If you’re craving a pasta dinner that’s elegant enough for guests but easy enough for a weeknight, this Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is it. Juicy, tender shrimp are tossed with linguine in a buttery garlic-lemon sauce, topped with Parmesan and golden bread crumbs, then baked until irresistibly bubbly.
This recipe brings together the classic flavors of traditional shrimp scampi — rich butter, fragrant garlic, a zing of citrus — and gives them a cozy, cheesy baked pasta twist. It’s perfect for date nights at home, holiday dinners, or those evenings when you want a meal that looks like you spent hours in the kitchen (but really didn’t).
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Restaurant-quality flavor with simple, fresh ingredients.
Bubbly, cheesy topping that takes classic scampi to the next level.
Ready in under an hour — great for busy nights.
Customizable — switch up the pasta or spice level.
Perfect for entertaining — serve straight from the skillet to the table.
Ingredient Breakdown
Large Shrimp – Sweet, tender protein that cooks quickly and soaks up the sauce.
Linguine Pasta – Long, silky noodles that hold the buttery lemon sauce beautifully.
Butter & Olive Oil – The flavor base of the dish; butter for richness, olive oil for depth.
Garlic – Minced fresh for that signature scampi aroma.
Lemon & Lime Juice – Bright, tangy contrast to the rich butter.
Fresh Parsley – Adds freshness and color to the dish.
Red Pepper Flakes – A subtle heat that balances the citrus and cheese.
Parmesan Cheese – Salty, nutty, and perfect for creating a bubbly crust.
Bread Crumbs – Add crunch to the baked topping.
Salt & Black Pepper – Essential for seasoning.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat the oven
Set to 400°F (200°C).
Cook the pasta
Boil linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Sauté the shrimp
In a large oven-safe skillet, melt butter with olive oil over medium heat.
Add garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Stir in shrimp and cook until pink and opaque, about 3–5 minutes.
Deglaze and simmer the sauce
Pour in lime and lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
Let simmer 1–2 minutes until slightly thickened.
Combine pasta and sauce
Add cooked pasta, parsley, and half of the Parmesan cheese to the skillet. Toss to coat.
Bake the dish
Transfer skillet to the oven and bake for 10–15 minutes until heated through and bubbling.
Finish under the broiler
Sprinkle with remaining Parmesan and bread crumbs.
Broil 1–2 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
Serve immediately
Garnish with extra parsley or lemon wedges if desired.
Pro Tips for the Best Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake
Use fresh shrimp if possible — frozen works too, but thaw completely first.
Don’t overcook shrimp — they can turn rubbery quickly; they’re done when just pink.
Zest your citrus before juicing — add zest to the sauce for an extra burst of flavor.
Use panko bread crumbs for a crunchier topping.
Cook pasta just shy of al dente — it will finish cooking in the oven.
Ingredient Swaps & Variations
Pasta swap: Use spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne instead of linguine.
Extra creamy: Add a splash of heavy cream to the sauce before baking.
More heat: Increase red pepper flakes or add diced fresh chili.
Low-carb: Swap pasta for zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
Cheese lover’s version: Mix in mozzarella for a gooey, melty interior.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with garlic bread to soak up extra sauce.
Pair with a green salad for freshness.
Enjoy with a chilled glass of white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
Make Ahead & Storage Tips
Make ahead: Cook pasta and sauce separately, store in fridge, and combine before baking.
Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through; cover with foil to prevent drying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use pre-cooked shrimp? Yes, but add them at the very end of the stovetop step so they don’t overcook.
What can I use instead of lime juice? All lemon juice works fine; lime just adds a unique brightness.
Can I make this without baking? Yes, just toss the pasta with sauce, cheese, and bread crumbs, then serve immediately.
How do I make it gluten-free? Use gluten-free pasta and bread crumbs.
