Crispy Topped Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

A few weeks ago, I was browsing my local seafood market when I spotted a beautiful display of fresh, plump shrimp. Their bright pink shells and sweet aroma instantly made me crave a comforting pasta dish. I decided to transform my favorite shrimp scampi flavors into a baked pasta dish, something creamy, garlicky, and golden on top.

Back in my kitchen, I sautéed the shrimp with butter, olive oil, and garlic, letting the scent of sizzling seafood fill the air. Adding a splash of white wine and lemon juice created that perfect tangy brightness I love.

I then whisked together a creamy sauce with heavy cream, chicken broth, and a hint of nutmeg for depth. Layering the pasta and shrimp in a baking dish and topping everything with mozzarella and Parmesan, I slid it into the oven and waited for the magic to happen.

As the cheese melted and browned, my kitchen filled with the rich aroma of garlic, butter, and shrimp. The anticipation of pulling out a bubbling, golden bake was almost as satisfying as the first forkful. Each bite is rich and creamy, with a slight crisp from the top, and the fresh parsley garnish adds a final pop of color and freshness. This dish quickly became my go-to for cozy weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings when I want something impressive yet effortless.

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Short Description

Crispy Topped Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake, a creamy, garlicky shrimp pasta bake topped with golden, crispy cheese. Quick to assemble, packed with flavor, and perfect for cozy dinners or casual gatherings.

Key Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• ½ cup (125ml) dry white wine or chicken broth
• Juice of 1 lemon
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 2 cups (200g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

For the Creamy Bake

• 1 cup (250ml) heavy cream or half-and-half
• ½ cup (125ml) chicken broth
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)

Tools Needed

• Large pot
• Large skillet
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Whisk and mixing spoons

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta 1–2 minutes less than package directions so it finishes cooking in the oven. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Add shrimp, season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes, and cook 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Scampi Sauce
In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in white wine (or chicken broth) and lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Simmer for 2 minutes.

Step 4: Make It Creamy
Stir in heavy cream, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and nutmeg. Let simmer 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 5: Assemble & Bake
Return pasta and shrimp to the skillet, tossing to coat evenly. Transfer mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

Step 6: Bake
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 7: Serve
Remove from oven, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve hot.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Creamy, garlicky, and full of shrimp flavor

Quick and easy to prepare, yet impressive for guests

Slightly spicy option with red pepper flakes

Versatile: can swap pasta types or lighten with half-and-half

One-dish meal for minimal cleanup

Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions

Shrimp Overcooking
Cooking shrimp too long can make them rubbery and dry.
Solution: Cook shrimp just until they turn pink and opaque. Remove from heat promptly and finish cooking in the oven if needed.

Overcooked Pasta
Pasta that is fully cooked before baking can become mushy.
Solution: Undercook the pasta by 1–2 minutes so it finishes cooking in the oven with the sauce.

Thin or Watery Sauce
A sauce that hasn’t thickened will make the bake runny and less flavorful.
Solution: Simmer the cream and broth mixture until slightly thickened before combining with pasta and shrimp. Adjust with more cream if necessary.

Cheese Browning Too Quickly
The cheese topping can brown faster than the rest of the dish, resulting in uneven cooking.
Solution: Cover loosely with foil for part of the baking time and remove foil near the end to achieve a golden, bubbly top.

Shrimp Not Evenly Coated
Shrimp that aren’t coated well in sauce may taste dry or bland.
Solution: Toss the cooked shrimp thoroughly with the creamy sauce and pasta before transferring to the baking dish.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Serve with a simple arugula or mixed green salad

Pair with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio

Great for family dinners, casual gatherings, or meal prep

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 days

Reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through to maintain texture

Microwave is fine for single servings, but cheese may not stay crispy

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, thaw completely and pat dry before cooking to prevent excess water.

2. Can I make this ahead of time?
Assemble and refrigerate for up to 24 hours, then bake before serving.

3. Can I use a lighter cream?
Half-and-half works well but slightly reduces richness.

4. Can I add vegetables?
Peas, spinach, or cherry tomatoes can be stirred in before baking.

5. Can I prepare this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and ensure all seasonings are gluten-free.

Tips & Tricks

Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor

Pat shrimp dry before cooking for better browning

Let the bake rest 5 minutes after oven removal to set layers

Recipe Variations

Spicy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Bake: Add 1 tsp Cajun seasoning and ½ tsp smoked paprika to shrimp before cooking.

Lemon Herb Shrimp Pasta Bak: Add zest of 1 lemon and extra parsley to sauce for a bright, fresh flavor.

Cheesy Veggie Shrimp Bake: Add 1 cup cooked broccoli or roasted bell peppers before baking.

Final Thoughts

Preparing this Crispy Topped Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake filled my kitchen with the rich aromas of garlic, butter, and shrimp. The creamy sauce coats the tender pasta perfectly, while the golden, bubbly cheese adds a delightful texture on top. Each bite balances the sweetness of the shrimp, the bright notes of lemon, and the comforting richness of the sauce. Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness, making the dish visually inviting as well as flavorful.

This bake is ideal for weeknight dinners, casual gatherings, or special evenings at home when you want something simple yet impressive. The flavors are layered and satisfying without being heavy, and the dish can easily be customized with seasonal vegetables, different spices, or alternative pasta shapes. It serves as a reminder that thoughtful use of fresh, quality ingredients can transform a straightforward meal into something memorable and full of warmth.