Are you looking for a weeknight dinner that feels both special and incredibly easy to make? If you’re like 78% of home cooks who want to spend less time in the kitchen and more time with family, then this Easy Baked Shrimp Scampi Recipe for Dinner Tonight is your answer. This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake combines the beloved, zesty flavors of classic shrimp scampi with a comforting, creamy, and cheesy twist, all baked to golden perfection. It’s the kind of dish that looks sophisticated enough for guests but is simple enough for any busy evening. Imagine tender shrimp bathed in a garlic-butter sauce, tossed with your favorite pasta, and baked until bubbly and irresistible. This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, offering an elegant yet comforting experience that will become a staple in your meal rotation.

The beauty of this Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake lies in its straightforward yet flavorful ingredient list. We’ve highlighted some key components and flavor boosters to ensure a truly delicious outcome.

Substitutions: If you don’t have white wine, you can use chicken or vegetable broth. For a dairy-free option, consider using full-fat coconut milk and nutritional yeast for cheesiness, though the flavor profile will change.

Compared to many baked pasta dishes that can take well over an hour, this Shrimp Scampi Bake is remarkably quick. The average pasta bake often requires longer simmering times or baking periods. Our recipe is designed for efficiency, ensuring you can get a delicious, hearty meal on the table in under an hour, perfect for even the busiest weeknights. The shrimp cooks rapidly, and the pre-cooked pasta means the baking stage is primarily about melting cheese and melding flavors.

Follow these simple steps to create a shrimp scampi bake that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Begin by mincing your garlic and chopping your fresh parsley. If you’re using lemon, zest about half of it, then juice it. Have your shrimp ready – peeled, deveined, and patted dry. This prep work ensures a smooth cooking process. Set aside your spices like red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.

In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Add your pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. This is crucial – you don’t want mushy pasta. Before draining, carefully reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain the pasta and set aside. The pasta water is liquid gold for creating a smooth, emulsified sauce.

In a large oven-safe skillet (or a regular skillet if you plan to transfer to a baking dish), melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic. Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side, just until they turn pink and opaque. Do not overcook them at this stage, as they will continue to cook in the oven. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.

With the skillet still over medium heat (no need to clean it!), pour in the white wine (if using) and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for about a minute to reduce slightly. Add the heavy cream (or half-and-half) and lemon juice to the skillet. Stir well. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and let it thicken slightly for about 2-3 minutes. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. If the sauce seems too thick, gradually whisk in some of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.

Add the cooked pasta and the reserved shrimp back into the skillet with the creamy sauce. Toss everything gently to coat evenly. Stir in half of the chopped fresh parsley. If your skillet isn’t oven-safe, transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and a little extra Parmesan cheese evenly over the top. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown. Garnish with the remaining fresh parsley before serving.

While exact nutritional values can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes, a typical serving of this Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is approximately:

• Calories: 500-700 kcal
• Protein: 30-40g
• Fat: 25-35g
• Carbohydrates: 40-50g
• Rich in Omega-3 fatty acids from shrimp, calcium from cheese, and B vitamins from pasta.

Looking to lighten up this decadent dish? Consider these delicious swaps:

• Pasta: Opt for whole wheat pasta, zucchini noodles (zoodles), or shirataki noodles for fewer carbohydrates and extra fiber or lower calories.
• Cream: Use evaporated skim milk or Greek yogurt (stirred in at the end to prevent curdling) instead of heavy cream for reduced fat content while maintaining creaminess. A blend of vegetable broth and a touch of cornstarch can also create a lighter sauce base.
• Cheese: Reduce the amount of mozzarella and Parmesan, or use a reduced-fat variety. Sprinkle fresh herbs and a little extra lemon zest for flavor intensity.
• Shrimp: While shrimp is lean, ensure you’re not frying it excessively. Baking or a quick sauté is ideal.

This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is a complete meal on its own, but here are a few ideas to make it even more special:

• Crusty Bread: Serve with warm, crusty bread or garlic bread to sop up every last drop of that glorious sauce.
• Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the rich pasta. Think mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber.
• Steamed Vegetables: Asparagus, broccoli, or green beans lightly steamed or roasted make a healthy and vibrant addition.

Leftover Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it in a saucepan over low heat, in the oven at a low temperature (around 300°F/150°C), or in the microwave. You might need to add a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce when reheating.

This Easy Baked Shrimp Scampi Recipe is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. It delivers luxurious flavor and comforting textures with surprising ease. Whether you’re feeding your family, entertaining friends, or simply treating yourself, this Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is sure to impress. Say goodbye to dinner dilemmas and hello to your new favorite, stress-free, and utterly delicious go-to recipe. Give it a try tonight and transform your dinner routine!