If you’re craving a dinner that feels gourmet yet comes together quickly, the Easy One-Pan Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is a total game-changer. This dish perfectly blends tender shrimp, garlicky buttery sauce, and pasta baked to golden perfection—all made in one pan for easy cleanup. Whether you’re racing against the clock on a weeknight or want a flavorful dish without fuss, this recipe delivers juicy seafood, fragrant herbs, and a luscious sauce that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple Cleanup: Cooking everything in one pan means less mess and more time to relax after dinner.
Flavor Explosion: The garlic butter sauce combined with lemon and fresh herbs makes each bite irresistible.
Quick Prep and Cook Time: From start to table in under 45 minutes, perfect for busy evenings.
Customizable: Easy to swap ingredients for dietary preferences or whatever’s in your pantry.
Balanced Meal: Combines protein, carbs, and fresh flavors in one hearty dish.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Easy One-Pan Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake plays an essential role in building its delicious, balanced flavor profile. From the plump shrimp adding protein, to the fresh parsley brightening the dish, these carefully chosen components make cooking straightforward and rewarding.

Large shrimp: Peeled and deveined for quick cooking and a tender seafood texture.
Pasta: Use penne or rigatoni to hold onto that silky scampi sauce.
Garlic cloves: Freshly minced for that irresistible aromatic base.
Butter: Melts into a rich, creamy sauce that coats every bite.
Olive oil: Helps sauté the shrimp evenly without sticking.
Lemon juice and zest: Adds a bright, citrusy zing that cuts through the richness.
Chicken broth: Creates a flavorful liquid that cooks the pasta and deepens the sauce.
Parmesan cheese: Melts on top for that golden, cheesy finish.
Fresh parsley: Brings freshness and a pop of color right before serving.
Salt and pepper: Enhances all the natural flavors perfectly.

Variations for Easy One-Pan Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

This dish adapts beautifully to what you have on hand or your flavor preferences, making it a versatile go-to. Feel free to experiment with these tweaks to make the recipe your own.

Vegetable boost: Add spinach, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus for extra color and nutrients.
Spicy kick: Toss in crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne to heat things up.
Different proteins: Swap shrimp for chicken breast or scallops depending on mood or availability.
Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free pasta varieties and ensure broth is GF-compliant.
Cheese variations: Try mozzarella or fontina for a different melty cheese experience.

Why Easy One-Pan Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Rocks

How to Make Easy One-Pan Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

Step 1: Sauté the shrimp

Begin by heating olive oil and half the butter in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add peeled shrimp seasoned lightly with salt and pepper. Cook just until pink and opaque—about 2 minutes per side—then remove and set aside. This step locks in the shrimp’s juiciness.

Step 2: Create the scampi sauce

In the same skillet, stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about one minute. Add the remaining butter, lemon juice, lemon zest, and chicken broth. Let it simmer for a few minutes to blend flavors and slightly reduce the liquid.

Step 3: Cook the pasta in sauce

Add the uncooked pasta directly into the skillet with the sauce, stirring to coat. Pour in extra broth or water if needed to cover the pasta. Cover and let the pasta cook on medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until tender but still firm, absorbing the delicious sauce as it softens.

Step 4: Combine and prepare to bake

Return the cooked shrimp to the pan and stir everything together. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese evenly over the top. Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes until the cheese melts and starts to brown.

Step 5: Garnish and serve

Remove from the oven and garnish liberally with fresh chopped parsley. Serve immediately for a warm, comforting meal.

Pro Tips for Making Easy One-Pan Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

Don’t overcook shrimp: Cook shrimp just until pink to keep them tender and juicy.
Use fresh garlic: Freshly minced garlic delivers the most vibrant scampi flavor compared to powders.
Reserve shrimp cooking juices: They add extra depth when incorporated back into the sauce.
Choose the right pan: An oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven is perfect for one-pan baking and even heating.
Stir pasta frequently: To prevent sticking while it cooks in the sauce, stir regularly for even cooking.

How to Serve Easy One-Pan Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or basil add a bright contrast in taste and color, while a light sprinkle of grated Parmesan adds a lovely salty richness. A few lemon wedges on the side can brighten each bite.

Side Dishes

Pair this pasta bake with a crisp green salad with vinaigrette to balance richness or serve with roasted garlic bread to soak up every last drop of sauce. Steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans provide a fresh, healthy complement.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this dish family-style in the skillet for a cozy dinner or scoop individual portions into colorful bowls for a casual lunch. For a dinner party, plate the pasta with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of microgreens for elegant flair.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let leftovers cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. They keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it easy to enjoy the dish again or pack for lunch.

Freezing

This pasta bake freezes well, though shrimp texture may soften slightly. Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Stir gently to redistribute sauce and avoid drying out the shrimp.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking to ensure they sauté properly without excess moisture.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes! It holds up well in the fridge and reheats nicely, making it a convenient option for preparing meals ahead of time.

What type of pasta works best?

Penne, rigatoni, or any short, tubular pasta is perfect since it holds the scampi sauce nicely and bakes evenly.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute butter with a dairy-free margarine and use nutritional yeast or omit cheese altogether for a rich, dairy-free version.

How spicy can I make the dish?

Feel free to add chili flakes or hot sauce to taste when preparing the sauce to give the dish a gentle or bold spicy kick.

Final Thoughts

The Easy One-Pan Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is truly a recipe I feel thrilled to share because it combines ease, flavor, and elegance without any fuss. It’s the kind of meal that makes weeknights special and satisfies everyone at the table. Give it a try—you’ll wonder why you didn’t make it sooner!

Easy One-Pan Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake

Print Recipe

Easy One-Pan Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake is a quick and gourmet dinner that combines tender shrimp, garlicky buttery sauce, and perfectly baked pasta—all made in one pan for simple cleanup. This flavorful dish features juicy seafood, fragrant herbs, and a luscious lemon-infused scampi sauce that’s ready in under 45 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or fuss-free entertaining.

Author: Lilly
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: One-pan, Baking, Sautéing
Cuisine: Italian-American
Diet: Can be made gluten free (use gluten-free pasta and compliant broth)

Ingredients

Scale

Shrimp and Pasta

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
12 ounces penne or rigatoni pasta (uncooked)

Sauce and Seasonings

4 garlic cloves, freshly minced
4 tablespoons butter, divided
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
2 cups chicken broth
Salt and pepper, to taste

Toppings and Garnish

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Sauté the shrimp: Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Season the peeled shrimp lightly with salt and pepper, then add to the skillet. Cook until pink and opaque, about 2 minutes per side. Remove shrimp and set aside to keep them juicy.
Create the scampi sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for about one minute until fragrant. Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, lemon juice, lemon zest, and chicken broth. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes to blend flavors and reduce slightly.
Cook the pasta in sauce: Add the uncooked pasta directly into the skillet, stirring to coat with the sauce. If needed, pour in extra broth or water to cover the pasta. Cover the skillet and cook on medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender but still firm, about 12-15 minutes.
Combine and prepare to bake: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and stir everything together. Evenly sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top. Place the skillet in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes until the cheese melts and begins to brown.
Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven. Garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley. Serve immediately for a warm and comforting meal.

Notes

Don’t overcook shrimp to keep them tender and juicy.
Use freshly minced garlic for the most vibrant scampi flavor.
Reserve shrimp cooking juices to add depth to the sauce.
Use an oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven for even heating and easy baking.
Stir pasta frequently while cooking to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 450 kcal
Sugar: 2 g
Sodium: 700 mg
Fat: 18 g
Saturated Fat: 10 g
Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 40 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 32 g
Cholesterol: 220 mg

Keywords: shrimp scampi, one-pan pasta, baked shrimp pasta, quick dinner, garlic butter sauce, easy pasta bake, weeknight meal, seafood pasta