Why One-Pan Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Shines

If you’re craving a hearty, flavorful dinner that won’t bury you in dishes, then the One-Pan Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is about to become your new best friend. This dish perfectly blends tender shrimp with a creamy, garlicky sauce and pasta all baked together in one pan for an effortless weeknight meal that feels like a celebration. It’s rich, comforting, and loaded with vibrant flavors that will have everyone begging for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-pan convenience: Everything cooks together, making cleanup a breeze without sacrificing flavor.
• Flavor harmony: The garlicky shrimp and creamy sauce pair perfectly with pasta for a balanced, indulgent taste.
• Quick preparation: Ready in under 40 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights when time is tight.
• Customizable: Easy to adapt with favorite veggies or protein swaps to suit your dietary needs.
• Family-friendly: Mild enough for picky eaters but satisfying for adults craving a restaurant-quality meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This One-Pan Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is built on simple, essential ingredients that come together to create layers of flavor, texture, and color. Each item plays a key role, ensuring the dish feels both comforting and gourmet without any complicated prep.

• Shrimp: Use peeled and deveined shrimp for tender, juicy bites that cook quickly and absorb the sauce beautifully.
• Pasta: Penne or rigatoni work best as they hold sauce well and create great texture contrast.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is a must for authentic, pungent scampi flavor.
• Butter and olive oil: These fats create a rich base and balance the seafood’s sweetness perfectly.
• Lemon juice and zest: Add brightness and an irresistible tang that cuts through the richness.
• Parmesan cheese: Adds savory depth and a slightly nutty finish, melting into the sauce as it bakes.
• Heavy cream or half-and-half: Creates the luscious, creamy sauce that ties everything together.
• Parsley: Fresh parsley adds vibrant color and a subtle herbal note for freshness.
• Red pepper flakes: Optional but highly recommended for a pleasantly mild kick.

Variations for One-Pan Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

Feel free to make the One-Pan Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake uniquely yours. It’s incredibly easy to swap ingredients or add new ones to accommodate your taste, dietary restrictions, or whatever you have on hand.

• Vegetable boost: Toss in asparagus tips, spinach, or cherry tomatoes before baking for extra color and nutrients.
• Protein swap: Replace shrimp with scallops, chicken breast, or firm white fish for a different protein twist.
• Cheese variations: Use mozzarella or fontina along with parmesan for a gooey, melty texture.
• Dairy-free option: Substitute coconut cream or cashew cream and nutritional yeast to keep it creamy and flavorful without dairy.
• Spice it up: Add more red pepper flakes or use a dash of smoked paprika for a smoky heat layer.

How to Make One-Pan Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

Step 1: Cook the shrimp

Heat olive oil and butter in a large oven-safe pan, then sauté the shrimp with minced garlic until they turn pink and opaque, about 2 minutes per side. Remove shrimp and set aside to prevent overcooking later.

Step 2: Prepare the sauce

In the same pan, add more butter if needed, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Stir briefly before adding heavy cream, lemon juice, and parmesan cheese, whisking until smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Combine pasta and sauce

Add cooked al dente pasta directly to the pan with the sauce, stirring well to coat every piece evenly. Gently fold the shrimp back into the mixture.

Step 4: Bake to perfection

Sprinkle extra parmesan and parsley over the top, then bake uncovered in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.

Step 5: Rest and serve

Let the bake rest for a few minutes after removing from the oven to allow the sauce to thicken slightly. Serve warm, garnish with extra lemon zest or fresh herbs if desired.

Pro Tips for Making One-Pan Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

• Don’t overcook shrimp: Remove them early; they’ll finish cooking in the oven, keeping them juicy and tender.
• Use al dente pasta: Slightly undercooked pasta absorbs the sauce better during baking and prevents mushiness.
• Fresh garlic is key: Avoid garlic powder — fresh minced garlic adds authentic depth and aroma.
• Choose an oven-safe skillet: A sturdy pan that can go from stovetop to oven simplifies the entire process.
• Adjust creaminess: For a lighter sauce, substitute half the heavy cream with chicken broth or white wine.

How to Serve One-Pan Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

Garnishes

Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or basil, a few twists of cracked black pepper, and lemon zest for a bright, fresh finish that lifts the entire dish.

Side Dishes

Pair this pasta bake with a crisp green salad or garlic breadsticks for a balanced meal where everything complements but never competes.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve in rustic cast iron skillets or colorful ceramic dishes to highlight the golden crust and creamy shrimp pasta’s inviting texture, perfect for casual dinners or entertaining friends.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer leftovers into airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making for an even tastier next-day meal.

Freezing

While possible, freezing may affect the creamy texture slightly. Freeze in portioned containers and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stovetop or microwave.

Reheating

Warm leftovers in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to restore the sauce’s silky texture without drying out the shrimp or pasta.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for One-Pan Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake?

Yes, just thaw the shrimp completely and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess water diluting the sauce.

What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

Tubular pastas like penne or rigatoni hold the sauce well and allow the flavors to soak into every bite.

Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use gluten-free pasta and double-check your broth and other ingredients to ensure they are certified gluten-free.

Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?

You can cook the pasta and shrimp separately in advance and store them, then assemble and bake when ready to serve.

How spicy is the One-Pan Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake?

The recipe is mildly spicy by default thanks to red pepper flakes, but you can easily adjust the heat level or omit them entirely for a milder flavor.

Final Thoughts

One-Pan Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is a flavorful, fuss-free meal that brings together creamy sauce, tender shrimp, and perfectly cooked pasta in every bite. It’s a fantastic recipe to keep on hand for busy nights when you want something comforting and impressive without spending hours in the kitchen. Give it a try and watch it become a household favorite fast!

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