If you’re craving a restaurant-quality seafood dish that’s both elegant and effortless, this Best Shrimp Scampi Bake is the answer. Plump, juicy shrimp are baked in a rich, garlicky butter sauce with lemon, herbs, and a hint of white wine, then topped with golden, crispy breadcrumbs for the perfect finishing touch. It’s everything you love about shrimp scampi—bright, buttery, and full of flavor—made even easier by letting the oven do all the work.
I’ve made this dish countless times for weeknight dinners and special occasions alike, and it’s always a hit. Once, I served it over linguine with a squeeze of extra lemon—it was divine. The buttery garlic sauce pairs beautifully with the tender shrimp, and the crisp topping adds that irresistible crunch. Whether you’re cooking for guests or treating yourself, this shrimp bake feels indulgent yet simple to prepare.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Shrimp Scampi Bake combines classic flavors—garlic, lemon, butter, and herbs—into a one-pan wonder that’s ready in minutes. It’s lighter than a creamy pasta dish but just as satisfying. You can serve it with rice, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up every drop of the luscious sauce. The best part? It takes minimal prep and bakes to perfection in under 30 minutes.
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Best Shrimp Scampi Bake: A Golden, Garlicky Seafood Delight
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
A rich and buttery shrimp scampi bake with garlic, lemon, and Parmesan — an easy oven-baked twist on the classic shrimp scampi that’s bursting with flavor and perfect for weeknights or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¾ cup breadcrumbs (preferably Panko)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the baking dish.
- In a medium bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Pour the mixture evenly over the shrimp.
- In another bowl, mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and half of the chopped parsley. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the shrimp and butter mixture.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until shrimp are pink, opaque, and the topping is golden and crisp.
- Switch the oven to broil for 1–2 minutes if you want a crispier topping (watch carefully to avoid burning).
- Garnish with remaining parsley and serve immediately with lemon wedges.
Notes
- Use fresh shrimp for best results, but frozen shrimp (thawed and patted dry) work great too.
- For a fuller meal, serve over pasta, rice, or with crusty garlic bread.
- Add a splash of white wine to the butter mixture for extra flavor.
- To make it lighter, substitute half the butter with olive oil.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Large shrimp (peeled and deveined) – The star of the dish; fresh or frozen shrimp both work beautifully.
Butter – The base of the sauce, giving it richness and a velvety texture.
Garlic – Adds bold, aromatic flavor that defines shrimp scampi.
Olive oil – Blends with the butter to prevent it from burning and adds smoothness to the sauce.
White wine (optional) – Adds depth and a subtle acidity that enhances the seafood flavor.
Lemon juice and zest – Brightens and balances the richness of the butter sauce.
Breadcrumbs (panko or regular) – Provide a crispy, golden topping.
Parmesan cheese – Adds salty, nutty flavor to the topping.
Parsley – Fresh herbs add a pop of color and freshness to the baked dish.
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional) – For a gentle kick of heat.
Salt and black pepper – Essential for seasoning the shrimp and sauce.
Directions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking dish with butter or olive oil.
- Prepare the shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Arrange them in a single layer in the baking dish and season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Make the garlic butter sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter with olive oil. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant. Stir in lemon juice, zest, and white wine (if using). Pour the sauce evenly over the shrimp.
- Add the topping: In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the shrimp.
- Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 12–15 minutes, until the shrimp are pink and opaque and the topping is golden brown.
- Serve: Garnish with extra parsley and a squeeze of fresh lemon. Serve immediately with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
Equipment needed
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people and takes about 25 minutes total—10 minutes of prep and 15 minutes of baking. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that feels luxurious or an easy seafood centerpiece for entertaining.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the oven at 325°F (165°C) until warmed through. Avoid microwaving for too long, as shrimp can become rubbery. This dish is best enjoyed fresh but still reheats well if you have leftovers.
Variations and Customizations
Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake
Toss cooked linguine or spaghetti into the baking dish before adding the sauce and bake for a full meal.
Lemon Herb Shrimp Bake
Add fresh thyme or rosemary for a more aromatic twist.
Garlic Parmesan Crust
Increase the Parmesan and use panko breadcrumbs for an extra-crispy topping.
Spicy Scampi Bake
Add a teaspoon of chili flakes or a splash of hot sauce for extra heat.
Butter-Free Option
Substitute butter with olive oil and a touch of chicken broth for a lighter version.
Shrimp and Scallop Bake
Mix in scallops for a restaurant-style seafood medley.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just thaw completely and pat dry before baking.
2. Can I skip the white wine?
Absolutely—replace it with chicken broth or extra lemon juice.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prep the sauce and topping in advance, but bake right before serving for best results.
4. What size shrimp should I use?
Large or jumbo shrimp (16–20 count) work best for this recipe.
5. Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
It’s not recommended—they may overcook and become tough.
6. What can I serve with Shrimp Scampi Bake?
Serve with pasta, rice, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
7. Can I use gluten-free breadcrumbs?
Yes, they work perfectly as a 1:1 substitute.
8. How do I prevent the topping from burning?
Check the dish halfway through baking; if it browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil.
9. Can I add extra cheese?
Definitely! A sprinkle of mozzarella or provolone makes it even richer.
10. Can I make this dairy-free?
Use vegan butter and skip the Parmesan, or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.
Conclusion
Best Shrimp Scampi Bake is a quick, elegant, and flavorful dish that turns simple ingredients into something spectacular. With buttery garlic sauce, zesty lemon, and a golden breadcrumb topping, it’s the perfect blend of comfort and sophistication. Whether served over pasta, rice, or on its own, this recipe guarantees a meal that feels indulgent but is effortlessly easy to prepare. Once you make it, it’ll become a go-to favorite for both weeknights and special occasions.
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