Cheesy Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

Here’s a rich, comforting Cheesy Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake — garlicky, buttery shrimp with a creamy lemon sauce and golden melted cheese on top.

🧄🧀 Cheesy Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

Ingredients (Serves 4–6)

Pasta & Shrimp

• 12 oz pasta (penne, ziti, or linguine)
• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled & deveined
• Salt & black pepper
• 1 tsp paprika (optional)

Scampi Sauce

• 3 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4–5 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• ½ cup chicken broth (or white wine)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Zest + juice of 1 lemon
• ½ cup grated Parmesan

Cheese Topping

• 1 to 1½ cups shredded mozzarella
• ¼ cup extra Parmesan
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley

Instructions

1. Cook Pasta
   • Boil pasta in salted water until just al dente.
   • Drain and set aside.
2. Cook Shrimp
   • Season shrimp with salt, pepper, and paprika.
   • In a large skillet, heat butter + olive oil.
   • Sauté shrimp 1–2 minutes per side (just until pink).
   • Remove and set aside (don’t overcook).
3. Make Sauce
   • In the same skillet, sauté garlic and red pepper flakes (30 seconds).
   • Add broth or wine; simmer 2–3 minutes.
   • Stir in cream, lemon zest, and juice.
   • Simmer until slightly thickened (3–5 minutes).
   • Stir in Parmesan.
4. Assemble
   • Combine pasta, shrimp, and sauce.
   • Transfer to a greased baking dish.
   • Top with mozzarella and extra Parmesan.
5. Bake
   • 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes until bubbly.
   • Broil 2–3 minutes for golden top.
6. Garnish
   • Sprinkle parsley before serving.

Flavor Boost Ideas

• Add sautéed spinach or cherry tomatoes.
• Mix in a handful of cream cheese for extra richness.
• Add crispy breadcrumbs on top for crunch.
• Use Gruyère for a deeper cheesy flavor.

If you’d like, I can also make this:

• Lighter / lower-calorie
• Extra creamy restaurant-style
• Cajun version
• Without cream
• Gluten-free

Just tell me your preference 😊