Baked Shrimp Scampi Recipe – Italian Special
Indulge in this garlic butter shrimp favorite—our baked shrimp scampi recipe brings Italian-style flair with succulent shrimp bathed in lemon-infused white wine and rich butter, baked until perfectly tender. It’s an effortlessly elegant oven-baked shrimp dish that delivers bold flavor in just about 35 minutes, making it ideal for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
- Prep Time30 min
- Cook Time15 min
- Total Time45 min
Baked Shrimp Scampi Ingredients :
- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off as desired)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (or chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version)
- 1/4 cup freshly chopped parsley
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for added richness)
- Freshly baked bread or crusty baguette (for serving, optional)
How to make Baked Shrimp Scampi :
Preheat the Oven:Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Prepare the Shrimp:Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in a large baking dish (about 9×13 inches) or on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. If the shrimp are frozen, be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry with paper towels to avoid excess moisture.
Make the Scampi Sauce:In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, lemon zest, lemon juice, white wine, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well.
Coat the Shrimp:Pour the scampi sauce evenly over the shrimp, tossing them gently to coat all of the shrimp in the flavorful mixture.
Bake the Shrimp:Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them, as shrimp cook quickly.
Finish and Serve:Once baked, remove the shrimp from the oven and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and Parmesan cheese (if using). Serve immediately with lemon wedges and a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious scampi sauce.
Recipe Notes :
Prepare the garlic-butter sauce in advance—make-ahead sauce saves time and intensifies the flavors when baked.
For best texture, choose dry-packed shrimp, and thoroughly pat dry before cooking to get a satisfying sear instead of steaming.
Serve with lemon wedges on the side—a bright squeeze of fresh lemon elevates the buttery sauce and adds a refreshing finish.
