Easy Baked Shrimp Scampi

If you are craving a seafood dish that feels fancy but is actually effortless, this Easy Baked Shrimp Scampi is your new go-to. Picture succulent shrimp drenched in a garlicky, buttery sauce, with just the right touch of lemon and white wine, baked to perfection, and topped with a golden, crispy panko and Parmesan crust. The aroma alone will make everyone in the house gather around the kitchen, and trust me, the first bite will make you swoon.

This recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, date nights at home, or even when you want to impress guests without standing over the stove for hours. Baked instead of sautéed, this shrimp scampi is easy, hands-off, and packed with flavor. Plus, it’s versatile—serve it over pasta, rice, or even enjoy it on its own as a low-carb, protein-packed meal.

The magic of this recipe is in its balance: the richness of butter and Parmesan, the freshness of lemon juice, the subtle kick of Cajun seasoning, and the satisfying crunch of the panko topping. Every bite is a harmony of textures and flavors that feels indulgent but comes together in under 30 minutes.

Recipe Origin

Shrimp scampi is a classic Italian-American seafood dish known for its garlicky butter sauce and bright lemon flavor. Traditionally, it’s sautéed on the stovetop, but this baked version streamlines the process while still giving you that same indulgent, flavorful experience. The baked topping adds a new texture that makes it fun and satisfying to eat.

Kitchen Tools You Will Need

To make this dish, you do not need fancy equipment. A large baking dish or sheet pan works perfectly. You will also need a small bowl for mixing the topping, measuring spoons, a basting brush or spoon for drizzling sauce, and tongs for serving. Optional tools include a citrus juicer for fresh lemon juice and a grater if you want to freshly grate Parmesan.

Why You Will Love Easy Baked Shrimp Scampi

This shrimp scampi is more than just a meal—it is a celebration of flavor, texture, and simplicity. Here’s why it’s a winner:

Versatile: Serve it over pasta, rice, or alongside roasted vegetables. It can also shine as an appetizer for gatherings or dinner parties.

Quick and Easy: From prep to table, this dish comes together fast. Baked shrimp cook in minutes, and the topping adds instant flavor without extra work.

Crowd-Pleasing: The buttery, garlicky shrimp with a crispy topping will impress adults and kids alike.

Customizable: Adjust the seasonings to your preference. Add more lemon for brightness, extra Cajun for a kick, or sprinkle additional Parmesan for richness.

Low-Fuss: Minimal stovetop cooking, almost entirely baked. This makes it perfect for busy nights when you want a flavorful meal without the stress.

Elegant: Despite being simple, this shrimp scampi looks and tastes restaurant-quality, perfect for special occasions.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

Choose large shrimp for the best texture; they cook quickly but remain tender and juicy. Make sure the shrimp are thawed completely and patted dry to avoid excess liquid in the baking dish. Don’t overbake—the shrimp will cook in just a few minutes, and overcooked shrimp can become rubbery. If using tails on, leave them for presentation or remove for easier eating. Finally, mix the topping ingredients well to ensure even coverage and a golden crust.

Ingredients

Shrimp

The star of the dish, plump and juicy, soaking up all the garlicky, buttery goodness.

Large Raw Shrimp: Peeled and thawed, tail on or off depending on preference.

Olive Oil: Enhances flavor and keeps the shrimp moist.

White Wine: Pinot Grigio is recommended for a subtle, bright note.

Lemon Juice: Adds freshness and balances the richness of butter.

Garlic: Heaping minced garlic ensures the shrimp are packed with flavor.

Garlic Salt and Cajun Seasoning: Adds depth and a hint of spice.

Italian Herb Seasoning: Optional, for added aromatic flavor.

Salted Butter: Creates a rich, velvety sauce that coats every shrimp.

Parmesan Cheese Shreds: Adds umami and richness to the shrimp itself.

Topping

A crunchy, flavorful layer that makes this dish irresistible.

Salted Butter: Adds richness and helps the panko crisp in the oven.

Seasoned Panko Bread Crumbs: Creates the golden, crunchy texture that contrasts beautifully with tender shrimp.

Grated Parmesan Cheese: Enhances flavor and gives a lightly savory crust.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Preheating ensures the shrimp cook evenly and the topping crisps beautifully.

Prepare the Shrimp

Pat the shrimp dry and place them in a large mixing bowl or directly in the baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil, white wine, and lemon juice. Sprinkle garlic, garlic salt, Cajun seasoning, and Italian herbs evenly over the shrimp. Dot with butter and sprinkle shredded Parmesan over the top. Toss gently to combine, ensuring each shrimp is coated with flavor.

Make the Topping

In a small bowl, mix the butter, panko bread crumbs, and grated Parmesan until evenly combined. This mixture will create a golden, crispy crust when baked.

Assemble and Bake

Sprinkle the topping evenly over the shrimp. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, until shrimp are pink, opaque, and cooked through, and the topping is golden brown. Keep an eye on them, as shrimp cook quickly and overcooked shrimp can become tough.

Serve and Enjoy

Remove from the oven and serve immediately. Spoon over pasta, rice, or enjoy as-is with a side of roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad. The combination of tender shrimp, buttery sauce, and crunchy topping makes every bite irresistible.

Nutrition Facts

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How to Serve Easy Baked Shrimp Scampi

This dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides:

Pasta: Toss cooked linguine or spaghetti in the shrimp sauce for a classic scampi meal.

Rice: White, brown, or even cauliflower rice absorbs the flavorful sauce wonderfully.

Vegetable Sides: Serve with roasted asparagus, zucchini, or a green salad for balance.

Bread: Crusty garlic bread or dinner rolls to soak up the buttery, garlicky sauce.

As an Appetizer: Use smaller shrimp or serve in individual ramekins for parties.

Presentation Tip: Arrange shrimp neatly in the baking dish, sprinkle fresh parsley or extra Parmesan on top for a pop of color, and drizzle a little extra lemon juice before serving.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

You can prep the shrimp and topping ahead of time, store them separately in the fridge, and assemble right before baking. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to maintain tenderness. Shrimp is best enjoyed fresh, but this method works if you have extra.

Variations to Try

Spicy Version: Add extra Cajun seasoning or a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.

Herb-Infused: Mix in fresh chopped parsley, basil, or thyme for fresh herbal notes.

Cheesy Delight: Add extra shredded Parmesan or a bit of mozzarella in the topping for gooey indulgence.

Lemon Zest: Add zest to the topping or shrimp for a brighter, aromatic flavor.

Low-Carb Option: Serve over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of pasta.

Garlic Butter Sauce: Make extra butter sauce for drizzling over shrimp just before serving.

Additional Tips

Pat Dry Shrimp: Ensures proper searing and prevents excess water in the dish.

Watch the Oven: Shrimp cook quickly; check at the 8-minute mark to avoid overcooking.

Even Topping: Spread panko mixture evenly to get a uniform crunch.

Fresh Lemon: Adds brightness, but bottled lemon juice works in a pinch.

Double the Recipe: Perfect for dinner parties or meal prep.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A1: Yes, thaw completely and pat dry before baking.

Q2: Can I use tails on or off?
A2: Either works. Tails on make a nice presentation, tails off are easier to eat.

Q3: Can I skip the wine?
A3: Yes, use chicken or vegetable broth instead.

Q4: Can I prepare ahead?
A4: Assemble the shrimp and topping but bake just before serving.

Q5: How do I store leftovers?
A5: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Q6: Can I add more cheese?
A6: Absolutely, extra Parmesan or mozzarella works well.

Q7: Can I make it spicier?
A7: Yes, add more Cajun seasoning or a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Q8: Can I serve over salad?
A8: Yes, this is a great protein-packed salad topping.

Q9: Can I freeze cooked shrimp scampi?
A9: It is not recommended, as shrimp can become rubbery when frozen and reheated.

Q10: Can I make it gluten-free?
A10: Use gluten-free panko or breadcrumbs for the topping.

Conclusion

This Easy Baked Shrimp Scampi is the perfect blend of garlic, butter, lemon, and Parmesan, topped with a crunchy panko layer for the ultimate seafood indulgence. It’s quick, flavorful, and versatile, making it perfect for weeknights, special occasions, or even a last-minute dinner party. The shrimp stay tender and juicy, the sauce is rich and aromatic, and the topping adds just the right amount of texture. Pair it with pasta, rice, or vegetables, and you have a dish that feels both elegant and comforting. Once you try this recipe, it will become a go-to for effortless, delicious seafood meals. Trust me, you will be making this again and again.

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