If you’re on the hunt for an easy yet impressive weeknight dinner, let me introduce you to this **Baked Shrimp Scampi Pasta Recipe** — a total game-changer in my kitchen. I absolutely love how this dish combines tender, garlicky shrimp with perfectly cooked pasta, all baked to bring those flavors together beautifully. Once you try it, you’ll find it’s incredibly satisfying without the fuss, making it a fantastic go-to when you want something cozy but quick.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Flavor: The garlic, lemon, and herbs blend beautifully with the shrimp for a bright yet comforting bite.
- Quick Prep and Cook: From start to finish, it’s ready in under 20 minutes — perfect for busy nights.
- One-Dish Wonder: Toss everything in one baking dish, which makes cleanup a breeze.
- Crowd Pleaser: My family goes crazy for this every time I make it, and I bet yours will too!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Baked Shrimp Scampi Pasta Recipe plays a part in building layers of flavor that make the dish shine. I like to shop fresh garlic and pretty parsley — they make a noticeable difference. Also, picking the right pasta shapes (spaghetti is classic here) helps the sauce cling just right.
- Dried pasta: Spaghetti works great, but feel free to use your favorite shape.
- Garlic cloves: Minced fresh garlic is key for that signature scampi punch.
- Shallot: Adds a subtle sweetness that’s softer than onions.
- Crushed red pepper flakes: Optional, but they add a nice gentle heat.
- Smoked paprika: For a depth of smoky warmth without overpowering.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Brings richness and helps meld the flavors.
- Unsalted butter: Melts into the sauce, creating that silky texture.
- Dry white wine: A splash brightens the sauce and balances richness—use any dry variety you like.
- Lemon zest and juice: Essential for that fresh, tangy scampi signature.
- Salt and black pepper: To season everything perfectly.
- Fresh parsley leaves: Adds herbaceous brightness and color.
- Shrimp: Peeled and deveined, I usually go for medium-large size for a nice bite.
- Grated parmesan cheese: Melts in for extra savory goodness.
Variations
I love how flexible this Baked Shrimp Scampi Pasta Recipe is — you can easily make it your own with small swaps or additions that suit your taste or dietary needs. Once I tried adding some cherry tomatoes just before baking, and it brought a lovely sweetness and pop of color.
- With extra veggies: Toss in spinach, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus for some color and nutrition—my family didn’t even notice the extra greens!
- Spicy version: Increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne for a nice kick.
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta, and you’re good to go without sacrificing flavor.
- Cheese-free: Leave out the parmesan to keep it dairy-free; the lemon and garlic still shine through beautifully.
How to Make Baked Shrimp Scampi Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook Your Pasta to Al Dente Perfection
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil, then cook your pasta just until al dente—meaning it’s tender but still has a slight bite. I usually set a timer for a minute less than the package states to avoid mushy pasta when it bakes later. Once cooked, drain it and set aside to keep warm while you prepare the rest.
Step 2: Build the Flavor Base in Your Baking Dish
In your baking dish (I like a 9×13-inch one), combine the minced garlic, sliced shallots, crushed red pepper flakes if you want heat, smoked paprika, olive oil, melted butter, white wine, lemon zest and juice, salt, pepper, and chopped parsley. Stir them together well—this mix is where that stunning scampi flavor starts coming alive.
Step 3: Add the Shrimp and Bake
Next, nestle your peeled and deveined shrimp into the sauce, spreading everything evenly. Pop the dish into the preheated 350°F oven and bake for around 12 minutes—keep an eye on those shrimp. When they turn pink and curl just slightly, they’re done! Be careful not to overcook, or they’ll get rubbery. I learned this the hard way the first time, and now I set a timer religiously.
Step 4: Toss in the Pasta and Melt the Cheese
Once the shrimp are perfectly cooked, take the baking dish out of the oven and gently stir in the drained pasta, coating it well with the luscious scampi sauce. Then sprinkle your grated parmesan on top and mix it in so it melts into that buttery sauce, adding an irresistible creamy finish. This is when the dish really comes together into something magical.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy Immediately
Serve this warm, straight from the baking dish. You can garnish with a little extra parsley or parmesan if you want to dress it up. Trust me, your family and guests won’t stop raving about this one!
Pro Tips for Making Baked Shrimp Scampi Pasta Recipe
- Don’t Overcook Your Shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly in the oven—setting a timer prevents rubbery results.
- Use Fresh Garlic and Lemon: These boost brightness and authentic flavor in a way jarred won’t match.
- Reserve Some Pasta Water: If the sauce seems thick after baking, a splash of pasta cooking water can loosen it right up.
- Layer Flavors in the Baking Dish: Combining butter, olive oil, wine, and lemon together creates that perfect scampi sauce balance.
How to Serve Baked Shrimp Scampi Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
I usually sprinkle fresh chopped parsley and a little extra parmesan cheese right on top before serving — it adds a fresh green pop and some cheesy richness that I just adore. A few lemon wedges on the side never hurt either if you want to brighten it up even more at the table.
Side Dishes
My favorite sides to pair with this baked shrimp scampi pasta are a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette and some crusty garlic bread to soak up every drop of that amazing sauce. Roasted asparagus or sautéed green beans also make a lovely, lighter complement.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, try serving the pasta right in individual small baking dishes or ramekins. A sprinkle of microgreens or a couple of edible flowers on top can really elevate the look and add a restaurant-style touch. I’ve also rolled the pasta into little nests topped with shrimp for a fun plating twist that always gets compliments.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I typically store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The shrimp can get a little firmer overnight, so I like to reheat gently to avoid toughening them.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t my favorite for this dish since shrimp texture can suffer, but if you want to freeze it, do so before adding the parmesan cheese. Thaw overnight in the fridge and add cheese fresh when reheating for best results.
Reheating
I reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Microwaving can work, but watch closely to avoid overcooking the shrimp.
FAQs
-
Can I use frozen shrimp for this baked shrimp scampi pasta recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to fully thaw and pat the shrimp dry before mixing it with the sauce to avoid excess water that can dilute the flavors. Fresh or previously frozen shrimp both work well here.
-
What kind of pasta is best for baked shrimp scampi pasta?
Spaghetti is the classic choice, but you can use linguine, fettuccine, or even penne. Just choose a pasta that holds sauce well and cook to al dente so it doesn’t get mushy when baked.
-
Can I make this recipe without wine?
Yes, if you prefer not to use alcohol, you can substitute the white wine with low-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth. It won’t have quite the same tang, but the lemon juice helps keep the bright flavor profile.
-
How do I prevent the shrimp from overcooking?
Keep an eye on the baking time and remove the dish as soon as the shrimp turn pink and curl slightly. Overcooked shrimp become rubbery and lose their tender texture — timing is everything here!
-
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
This baked shrimp scampi pasta recipe is best enjoyed fresh due to the shrimp texture, but you can freeze before adding cheese and reheat carefully. For best quality, eating within a couple of days after refrigeration is ideal.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Shrimp Scampi Pasta Recipe holds a special place in my recipe box because it’s one of those rare meals where simple ingredients create something really satisfying and elegant without hours of effort. I used to shy away from seafood prep, but this dish changed that for me — it’s approachable, forgiving, and so rewarding. I genuinely hope you give it a try and enjoy it as much as I do, maybe even making it a staple for your own busy weeknights or casual dinner parties. Happy cooking!
Print
Baked Shrimp Scampi Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Baked Shrimp Scampi is a flavorful and easy-to-make seafood pasta dish featuring succulent shrimp baked in a lemony garlic butter sauce, combined with perfectly cooked pasta and finished with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces dried pasta (spaghetti, or your favorite)
Shrimp and Sauce
- 4 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 large shallot (halved and thinly sliced)
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for added heat)
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- ½ cup dry white wine
- Zest and juice of 1 medium lemon
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley leaves (chopped)
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined (tail on or off, 31-40 size preferred)
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) to prepare for baking the shrimp mixture.
- Cook the pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Prepare the shrimp mixture: In a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish, combine minced garlic, sliced shallots, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), smoked paprika, olive oil, melted butter, dry white wine, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, fresh parsley, and the peeled and deveined shrimp. Stir to mix everything evenly.
- Bake the shrimp: Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and bake for approximately 12 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and are fully cooked through. Avoid overcooking to keep the shrimp tender.
- Combine pasta and shrimp: Remove the dish from the oven, add the cooked pasta to the baking dish, and gently stir to coat the pasta with the flavorful sauce.
- Add cheese and serve: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and shrimp, then gently mix to allow the cheese to melt slightly. Serve immediately, optionally garnishing with extra Parmesan or fresh parsley.
Notes
- Baked Shrimp Scampi is one of the easiest shrimp pasta dishes to prepare, requiring minimal time with maximum flavor.
- Adjust the crushed red pepper flakes to control the heat level.
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the brightest flavor.
- You can use any preferred pasta, but spaghetti pairs especially well.
- Be careful not to overcook the shrimp during baking to keep them tender and juicy.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 412 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 817 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 47 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 26 mg
