If you are looking for a vibrant and effortlessly delicious seafood dish, this Baked Shrimp Scampi with Garlic, Lemon, and Parmesan Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s the perfect combination of tender shrimp bathed in a garlicky, lemony, buttery sauce, baked to perfection, and topped with parmesan that adds that irresistible savory touch. This crowd-pleaser brings together fresh ingredients and straightforward techniques, making it an ideal weeknight dinner that feels both special and comforting all at once.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Baked Shrimp Scampi with Garlic, Lemon, and Parmesan Recipe plays a crucial role in building its layered flavors and textures. From the aromatic garlic and zesty lemon to the rich parmesan cheese, these simple staples create a dish that is both fresh and indulgent.
- 8 ounces dried pasta: Choose spaghetti or your favorite type as the perfect base to soak up all that flavorful sauce.
- 4 garlic cloves, minced: Adds that powerful, unmistakable foundation of flavor.
- 1 large shallot, thinly sliced: Imparts a subtle sweetness that balances the garlic and lemon.
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For a gentle kick of heat that enlivens the dish.
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika: Brings a dusty, warm undertone without overpowering the shrimp.
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil: Adds richness and helps marry all the flavors together.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted: Enhances the sauce’s creaminess and luxurious mouthfeel.
- ½ cup dry white wine: Introduces acidity and depth, lifting the entire dish.
- Zest and juice of 1 medium lemon: Gives bright, fresh citrus notes that brighten the shrimp and sauce.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural flavors.
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Adds mild heat and earthiness.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped: Provides a herbaceous pop and pretty green color.
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined: The star ingredient offering tender and juicy seafood bliss.
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese: A savory, nutty finish that makes every bite irresistible.
How to Make Baked Shrimp Scampi with Garlic, Lemon, and Parmesan Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by setting your oven to 350°F (180°C). This moderate temperature allows the shrimp to cook gently and soak up all the garlic and lemon-infused flavors without drying out.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Boil your pasta in salted water according to the package’s instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain it thoroughly, and set it aside to be combined later. The pasta will serve as the comforting, starchy base for your baked shrimp scampi.
Step 3: Prepare the Shrimp Scampi Mixture
In a large baking dish, mix together the minced garlic, thinly sliced shallots, crushed red pepper flakes if you’re using them, smoked paprika, olive oil, melted butter, dry white wine, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, freshly chopped parsley, and the peeled shrimp. Toss everything together so the shrimp get evenly coated with that luscious, fragrant mixture that promises a depth of flavor.
Step 4: Bake the Shrimp
Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for about 12 minutes. Keep an eye on the shrimp as they transition from translucent to a lovely pink color – that’s when you know they’re perfectly cooked and ready for the next step.
Step 5: Combine Shrimp and Pasta
Once the shrimp are baked, remove the dish from the oven and add in the drained pasta. Mix everything thoroughly so each strand of pasta is generously coated with the garlic-lemon sauce and tender shrimp.
Step 6: Add the Parmesan Cheese
Sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese over the combined shrimp and pasta. Gently fold the cheese in to distribute its nutty, savory flavor throughout the dish. This step not only amps up the taste but also helps create a slightly creamy texture that makes this meal feel extra special.
Step 7: Serve Hot
For the finishing touch, garnish with more freshly chopped parsley or additional parmesan if you like, and serve immediately while the dish is warm and inviting.
How to Serve Baked Shrimp Scampi with Garlic, Lemon, and Parmesan Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley adds a bright burst of color and freshness, perfectly contrasting the richness of the parmesan and buttery sauce. You can also offer lemon wedges on the side for anyone who loves an extra citrus squeeze.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with vinaigrette or a side of steamed seasonal vegetables like asparagus or broccoli. A crusty garlic bread or warm baguette can be a fantastic addition to mop up every last bit of that sumptuous sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant presentation, serve this baked shrimp scampi directly from the rustic baking dish at the table, allowing guests to help themselves. Alternatively, twirl portions into nest shapes on individual plates and top with a fresh sprinkle of parmesan and parsley for a refined touch that’s perfect for dinner parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can safely store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors meld even more after resting, so reheat the dish gently to preserve the texture of the shrimp and prevent the cheese from drying out.
Freezing
While this recipe tastes best fresh, you can freeze cooked shrimp scampi in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Be mindful that pasta may become softer after freezing and reheating, so consider freezing the shrimp mixture separately if possible.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently over low heat in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water or white wine to revive the sauce’s moisture. Avoid overheating to keep the shrimp tender and prevent the cheese from becoming grainy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before mixing so they bake evenly and don’t add excess water to the sauce.
What type of pasta works best with baked shrimp scampi?
Spaghetti is classic and perfect for trapping the sauce, but linguine, fettuccine, or even penne all work wonderfully depending on your preference.
Is the white wine necessary?
White wine adds delicate acidity and depth that really brightens the dish, but if you prefer, chicken broth or even water with a splash of lemon juice can be substituted.
Can I make this recipe spicy?
Yes! Increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to bring more heat to the Baked Shrimp Scampi with Garlic, Lemon, and Parmesan Recipe.
How can I make this dish dairy-free?
Simply omit the parmesan cheese and butter, and substitute with olive oil and a dairy-free cheese alternative or nutritional yeast to keep that savory flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Shrimp Scampi with Garlic, Lemon, and Parmesan Recipe is a celebration of fresh, simple ingredients coming together to create a dish bursting with brightness and comfort. It’s quick enough for busy weeknights but impressive enough for guests, making it a versatile addition to your recipe collection. Trust me, once you try this, it will be your go-to whenever you want easy seafood magic on your plate. Give it a whirl and enjoy every delicious bite!
Print
Baked Shrimp Scampi with Garlic, Lemon, and Parmesan Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Baked Shrimp Scampi recipe is a delightful twist on the classic shrimp scampi, combining succulent shrimp baked in a flavorful garlic, lemon, and white wine sauce with perfectly cooked pasta. Ready in just 17 minutes, it’s an easy and elegant dish perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
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
Finishing
- ½ cup (43 g) grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) to prepare for baking the shrimp scampi mixture.
- Cook Pasta: Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside while you prepare the shrimp.
- Prepare Shrimp Scampi: In a baking dish, combine minced garlic, sliced shallots, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), smoked paprika, extra virgin olive oil, melted unsalted butter, dry white wine, lemon zest and juice, salt, black pepper, chopped parsley, and peeled and deveined shrimp. Stir everything together to evenly coat the shrimp in the flavorful mixture.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 12 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and are cooked through.
- Combine: Remove the shrimp from the oven and add the drained pasta directly into the baking dish. Toss gently to combine and let the pasta soak up some of the flavorful sauce.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese over the shrimp and pasta mixture and mix gently to incorporate.
- Serve: Garnish with extra parmesan cheese or additional fresh parsley if desired, and serve the baked shrimp scampi hot for a perfect meal.
Notes
- Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor and texture.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the crushed red pepper flakes.
- Dry white wine adds depth, but you can substitute with chicken broth if preferred.
- Make sure not to overcook the shrimp to maintain tender texture.
- Parmesan cheese can be substituted with Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste.
