If you are craving a delightful, flavorful seafood dish that’s both easy and impressive, this Baked Shrimp Scampi Recipe is exactly what you need. It perfectly balances tender shrimp infused with fragrant garlic, sharp lemon, and a hint of spice, all brought together with al dente pasta and a sprinkle of parmesan. This dish transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering meal that feels special enough for any occasion but simple enough for a quick weeknight dinner. You’ll love how effortlessly it comes together in under 20 minutes, making it a guaranteed favorite to keep in your recipe arsenal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this recipe, you only need a handful of fresh and pantry staples that pack an incredible punch of flavor. Each ingredient is carefully chosen to create the perfect harmony of taste, texture, and color in your baked shrimp scampi.
- 8 ounces dried pasta: Use spaghetti or your favorite type for the ideal base that soaks up the scampi sauce beautifully.
- 4 garlic cloves, minced: Garlic is the soul of this recipe, providing its vibrant aroma and rich depth.
- 1 large shallot, halved and thinly sliced: Adds a subtle sweetness and complexity that complements the garlic perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For just a touch of heat that wakes up the palate.
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika: Delivers a smoky backdrop enhancing the shrimp’s natural sweetness.
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil: Rich and fruity oil to carry all the flavors and keep the shrimp tender.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted: Brings a luscious, silky texture that makes the scampi sauce irresistible.
- ½ cup dry white wine: Adds acidity and brightness, elevating the flavors without overpowering them.
- Zest and juice of 1 medium lemon: Fresh lemon is key to that classic scampi tanginess that livens every bite.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all flavors while seasoning the shrimp perfectly.
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: For subtle heat and seasoning balance.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley leaves, chopped: Adds a pop of green freshness and herbaceous flavor.
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined: The star ingredient that cooks through quickly and remains juicy and tender.
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese: A nutty, salty finish that melts slightly into the pasta and shrimp.
How to Make Baked Shrimp Scampi Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (180°C) so it reaches the perfect temperature by the time you’ve prepared your shrimp and sauce. A gentle bake helps the shrimp stay tender and keeps the flavors melded just right.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
While waiting for the oven, boil your pasta according to the package instructions. Make sure it remains al dente as it will finish absorbing flavors after baking. Once done, drain and set aside so it’s ready to mix later.
Step 3: Prepare the Shrimp Scampi Mixture
In a baking dish, toss together the minced garlic, sliced shallots, red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, olive oil, melted butter, dry white wine, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, chopped parsley, and the peeled, deveined shrimp. This combination ensures every shrimp piece gets coated with a rich, zesty sauce that’s bursting with flavor.
Step 4: Bake the Shrimp
Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and let the shrimp cook for about 12 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they turn opaque and pink. This step locks in the juiciness while blending the sauce’s herbs and spices perfectly.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Shrimp
Once baked, take the dish out and add your drained pasta directly to the shrimp and sauce. Toss everything together so the noodles soak up the garlicky, buttery mixture, creating a beautifully unified dish.
Step 6: Add Parmesan Cheese
Sprinkle grated parmesan cheese over the warm mixture and gently stir. The cheese melts slightly, adding a creamy, tangy finish that elevates the entire dish into something truly special.
Step 7: Serve Hot and Enjoy
Garnish with extra parsley or parmesan if you like, then dive straight in while it’s warm and aromatic. The flavors are at their peak when served fresh from the oven.
How to Serve Baked Shrimp Scampi Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped parsley or a squeeze of extra lemon brightens up the dish at serving time. If you love cheese, extra parmesan sprinkled on top adds a lovely salty finish. These simple touches make the plate look inviting and taste even better.
Side Dishes
Pair this shrimp scampi with a crisp green salad or steamed asparagus for a fresh contrast. Garlic bread or a warm baguette is perfect to soak up any leftover sauce, ensuring nothing delicious goes to waste.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fancy dinner, serve the scampi in individual shallow bowls, topped with a lemon wedge and parsley sprig. You can also layer it over a bed of zucchini noodles for a low-carb twist. No matter how you choose to present it, this Baked Shrimp Scampi Recipe always impresses.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover shrimp scampi in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. The shrimp may continue to absorb the sauce, making the flavors even more pronounced, so leftovers taste great cold or reheated.
Freezing
Freezing is possible but not ideal due to the pasta texture changing. If you choose to freeze, store the shrimp and sauce separate from the pasta in freezer-safe containers for up to 1 month, then thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of olive oil or water to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving at high heat to prevent the shrimp from becoming rubbery. Stir frequently for even warming.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before mixing with the other ingredients. This prevents excess moisture and helps the shrimp cook evenly in the oven.
What type of pasta works best?
Spaghetti is traditional and works beautifully, but feel free to use linguine, fettuccine, or even penne. Just cook according to package instructions and drain well before combining with the shrimp scampi.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely! Use your favorite gluten-free pasta instead of regular pasta. The sauce and shrimp ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so it’s an easy switch to accommodate dietary needs.
Is the white wine necessary?
The white wine adds acidity and depth to the sauce, but if you prefer, you can substitute with low-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth. The dish will still be delicious, just slightly different in flavor profile.
How spicy is the Baked Shrimp Scampi Recipe?
The crushed red pepper flakes provide a gentle heat that can be adjusted to your preference or omitted completely for a milder dish. The smoked paprika adds a subtle warmth without overwhelming the palate.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Shrimp Scampi Recipe is that perfect balance of fuss-free cooking and mouthwatering flavor that makes weeknight dinners exciting again. With tender shrimp bathed in a garlic-lemon sauce and freshly baked to perfection, it’s effortless to impress family or friends. Once you try it, I’m sure it’ll become one of your go-to dishes for a quick seafood feast that feels indulgent but stays simple. Give it a whirl, and enjoy every delicious bite!
