Baked Shrimp Scampi: Easy Recipe & Tips for Perfect Results

Baked Shrimp Scampi: Just the name conjures up images of succulent shrimp bathed in a garlicky, buttery sauce, doesn’t it? I’m thrilled to share this incredibly easy and flavorful recipe with you. Forget standing over a hot stove – this version is baked to perfection, making it ideal for busy weeknights or elegant dinner parties.

While the exact origins of Shrimp Scampi are debated, it’s widely believed to be an Italian-American creation, drawing inspiration from the Italian dish scampi alla griglia, which features langoustines (scampi) grilled with garlic, butter, and white wine. Over time, it evolved into the shrimp-centric dish we know and love today.

What makes baked shrimp scampi so irresistible? It’s the perfect combination of textures and tastes. The tender, juicy shrimp, the rich, garlicky butter sauce, and the optional sprinkle of Parmesan cheese create a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile! Serve it over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread for dipping. The best part? It’s ready in under 30 minutes, making it a lifesaver when you’re short on time but craving something truly special. Let’s get cooking!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1.5 pounds large shrimp (21-25 count), peeled and deveined
• 1 cup dry white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice, freshly squeezed
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
• Crusty bread, for serving

Preparing the Shrimp and Scampi Sauce

1. Prepare the Shrimp: First, make sure your shrimp are completely thawed if you’re using frozen shrimp. Pat them dry with paper towels. This is crucial because excess moisture will prevent them from browning properly and will dilute the scampi sauce.
2. Melt the Butter: In a microwave-safe bowl or in a saucepan over low heat, melt the butter completely. Be careful not to burn it. Melted butter is the base of our delicious scampi sauce, so we want it to be perfect.
3. Sauté the Garlic: In a large bowl, combine the melted butter and minced garlic. If you prefer a milder garlic flavor, you can sauté the garlic in a small amount of the melted butter in a skillet over medium-low heat for a minute or two until fragrant, before adding it to the bowl. This step mellows out the garlic’s intensity.
4. Combine the Sauce Ingredients: Add the white wine, chopped parsley, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper to the bowl with the butter and garlic. Whisk everything together until well combined. The wine adds acidity and depth of flavor, while the parsley provides freshness and the Parmesan cheese contributes a salty, nutty note.
5. Marinate the Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the bowl with the scampi sauce. Toss gently to coat the shrimp evenly. Let the shrimp marinate in the sauce for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes in the refrigerator. The longer the shrimp marinate, the more flavorful they will become. However, don’t marinate them for too long, as the lemon juice can start to “cook” the shrimp and make them tough.

Baking the Shrimp Scampi

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Make sure your oven is fully preheated before you put the shrimp in, as this will ensure they cook evenly and quickly.
2. Prepare the Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or a little bit of olive oil. This will prevent the shrimp from sticking to the dish. You can also use individual ramekins for a more elegant presentation.
3. Arrange the Shrimp: Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the prepared baking dish. Make sure the shrimp are not overcrowded, as this will prevent them from browning properly. If necessary, use two baking dishes.
4. Pour the Sauce: Pour the remaining scampi sauce over the shrimp, making sure each shrimp is well coated. Don’t be afraid to scrape the bowl to get every last bit of that delicious sauce!
5. Add Parmesan Cheese (Optional): Sprinkle additional grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the shrimp. This will create a golden-brown, cheesy crust that is absolutely irresistible.
6. Bake the Shrimp: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque and the sauce is bubbly. The exact baking time will depend on the size of your shrimp and your oven, so keep a close eye on them. Avoid overcooking the shrimp, as they will become tough and rubbery.
7. Broil for Extra Browning (Optional): For a more golden-brown top, you can broil the shrimp for the last 1-2 minutes of cooking time. Watch them carefully to prevent burning.

Serving the Baked Shrimp Scampi

1. Garnish: Remove the baked shrimp scampi from the oven and garnish with additional chopped fresh parsley. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice can also brighten up the flavors.
2. Serve Immediately: Serve the baked shrimp scampi immediately while it’s hot and bubbly. The aroma alone will make everyone’s mouth water!
3. Serve with Crusty Bread: Serve the shrimp scampi with plenty of crusty bread for dipping into the delicious sauce. The bread is essential for soaking up all that garlicky, buttery goodness.
4. Serving Suggestions: This baked shrimp scampi is delicious served as an appetizer or as a main course. If serving as a main course, you can pair it with pasta, rice, or a simple salad. A side of steamed vegetables, such as asparagus or broccoli, would also be a great addition.

Tips for the Best Baked Shrimp Scampi

• Use Fresh Shrimp: If possible, use fresh shrimp for the best flavor and texture. If using frozen shrimp, make sure they are completely thawed before cooking.
• Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Overcooked shrimp will be tough and rubbery. Cook the shrimp just until they are pink and opaque.
• Adjust the Garlic to Your Taste: If you’re not a big fan of garlic, you can reduce the amount of garlic in the recipe.
• Add a Pinch of Heat: The red pepper flakes add a nice touch of heat to the dish, but you can omit them if you prefer.
• Make it Ahead: You can prepare the shrimp scampi ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake it. Just add a few minutes to the baking time.
• Wine Pairing: A crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, pairs perfectly with this dish.

Conclusion:

This Baked Shrimp Scampi recipe isn’t just another seafood dish; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen, and trust me, you absolutely need to experience it! From the ease of preparation to the incredibly satisfying taste, it’s a weeknight winner and a dinner party showstopper all rolled into one. The succulent shrimp, bathed in that garlicky, buttery, lemony sauce, is simply irresistible. It’s a dish that feels fancy but requires minimal effort, leaving you more time to enjoy your meal and your company.

Why is this a must-try? Because it delivers restaurant-quality flavor without the restaurant price tag or the hours spent slaving away in the kitchen. It’s the perfect balance of simplicity and sophistication, making it accessible to cooks of all skill levels. Plus, the aroma that fills your kitchen while it’s baking is pure heaven! It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and I’ve yet to meet someone who doesn’t fall in love with this dish.

But the best part? It’s incredibly versatile! Looking for serving suggestions? Serve it over a bed of perfectly cooked linguine or angel hair pasta to soak up all that delicious sauce. A side of crusty bread is also a must for dipping! For a lighter option, try serving it with a side of steamed asparagus or a fresh garden salad.

And if you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many ways to customize this recipe to your liking. Want to add a little heat? A pinch of red pepper flakes will do the trick. Craving more vegetables? Toss in some chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms before baking. You could even add a splash of white wine to the sauce for an extra layer of flavor. For a richer, creamier sauce, stir in a tablespoon or two of heavy cream after baking.

Here are a few more ideas to get your creative juices flowing:

Serving Variations:

• Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake: Toss the baked shrimp scampi with cooked pasta and a generous amount of mozzarella cheese, then bake until bubbly and golden brown.
• Shrimp Scampi Stuffed Avocados: Spoon the baked shrimp scampi into halved avocados for a light and refreshing appetizer or lunch.
• Shrimp Scampi Lettuce Wraps: Serve the baked shrimp scampi in crisp lettuce cups for a low-carb and flavorful meal.
• Shrimp Scampi Pizza Topping: Use the baked shrimp scampi as a topping for homemade or store-bought pizza.

I truly believe that this Baked Shrimp Scampi will become a staple in your recipe repertoire. It’s quick, easy, delicious, and endlessly adaptable. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience a taste sensation!

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! Once you do, please come back and share your experience in the comments below. Let me know what you thought, what variations you tried, and any tips or tricks you discovered along the way. I can’t wait to hear all about your culinary adventures with this amazing dish! Happy cooking!