Creamy Baked Shrimp Pasta with Lemon Garlic Sauce

Some meals instantly take you to your comfort zone—and this creamy baked shrimp pasta does exactly that.

It’s rich, citrusy, cheesy, and packed with tender shrimp in every bite.

Why I Love This Recipe

It’s cozy and creamy, with just enough brightness from fresh lemon to keep things light.

I love how the garlic butter shrimp and the bubbly cheese topping come together in the oven—it’s like mac and cheese got a seafood upgrade!

What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)

Linguine or spaghetti – Holds the creamy sauce beautifully.

Large shrimp – Sweet, juicy, and quick to cook.

Butter & garlic – The classic flavor base.

Red pepper flakes – Add a subtle kick.

White wine or broth – Deglazes the pan and deepens flavor.

Lemon juice + zest – Adds brightness and cuts the richness.

Heavy cream – Creates the luscious, velvety sauce.

Parmesan + mozzarella – Creamy, salty, stretchy topping.

Fresh parsley – For a final fresh pop.

Pro Tips Before You Start

Use raw shrimp (not pre-cooked) to avoid overcooking.

Zest your lemon before juicing—it’s easier that way.

Don’t skip the wine or broth—it lifts the garlic flavor beautifully.

Cook pasta just until al dente—it’ll finish in the oven.

Grate cheese fresh for the best melt and flavor.

How to Make Creamy Baked Shrimp Pasta

 Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready to go once the pasta is assembled.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Boil your linguine or spaghetti in salted water until al dente.

Drain and set aside—don’t rinse.

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic

In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.

Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, and sauté just until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Step 4: Cook the Shrimp

Add the shrimp to the skillet. Cook for 3–4 minutes, flipping once, until pink and opaque.

Remove and set aside.

Step 5: Deglaze the Pan

Pour in white wine (or chicken broth) and simmer for 2 minutes, scraping up any flavorful bits.

Step 6: Make the Creamy Sauce

Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and heavy cream.

Let it come to a gentle simmer.

Step 7: Combine with Pasta

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss to coat with the creamy sauce.

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 8: Transfer to Baking Dish

Spoon the pasta mixture into a large baking dish.

Top with the cooked shrimp.

Step 9: Add Cheese

Sprinkle Parmesan and mozzarella evenly over the top.

Step 10: Bake

Place the dish in the oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 11: Garnish and Serve

Remove from the oven and sprinkle with fresh parsley.

Serve warm and creamy!

What to Serve It With

Garlic bread or focaccia

A crisp green salad

Roasted asparagus or broccoli

A cold glass of Pinot Grigio or sparkling lemonade

Variations / Substitutions

Use angel hair or penne if you prefer different pasta shapes.

Swap shrimp for chicken, scallops, or even salmon.

Add spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for more veggies.

Make it spicy by adding more red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce.

Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version.

Storage & Leftovers

Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Reheat: Warm in the oven or gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream.

Freezer: Not ideal—cream sauces tend to separate when thawed.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the dish (without baking), cover, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.

What wine works best in the sauce?
A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio is perfect.

Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
You can, but skip the skillet step and just warm them briefly before baking.

How can I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and a cornstarch slurry instead of flour, if needed.

Is this dish spicy?
Only mildly, from the red pepper flakes. You can reduce or omit them.

Can I add vegetables to the bake?
Absolutely! Baby spinach, peas, or sautéed mushrooms work beautifully.

Can I use milk instead of cream?
Milk will thin the sauce, but you can thicken it with a bit of cornstarch.

Final Thoughts

This creamy baked shrimp pasta brings together everything I love—rich, garlicky sauce, bright citrus, tender shrimp, and melty cheese.

It feels like comfort food with a fancy twist, but takes less than an hour from start to finish.

Perfect for any night you want something cozy, crave-worthy, and a little indulgent.