well, shrimp are best eaten fresh for optimal taste and texture. If you do plan to freeze, cool the pasta quickly, portion it into airtight freezer containers, and enjoy within one month. Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To refresh your leftovers, add a splash of water, broth, or a touch of olive oil to keep things moist, then gently reheat in a covered oven-safe dish at 325°F for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. The microwave works too, but be careful not to overcook the shrimp.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat dry to avoid excess moisture diluting your sauce. Frozen shrimp are often just as sweet and tender as fresh, making this Baked Shrimp Scampi Pasta Recipe perfect year-round.
What can I substitute for white wine?
If you’d rather skip the wine, chicken broth is a fantastic alternative that still adds depth without the alcohol. You might also try vegetable broth for a lighter flavor profile—it all comes down to your personal preference.
Is it okay to make this dish gluten-free?
Definitely! Swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta—just be sure to slightly undercook it, as it can get softer when baked. Your Baked Shrimp Scampi Pasta Recipe will still deliver loads of flavor and comfort.
How do I avoid overcooking the shrimp?
Keep a close eye on your bake time; shrimp cook very quickly and turn pink and opaque when ready. Pull your dish from the oven as soon as you see this change to ensure juicy, tender bites every time.
Can I add vegetables to this pasta bake?
Yes! This recipe is wonderfully flexible—try stirring in fresh spinach, cherry tomatoes, or even a handful of chopped asparagus before baking. Not only do these additions add color, but they make your Baked Shrimp Scampi Pasta Recipe even more vibrant and wholesome.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about the combination of tangy lemon, sweet shrimp, and golden Parmesan all baked together with pasta—it’s the kind of meal that truly feels like a little celebration any night of the week. If you haven’t tried this Baked Shrimp Scampi Pasta Recipe yet, now’s your chance to bring restaurant-worthy flavors right to your kitchen table. Give it a whirl and watch as everyone comes back for seconds!
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Baked Shrimp Scampi Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the irresistible flavors of this Baked Shrimp Scampi Pasta recipe that combines succulent shrimp, al dente pasta, and a zesty lemon garlic sauce baked to perfection. A delightful seafood dish that’s perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 12 ounces linguine or spaghetti
- 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 5 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
- juice of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup chopped fresh parsley
- salt and black pepper to taste
- lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Cook the pasta: Cook the pasta until al dente, drain, and set aside.
- Sauté garlic: In a skillet, sauté garlic and red pepper flakes in olive oil.
- Make the sauce: Add wine, lemon juice, butter, olive oil, salt, and pepper; simmer.
- Combine ingredients: Toss pasta, shrimp, sauce, and parsley in a bowl.
- Bake: Transfer to a baking dish, sprinkle with Parmesan, and bake for 12-15 minutes.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley and lemon wedges before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute the wine with chicken broth if preferred.
- Add cherry tomatoes or spinach for extra flavor and color.
- Use gluten-free pasta if needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
