If you’re craving a vibrant, flavorful dish that comes together quickly and doesn’t have you juggling too many pots and pans, this One-Pan Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is your new go-to meal. Combining succulent shrimp, bright garlic, zesty lemon, and tender pasta all baked in a savory, buttery sauce, it’s a perfect recipe to delight the entire family on busy weeknights or impress guests without the hassle. The beauty of this One-Pan Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is in its simplicity and the way every ingredient shines through, delivering comfort and elegance in just one dish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Prep and cook everything in one pan, cutting down on cleanup and saving time.
- Rich Flavors: Garlic, lemon, and butter combine to create a luscious sauce that perfectly complements the shrimp and pasta.
- Family-Friendly: It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s great for all ages, plus you can easily adjust spice levels.
- Nutritious and Balanced: Protein-packed shrimp mixed with hearty pasta and fresh herbs make a wholesome meal.
- Customizable: Easily swap ingredients or add your favorite veggies or cheeses to suit your taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This One-Pan Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients you probably have on hand. Each one enhances the dish in its own way, from the silky butter to the fresh parsley for color and freshness.
- Shrimp: Use peeled and deveined medium or large shrimp for quick cooking and tender bites.
- Pasta: Penne or rigatoni works best to hold onto the creamy sauce without getting mushy.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds that essential pungent aroma and flavor base.
- Butter: Creates a rich, velvety sauce that coats every bite.
- Lemon Juice and Zest: Adds brightness and a hint of tartness to balance the richness.
- Chicken or Vegetable Broth: Keeps the pasta moist and infuses extra flavor.
- Parmesan Cheese: Melts beautifully and adds a savory depth.
- Fresh Parsley: For garnish and a pop of herbal freshness.
- Red Pepper Flakes: A pinch adds subtle heat, but optional for milder tastes.
- Olive Oil: Helps sauté the garlic and shrimp for that perfect sear.
Variations for One-Pan Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake
Feel free to personalize your One-Pan Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake to match your preferences or dietary needs—it’s simpler than you might think. Swapping out a few ingredients or adding extras can make this dish perfect for everyone at your table.
- Vegetable Boost: Toss in spinach, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus for added nutrition and color.
- Low-Carb Version: Replace pasta with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for a lighter option.
- Spicy Kick: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to turn up the heat.
- Cheese Twist: Mix in mozzarella or fontina for a gooey, melty variation.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure broth is gluten-free to accommodate sensitivity.
How to Make One-Pan Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake
Step 1: Sauté Garlic and Shrimp
Start by warming olive oil and butter in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add fresh minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the shrimp, season lightly with salt, and cook until they turn pink—roughly 2 minutes per side. Remove shrimp and set aside, preserving all the flavorful juices in the pan.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce and Pasta
In the same pan, pour in chicken or vegetable broth along with fresh lemon juice and zest. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, scraping the pan to mix up those tasty browned bits. Add uncooked pasta directly into the sauce, ensuring it’s submerged. Let the pasta cook in this mixture for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 3: Combine Shrimp and Cheese
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, gently folding them into the pasta and sauce. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top and finish with red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. Stir lightly to incorporate, then sprinkle fresh parsley over everything as a final touch.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the entire skillet in the oven and bake uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes. This step lets the flavors meld, the cheese melt perfectly, and the top get a slight golden crust. Once done, remove from oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
Pro Tips for Making One-Pan Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake
- Use Fresh Shrimp: For best texture and flavor, fresh or properly thawed shrimp work wonders.
- Don’t Overcook Pasta: Since the pasta finishes baking in the oven, undercook slightly when simmering.
- Choose an Ovenproof Pan: A cast iron or oven-safe skillet ensures easy transition from stovetop to oven.
- Balance the Lemon: Adjust lemon juice and zest to taste for the perfect acid-brightness pairing with shrimp.
- Keep Garlic Fresh: Use fresh minced garlic rather than powders for that authentic scampi flavor.
How to Serve One-Pan Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake
Garnishes
Freshly chopped parsley adds a vibrant green color and herbal brightness that contrasts beautifully with the creamy pasta. Sprinkle some extra grated Parmesan or a twist of lemon rind to lift the presentation.
Side Dishes
This pasta bake pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus to balance out the richness. Garlic bread or crusty baguette rounds out the meal, perfect for sopping up any leftover sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this One-Pan Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake family-style right from the skillet to keep that cozy feeling. Alternatively, portion it into shallow bowls and top with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a pinch of chili flakes for a restaurant-quality touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Refrigerate any leftover pasta bake in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor. Make sure it cools completely before sealing to prevent sogginess.
Freezing
This dish freezes well if stored properly. Transfer cooled portions into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags with the air pressed out. It should last up to 2 months frozen without losing its delicious taste.
Reheating
For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. Microwave reheating is quicker but may slightly affect texture, so stirring halfway through helps.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess water making the sauce watery.
What type of pasta works best for the bake?
Short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or even ziti are ideal because they hold the sauce well and bake evenly without becoming mushy.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! You can swap shrimp for hearty mushrooms or artichoke hearts and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a flavorful vegetarian version.
How spicy is this One-Pan Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake?
It has a mild kick by default thanks to the optional red pepper flakes, but you can adjust the heat level to suit your taste or omit them entirely.
Can I prepare the pasta bake ahead of time and bake later?
Definitely! You can assemble the dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to baking time if baking from cold.
Final Thoughts
There you have it—a delicious, fuss-free One-Pan Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake that feels like a special treat yet is simple enough for any night. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy fresh shrimp and comforting pasta without the mess or stress. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a staple in your cooking rotation!