Baked Shrimp Scampi Recipe

If you’re looking for a fabulous, foolproof way to impress your guests (or just treat yourself!), Baked Shrimp Scampi is a dinnertime dream come true. This dish serves up plump, juicy shrimp, a garlicky lemon-wine sauce, and tender spaghetti—finished off with a golden sprinkle of parmesan. It’s a weeknight-friendly recipe with total restaurant vibes!

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed by how a few simple, top-notch ingredients transform into the ultimate Baked Shrimp Scampi! Each component is essential for building rich flavor and beautiful presentation, and you probably have most of them in your kitchen already.

• Dried pasta (spaghetti or your favorite): The classic bed for all the juicy shrimp and zesty sauce—use spaghetti for tradition, or swap in linguine or fettuccine for a twist.
• Garlic cloves (minced): The backbone of that irresistible, aromatic scampi flavor—don’t be shy with the garlic!
• Large shallot (sliced): Brings delicate sweetness and depth, balancing the punchiness of garlic and lemon.
• Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Add a subtle kick of heat that you can dial up or down to your taste.
• Smoked paprika: Gives a gentle warmth and hint of smoky color, making the sauce truly special.
• Extra virgin olive oil: Adds silkiness and helps all the flavors meld together beautifully.
• Unsalted butter (melted): Classic richness—combines with olive oil for the ultimate juicy sauce.
• Dry white wine: Lifts the dish with acidity and fragrance; use something you’d love to drink alongside dinner.
• Lemon zest and juice: Bright, zippy, and totally essential. The zest brings oils for aroma, the juice adds that signature tang.
• Salt & freshly ground black pepper: Simple seasoning to enhance every ingredient. Taste as you go!
• Fresh parsley (chopped): For a pop of green and fresh, herby flavor right at the finish.
• Shrimp (peeled & deveined): The star of Baked Shrimp Scampi. Large shrimp stay juicy in the oven and deliver perfect texture.
• Parmesan cheese (grated): Adds savory, cheesy magic to each forkful—don’t skip this little luxury!

Variations

One of the absolute joys of Baked Shrimp Scampi is how effortlessly you can make it “your own.” Whether you’re cooking for dietary needs or just craving a fresh spin, these easy tweaks let you shake things up without any extra fuss.

• Switch up your pasta: Try angel hair for a lighter touch, or use gluten-free spaghetti to keep things celiac-friendly.
• Add vegetables: Toss in halved cherry tomatoes, baby spinach, or asparagus spears before baking for a colorful, veggie-packed meal.
• Go dairy-free: Use a plant-based butter and skip the parmesan or swap for dairy-free parmesan shreds for a completely dairy-free version.
• Make it extra spicy: Double the crushed red pepper or add a dash of hot sauce for heat seekers in your crowd.

How to Make Baked Shrimp Scampi

Step 1: Prep and Cook the Pasta

Start by cranking up your oven to 350°F (180°C) to prepare for the magic. Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta until it’s just al dente—it’s going to soak up even more flavor in the sauce later, so don’t overdo it. Drain the pasta well and set it aside for the final toss.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base in a Baking Dish

Grab a roomy baking dish (a 9×13-inch is perfect) and toss in the minced garlic, sliced shallots, crushed red pepper, smoked paprika, olive oil, melted butter, white wine, lemon zest and juice, salt, pepper, and chopped parsley. Add your shrimp—either tail-on or off as you like—and give everything a gentle stir to coat. That saucy, garlicky mixture is where all the flavor happens!

Step 3: Bake the Shrimp Until Just Pink

Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for about 12 minutes. Keep a close eye! The moment the shrimp turn pink and opaque, pull the dish out so they stay juicy and tender—not rubbery. The shallots and garlic will soften right along with them, releasing big, bold aromas.

Step 4: Toss Everything Together

Right from the oven, add your cooked and drained pasta straight into the bubbling shrimp and sauce. Use tongs or two forks to make sure every strand is coated, soaking up every last bit of buttery, lemony goodness.

Step 5: Finish with Parmesan and Serve

Last but never least: shower everything with a blanket of grated parmesan. Give a gentle toss so it melts into the sauce, then serve your Baked Shrimp Scampi immediately—extra parsley or parm on top is highly encouraged!

How to Serve Baked Shrimp Scampi

Garnishes

A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley adds herbal freshness and a beautiful pop of color, while an extra dusting of parmesan is always a good idea for richness. If you like a little more zest, shave some extra lemon zest right over the top just before serving—each bite gets an aromatic lift!

Side Dishes

Baked Shrimp Scampi is a star on its own, but it loves delicious company! Serve it alongside crisp, buttery garlic bread to mop up the sauce, or a simple green salad dressed in vinaigrette for brightness. Steamed green beans or asparagus also make a classic, elegant pairing.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, twirl nests of pasta on each plate and top them with shrimp and sauce—it looks so elegant! Or, for family-style serving, bring the dish right to the table and drizzle with extra olive oil and lemon wedges for squeezing. Leftovers? Pile them into a shallow bowl and enjoy “scampi bowls” for a cozy lunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Baked Shrimp Scampi keeps quite well for a day or two! Transfer any leftovers to a tightly sealed container and refrigerate promptly. The flavors will continue to mingle, making your next meal even more delicious.

Freezing

If you’d like to freeze leftovers, keep in mind that cooked shrimp can change texture when frozen and reheated. It’s best to freeze just the shrimp and sauce (hold off on the pasta, if possible) in an airtight container for up to one month.

Reheating

For best results, gently reheat Baked Shrimp Scampi on the stovetop over low heat, tossing frequently and adding a splash of water or wine to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving for too long, as this can make shrimp rubbery—just heat through until warmed.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something restaurant-worthy but blissfully easy, Baked Shrimp Scampi is your ticket to impressive, memorable dinners at home. I hope you give this a try—just once, and I bet you’ll be hooked. Enjoy every garlicky, lemony bite!

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