If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with vibrant flavors but is surprisingly simple to prepare, the Baked Shrimp Scampi Recipe is an absolute winner. This delightful meal brings together juicy, tender shrimp baked in a garlicky, buttery sauce with a perfect lemony zing. Tossed with pasta and topped with parmesan cheese, every forkful delivers a luxurious taste that feels restaurant-worthy while being totally achievable in your own kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the secret to making this dish shine, and luckily, most of them are pantry staples. Each element plays a special role, from the fragrant garlic and shallots that build the flavor base, to the fresh parsley that adds a pop of color and freshness.
- Dried pasta, 8 ounces (225 g): Spaghetti or your favorite type works perfectly as the base texture carrier for all the saucy goodness.
- Garlic cloves, 4 minced: The soul of the dish, infusing it with that irresistible aromatic punch.
- Large shallot, 1 halved and thinly sliced: Adds subtle sweetness and a delicate onion flavor.
- Crushed red pepper flakes, 1 teaspoon (optional): Offers a gentle heat, but you can skip if you prefer mild flavors.
- Smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon: Gives a warm, smoky depth that complements the shrimp beautifully.
- Extra virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons (30 ml): Used to enrich and carry the other flavors while keeping everything silky.
- Unsalted butter, 2 tablespoons (28 g) melted: Adds richness and helps create that luscious scampi sauce.
- Dry white wine, ½ cup (120 ml): Brightens the dish with acidity and complexity.
- Zest and juice of 1 medium lemon: Provides the essential citrus zing that cuts through the richness.
- Salt, 1 teaspoon: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the ingredients.
- Freshly ground black pepper, ½ teaspoon: Adds balancing warmth and a slight bite.
- Fresh parsley leaves, 2 tablespoons chopped: Brings a fresh herbal note and vibrant green color.
- Shrimp, 1 pound (450 g) peeled and deveined: The star of the show, tender and juicy.
- Grated parmesan cheese, ½ cup (43 g): Sprinkled on top for a savory, umami finish.
How to Make Baked Shrimp Scampi Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by warming your oven to 350°F (180°C). This moderate temperature allows the shrimp to cook gently while melding all those incredible flavors together.
Step 2: Prepare the Pasta
While the oven heats, cook your pasta according to the package directions until just al dente. Drain it well and set it aside, ready to soak up the delicious scampi sauce later.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients in Baking Dish
In a large baking dish, toss together the minced garlic, sliced shallots, red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, olive oil, melted butter, white wine, lemon zest and juice, salt, pepper, chopped parsley, and the shrimp. Giving everything a good mix ensures the shrimp are evenly coated and ready to absorb all those bright, buttery flavors.
Step 4: Bake Until Pink and Perfect
Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for about 12 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the shrimp turn an inviting pink color and are cooked through without a hint of translucency.
Step 5: Combine Pasta with Shrimp Mixture
Carefully remove the baking dish, then add your cooked and drained pasta directly into the dish. Stir gently to combine the pasta with the flavorful shrimp and the garlicky sauce pooled at the bottom.
Step 6: Top with Parmesan Cheese
Sprinkle the grated parmesan over the entire dish and gently toss once more. The cheese melts slightly from the residual heat, adding a nutty and rich layer that binds the flavors.
Step 7: Final Touches and Serve
Feel free to add extra parmesan or a sprinkle of fresh parsley for garnish. Serve this warm, comforting Baked Shrimp Scampi Recipe immediately to enjoy every luscious bite.
How to Serve Baked Shrimp Scampi Recipe
Garnishes
A handful of freshly chopped parsley adds a vibrant green pop that lightens up the rich dish, while additional parmesan offers a welcome cheesy hit that enhances each mouthful.
Side Dishes
This recipe shines when paired with crisp, refreshing sides like a crunchy green salad or steamed asparagus. A slice of crusty bread can also be excellent to soak up any leftover sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the shrimp scampi atop zucchini noodles for a low-carb option, or dish it out in pretty individual ramekins for elegant dinner parties that’ll wow your guests with minimal fuss.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, pop them into an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The shrimp will remain juicy, and the sauce keeps its flavor nicely.
Freezing
This dish doesn’t freeze very well because the shrimp can become rubbery and the pasta might lose texture. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated short-term.
Reheating
To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat or microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally to keep the shrimp tender and prevent drying out.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely, pat them dry, and remove any excess moisture before mixing with the other ingredients to avoid a watery dish.
Is it possible to make this recipe without wine?
Yes, you can substitute the white wine with chicken broth or even water with a splash of lemon juice to maintain acidity and depth of flavor.
What type of pasta works best?
Traditional spaghetti is classic, but feel free to use linguine, angel hair, or even gluten-free pasta based on your preference.
Can I add more spice to the scampi?
Definitely! Increase the crushed red pepper flakes or toss in a bit of cayenne pepper for more heat that wakes up the dish.
How do I know when the shrimp are perfectly baked?
Look for shrimp that have turned fully pink and opaque with no translucent spots; this usually takes about 12 minutes at 350°F and ensures juicy, tender seafood without overcooking.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Shrimp Scampi Recipe is a total game-changer for busy nights or when you want to impress without stress. Its bright, buttery flavors combined with tender shrimp and comforting pasta make it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this as much as I do—trust me, it’ll become one of your go-to dishes in no time!
Print
Baked Shrimp Scampi Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A delicious and easy Baked Shrimp Scampi recipe featuring succulent shrimp baked with garlic, shallots, and a zesty lemon butter sauce, served over tender pasta and topped with parmesan cheese for a perfect weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces (225 g) dried pasta (spaghetti or preferred type)
Shrimp Scampi Sauce
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 large shallot, halved and thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons (28 g) unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup (120 ml) dry white wine
- Zest and juice of 1 medium lemon
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley leaves, chopped
- 1 pound (450 g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ½ cup (43 g) grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) to prepare for baking the shrimp scampi.
- Cook Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside for later.
- Combine Ingredients: In a baking dish, mix together the minced garlic, thinly sliced shallots, crushed red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, olive oil, melted butter, dry white wine, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, chopped parsley, and peeled, deveined shrimp ensuring everything is well combined.
- Bake Shrimp: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for about 12 minutes or until the shrimp turn pink and are cooked through.
- Add Pasta: Remove the shrimp from the oven and add the drained pasta to the baking dish. Mix everything thoroughly to combine the flavors.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese over the top and gently mix it in so it melts slightly and coats the pasta and shrimp.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the dish with extra parmesan cheese or fresh parsley if desired, then serve the shrimp scampi hot for a flavorful meal.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, add extra crushed red pepper flakes.
- You can substitute the white wine with chicken broth if preferred.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Make sure not to overcook the shrimp to keep them tender.
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese provides the best flavor and texture.
