There’s something magical that happens when the rustic comfort of a pasta bake meets the vibrant, zesty flavors of the Mediterranean. If you are a fan of the classic garlic-butter-lemon trifecta but crave something a bit more substantial for a family dinner, this shrimp scampi pasta bake recipe is your new best friend.
Imagine succulent shrimp nestled in a bed of al dente pasta, tossed in a fragrant sauce of extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic. Now, top that with a bubbly layer of melted mozzarella and a hint of salty feta. It’s the ultimate weeknight luxury—sophisticated enough for a dinner party, yet easy enough to whip up on a Tuesday. This dish perfectly embodies the Mediterranean Diet, focusing on high-quality seafood, heart-healthy fats, and fresh herbs. Plus, it’s incredibly make-ahead friendly, allowing you to prep now and bake when the hunger hits.
What Is Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake?
Traditional shrimp scampi is a quick sauté of shrimp, garlic, butter, and lemon juice, often served over a delicate bed of linguine. While iconic, it can sometimes feel a bit light for a hungry crowd.
This baked shrimp scampi takes those core flavors and transforms them into a hearty casserole. By transitioning from the stovetop to the oven, the flavors meld together, the pasta absorbs the savory garlic-lemon juices, and you get that irresistible golden, bubbly cheese crust. It is a quintessential Mediterranean shrimp pasta dish because it swaps heavy creams for olive oil and emphasizes fresh aromatics and seafood.
Why You’ll Love This Mediterranean Version
If you’re looking for an easy shrimp pasta bake, here is why this recipe stands out:
- Explosion of Flavor: Packed with punchy garlic, bright lemon zest, and fresh parsley.
- Heart-Healthy: We lean heavily on extra virgin olive oil rather than just butter, aligning with Mediterranean diet recipes.
- Balanced Textures: You get juicy shrimp, tender pasta, and a crisp, cheesy topping.
- Crowd Pleaser: It is easy to scale up for gatherings or holiday potlucks.
- Highly Customizable: Easy to toss in extra veggies or swap cheeses based on what’s in your fridge.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Shrimp
- Large Shrimp: 1.5 lbs, peeled and deveined (tail-on for look, or off for ease of eating).
- Garlic: 5-6 cloves, finely minced (don’t be shy!).
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: The foundation of any good shrimp scampi pasta recipe.
- Lemon: Both juice and zest for a double hit of citrus.
- Seasonings: Red pepper flakes for a tiny kick, sea salt, and cracked black pepper.
For the Pasta
- Pasta: 1 lb of whole wheat penne or rigatoni.
- Veggies: A handful of cherry tomatoes (halved) and fresh baby spinach for color and nutrients.
- Herbs: Plenty of fresh chopped parsley and a pinch of dried oregano.
For the Sauce & Topping
- Liquid Gold: Olive oil and a small knob of grass-fed butter.
- Cheese: A mix of Parmesan for saltiness and Mozzarella for the “pull.”
- Optional: Crumbled feta and Mediterranean-style breadcrumbs (panko mixed with dried herbs).
Best Pasta for Shrimp Scampi Bake
While you might be used to long strands of spaghetti for scampi, this shrimp scampi pasta bake recipe works best with short, tubular shapes.
- Penne: The ridges hold onto the garlic oil perfectly.
- Rigatoni: Larger holes capture the small bits of minced garlic and herbs.
- Ziti: Provides a great “bite” that stands up well to the oven’s heat.
Pro Tip: Avoid long pastas like spaghetti or fettuccine in a bake; they tend to clump together and become difficult to serve once the cheese sets.
How to Make Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Boil your pasta in heavily salted water. Aim for molto al dente—about 2 minutes less than the package directions. It will finish cooking in the oven as it absorbs the sauce.
Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp, half the garlic, and red pepper flakes. Sauté for just 1–2 minutes per side until they turn pink but are still slightly translucent in the center. Remove them from the pan immediately so they don’t turn rubbery.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Lemon Sauce
In the same skillet, add a little more oil, the remaining garlic. Let it simmer and reduce by half. Stir in the lemon juice and zest. This creates the flavorful base for your Mediterranean seafood pasta.
Step 4: Combine Everything
In a large mixing bowl (or the pasta pot), combine the undercooked pasta, the sautéed shrimp, cherry tomatoes, and spinach. Pour the garlic-lemon sauce over the top and toss gently.
Step 5: Assemble & Bake
Transfer the mixture into a 9×13 casserole dish. Sprinkle with Parmesan and Mozzarella. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly. For a golden finish, broil for the last 2 minutes.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Bake
- Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: They are the star of the show. If you cook them fully on the stove, they will be tough after 20 minutes in the oven.
- Fresh Lemon is Non-Negotiable: Bottled juice lacks the bright oils found in the zest that make this dish pop.
- Pasta Water: Reserve half a cup of starchy pasta water. If the mixture looks dry before baking, splash a little in.
Make It Healthier (Mediterranean Focus)
To keep this strictly aligned with a heart-healthy Mediterranean Diet, try these swaps:
- Whole Grain: Use 100% whole wheat pasta for extra fiber.
- Veggie Forward: Double the spinach and add roasted bell peppers.
- Cheese Control: Use a high-quality, sharp Parmesan; a little goes a long way in flavor, allowing you to use less overall.
- The “Creamy” Hack: If you love a creamy texture without the heavy cream, stir in 1/4 cup of plain Greek yogurt before baking.
Mediterranean Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 baking dish.
- Boil pasta in salted water until just shy of al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté shrimp in a large skillet with 1 tbsp oil and half the garlic for 2 minutes. Remove shrimp.
- Deglaze skillet with wine/broth, remaining garlic, lemon juice, and zest. Simmer for 3 minutes.
- Toss pasta, shrimp, spinach, tomatoes, and sauce in a large bowl.
- Transfer to the baking dish. Top with mozzarella and parmesan.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbling.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
Variations to Try
- Creamy Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake: Add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half to the sauce in Step 3.
- Spinach & Feta Version: Lean into the Greek flavors by using strictly feta and double the spinach. Pair it with a side of Greek Salad Recipe for a complete meal.
- Spicy Chili Version: Triple the red pepper flakes and add sliced Fresno chilies.
Can You Make It Ahead?
Yes! You can assemble the entire dish (minus the final cheese topping), cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to eat, add the cheese and bake. You may need to add 5–10 minutes to the bake time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
Freezing Instructions
You can freeze this bake for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking. This makes it a fantastic meal-prep option for busy months.
What to Serve With Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake
Balance the richness of the cheese and garlic with something fresh:
- Greek Salad Recipe: The acidity of the vinaigrette cuts through the pasta beautifully.
- Greek Quinoa Salad Recipe: For those who want extra protein and crunch.
- Roasted Vegetables: Try our roasted broccoli recipe or roasted brussels sprouts and butternut squash.
- Bread: A slice of Rustic Peasant Bread Recipe is essential for mopping up the leftover garlic butter sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely. Just ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry with paper towels before sautéing to avoid watering down the sauce.
What can I use instead of white wine?
Chicken broth or vegetable broth works perfectly. Add an extra squeeze of lemon.
Is shrimp scampi pasta bake healthy?
When made with olive oil, whole wheat pasta, and plenty of vegetables, it is a very balanced meal that fits perfectly into a Mediterranean lifestyle.