Shrimp Scampi Garlic Cream Pasta with Mozzarella and Parmesan
This Shrimp Scampi Garlic Cream Pasta brings together bold Mediterranean flavors in one easy dish. Creamy garlicky butter mingles with lemon juice and zest, while seared shrimp add a buttery richness. The final touch of melted mozzarella and Parmesan creates a comforting, slightly tangy finish that’s hard to resist. Best of all, it’s ready in under 40 minutes—no advanced skills required. Whether you’re feeding a family or enjoying a cozy dinner for two, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort. The bright citrus notes and aromatic garlic cut through the cheese’s creaminess, making every bite feel fresh and satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Minimalist but layered flavor: Lemon zest, garlic, and parsley work together to create complexity without ingredient overload.
- Perfect cheese balance: Mozzarella adds melt-in-your-mouth softness while Parmesan contributes sharp, nutty depth.
- Easy ingredient swaps: Substitute chicken broth for white wine to make this recipe halal-compliant.
- Family-friendly comfort: The baked cheese topping creates irresistible golden edges that appeal to both kids and adults.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 12 ounces dry spaghetti or linguine
- Shrimp: 1 pound large shell-on (peeled and deveined), pat dry
- Garlic Butter Base:
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter (divided)
- 5 cloves garlic (finely minced)
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Liquid Notes: ½ cup dry white wine OR low-sodium chicken broth
- Seasonings:
- 1 lemon (zest + 2 tbsp juice)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Kosher salt (to taste)
- Cheese Topping:
- ½ cup grated Parmesan (divided usage)
- 1 cup shredded low-moisture mozzarella
- Garnish: ¼ cup chopped Italian flat-leaf parsley
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Pasta Timing: Boil 12 ounces pasta in salted water until 1-2 minutes shy of package time. Drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water for adjustments.
- Shrimp Searing: In a skillet, sear shrimp in 2 tbsp butter and 2 tbsp olive oil until opaque (1½ minutes per side). Set aside.
- Garlic Infusion: Melt remaining butter with olive oil in skillet. Cook garlic and pepper flakes for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Simmer the Base: Add wine/broth, lemon juice, and zest. Simmer 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Combine Elements: Toss cooked pasta in skillet with garlic butter mixture. Stir in half the Parmesan and ¼ parsley.
- Bake with Cheese: Transfer mixture to 9×13-inch dish. Top with mozzarella and remaining Parmesan. Bake 15 minutes at 375°F (190°C) until golden.
- Final Touches: Remove dish and sprinkle remaining parsley. Serve warm with crusty bread.
Tips & Variations
- Add 1 tbsp lemon zest if your recipe calls for herb oils to maintain brightness.
- Swap mozzarella for fresh ricotta if preferred, though baked texture benefits from low-moisture cheeses.
- For a denser sauce, blend ½ cup cooked pasta water into the garlic butter before tossing.
- Avoid overbrowning cheese by covering the baking dish with aluminum foil after 10 minutes if browning too quickly.
- Rest shrimp on parchment-lined plate after searing to keep juices from waterlogging the sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this dish with a refreshing green salad using arugula and shaved Parmesan for contrast. A chilled white sangria (alcohol-free) or sparkling water with lemon twists complements the tangy cheese. Serve as the main course for casual dinners or elevate it with a side of sautéed mushrooms and asparagus. The golden cheese crust makes it a stunning presentation for dinner parties.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of broth or microwave until warm. Note that the cheese topping will soften in storage—simmer over medium heat to restore some crispiness if desired.
Nutrition Information
(Per serving of 4): Approximately 650 calories, 32g protein, 38g fat (22g saturated), 35g carbs, 7g sugar, 2g fiber. Values reflect homemade methods without brand-specific products. Actual portions vary with toppings.
Final Notes
This Shrimp Scampi Garlic Cream Pasta is your shortcut to a restaurant-style meal that’s adaptable to dietary needs. The key to success is balancing the lemon’s brightness with robust garlic and allowing the cheeses to shine. Give this recipe a try this weeknight—adjust the spice level, experiment with pasta shapes, and share your favorite variations in the comments!
PrintShrimp Scampi Garlic Cream Pasta with Mozzarella and Parmesan
A creamy and flavorful Mediterranean-inspired pasta dish with seared shrimp, garlic, lemon, and a mix of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, ready in under 40 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 25
- Total Time: 35
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: quick
- Method: Stovetop / Baking (optional)
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten-free if using gluten-free pasta, otherwise not
Ingredients
12 ounces dry spaghetti or linguine
1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined, pat dry
3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
4 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
5 cloves garlic, finely minced
¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes, optional
½ cup low-sodium chicken broth (or substitute for wine, see notes)
1 lemon, zest + 2 tbsp juice
½ tsp black pepper
Kosher salt, to taste
½ cup grated Parmesan, divided
1 cup shredded low-moisture mozzarella
¼ cup chopped Italian flat-leaf parsley
Instructions
Boil 12 ounces pasta in salted water until 1-2 minutes shy of package time. Drain and reserve ½ cup pasta water for adjustments.
In a skillet, sear shrimp in 2 tbsp butter and 2 tbsp olive oil until opaque (1½ minutes per side). Set aside.
Melt remaining butter with olive oil in skillet. Cook garlic and pepper flakes for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add chicken broth, lemon juice, and zest. Simmer 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
Return cooked shrimp to the pan and stir to coat with garlic-cream liquid.
Mix in hot pasta, stirring to coat. Add mozzarella and half the Parmesan. If necessary, add reserved pasta water to help melt the cheese and create a smooth sauce.
Taste and adjust with salt and pepper. Top with remaining Parmesan and parsley, and serve warm.
Notes
For a halal-compliant option, substitute white wine with low-sodium chicken broth.
Parmesan can be omitted if preferred, or substituted with nutritional yeast for a vegan version.
Use linguine for a more traditional scampi feel.
This dish can be served baked for a bubbly, golden finish if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (¼ of recipe)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
