Succulent shrimp tossed in a garlicky, buttery sauce and baked to perfection. Learn how to make this easy baked shrimp scampi recipe.
Forget everything you know about shrimp scampi! This baked version is a total game-changer. It’s a cherished recipe passed down from my grandmother, and it’s packed with incredible flavor.
No more slaving over a hot stove – just toss everything together and let the oven work its magic. The result? Tender, juicy shrimp coated in a buttery, garlicky sauce that’s simply irresistible. If you’re a fan of easy, delicious seafood dishes, you need to try this baked shrimp scampi.
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What is Shrimp Scampi?
Shrimp scampi is a classic Italian-American dish featuring tender shrimp in a luscious garlic butter sauce with a hint of lemon and white wine. It’s traditionally served over pasta, but it’s also delicious with crusty bread or zucchini noodles for a lighter twist. My recipe is a bit different than how it’s traditionally made and to me, tastes better!
How to Make This Easy Baked Shrimp Scampi Recipe
This baked shrimp scampi is a family favorite that always hits the spot. It’s my husband’s go-to request, and even my kids have loved it since they were little. Best of all, it’s incredibly easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress without the fuss.
Ingredients
- Fresh or frozen shrimp
- Butter
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Garlic
- Parsley
- Spaghetti
- Salt and pepper to taste
Did you notice that I don’t use white wine or lemon in my recipe? It doesn’t need it!
Instructions for Baked Shrimp Scampi
What I love most about this dish, is the ease in making it! Because you pretty much just dump the ingredients into a baking dish and go!
Here’s how to make it:
- Start with butter, extra virgin olive oil, and garlic first. Then I add the shrimp.
- Top it with chopped parsley before it goes into the oven. Mix it halfway through to ensure the shrimp fully cooks. I usually use a slotted spoon or something similar as I mix it up.
- Check your shrimp scampi in the oven for around 25 minutes to see if the fish is fully cooked and no longer translucent.
Keep in mind that depending on your oven, the cooking time could be more or less so check them when you mix it up halfway through cooking. Then serve it over pasta such as spaghetti, fettuccine, or linguine. However, you can serve it over other types of pasta too.
Oh and by the way! If you want to get rid of that shrimp smell, I shared some tips in this post to do before you bake it.
Baked Shrimp Scampi Recipe Variations
Feel free to get creative with this recipe! It’s a great base for all sorts of variations. Are vegetarian friends coming over? No problem, just use tofu in place of shrimp. Prefer scallops? Go for it! I’ve done it before and it tastes amazing. You could even try chopped chicken breast if you’re not in the mood for seafood. The possibilities are endless!
Easy Cleanup! Why Bake Shrimp Scampi Instead of Stovetop
Both oven and stovetop methods have their merits and drawbacks when it comes to whipping up shrimp scampi. I prefer baking it in the oven. Here’s why.
- Hands-off cooking: Once you toss everything in the oven, you can relax and let it do its thing. This is a great way to make it if you are or want a dish that’s less maintenance to prepare.
- Less of a mess: Baking minimizes splatters and keeps your stovetop clean. And really, who doesn’t want less cleaning to do when they are cooking?
- Even cooking: The oven’s heat circulates evenly, ensuring all the shrimp cook through consistently.
Ultimately, the “easier” method depends on your preferences and priorities but for me, baking is the way to go. It’s a classic dump-and-go recipe that takes minutes to prepare. Sure, it might take longer to cook versus on the stovetop, but I’d rather not stand over a hot stove making dinner if I don’t have to.
Choosing the Best Shrimp
Here are some tips to help you choose the best shrimp for your baked scampi:
Freshness Matters: What to Look For
Look for shrimp with translucent shells that are shiny and firm. Avoid shrimp with dull, discolored shells or black spots. Fresh shrimp should be firm and springy to the touch. Avoid mushy or slimy shrimp. Fresh shrimp should have a mild, pleasant ocean or saltwater smell. Avoid shrimp with a strong ammonia odor, which indicates spoilage.
Wild-Caught vs. Farm-Raised: Understanding the Difference
Wild-caught shrimp tend to have a slightly more complex and nuanced flavor compared to farm-raised shrimp. Wild-caught shrimp can have a higher environmental impact due to bycatch. Look for certifications from the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) for shrimp caught using sustainable practices. Farm-raised shrimp can also be sustainable, so look for certifications from the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC).
Frozen or Fresh? Shell-On or Peeled? Sizing?
- Fresh vs. Frozen: Frozen shrimp is often a good option, as shrimp is highly perishable. Look for Individually Quick Frozen (IQF) shrimp, which freezes shrimp flash-frozen individually to preserve quality.
- Shell-On vs. Peeled: Shell-on shrimp can have a slightly better flavor because the shells protect the flesh during cooking. However, peeled shrimp saves you prep time.
- Size: For baked scampi, a medium-sized shrimp (41-50 per pound) is a good option.
When I’m making this recipe for baked shrimp scampi as a quick weeknight dinner, I use frozen because it is easier to whip up. However, if I’m cooking for guests, I’ll usually buy fresh from the seafood counter at the market.
Look for shrimp sold over ice at the fish counter. Ask your fishmonger about the origin and freshness of the shrimp. And only buy the amount of shrimp you’ll need for your recipe, as shrimp is best cooked fresh.
Make-Ahead Baked Shrimp Scampi: Tips for Prepping
While this dish is pretty easy to make, you can assemble all of the ingredients and keep it refrigerated before you bake it that day.
Enjoy Your Baked Shrimp Scampi Later: Storing Tips
Shrimp scampi is a delightful dish, but sometimes you might have some leftover. The good news is you can easily store leftovers for future enjoyment! Here’s how to keep your shrimp scampi fresh and delicious:
Storing Baked Shrimp Scampi in the Refrigerator
Let leftover shrimp scampi cool completely at room temperature for no more than 2 hours. Then, transfer it to an airtight container. This helps prevent bacterial growth. Properly stored, leftover shrimp scampi will last for 2-3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing for Later
Consider portioning leftovers into individual containers for lunch or quick meals. Wrap the container tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer bag to prevent freezer burn. Date the container and freeze it as quickly as possible to maintain quality. Frozen leftover shrimp scampi will keep its best quality for up to 3 months.
How to Reheat Shrimp Scampi (Without Ruining It)
Always thaw frozen shrimp scampi overnight in the refrigerator for food safety. Reheat leftover shrimp scampi gently over low heat on the stovetop or in the oven until warmed through. Be careful not to overcook, as shrimp can become tough.
Baked Shrimp Scampi: FAQs Answered
What is Shrimp Scampi Sauce Made Of?
There are several variations of shrimp scampi sauce, but most often, you’ll see it made with garlic, butter, and white wine. But THIS oven shrimp scampi recipe does not call for any white white. It instead uses garlic, butter, and extra virgin olive oil. And it’s good! You don’t need the white wine in this baked shrimp scampi recipe.
How Do You Thicken a Scampi Sauce?
If you prefer a thicker scampi sauce, you can add about a tablespoon of cornstarch that is mixed with an equal amount of water. I’ve never done it before, but you could add this cornstarch mixture about halfway through the cooking time when you mix up the shrimp so it cooks all the way through.
What is the Best Wine for Shrimp Scampi?
While this easy-baked shrimp scampi recipe does not use wine, a good white wine like sauvignon blanc, chardonnay, or pinot grigio would work well in a shrimp scampi sauce that is sauteed. I have not tried wine in this recipe, but I bet you could! If you do though, let me know how it is!
What is Creamy Scampi Sauce Made Of?
If you prefer a recipe for shrimp scampi sauce that is a bit creamier, you can add 1/4 cup of heavy cream or half and half a scampi sauce when sauteeing it. To make this baked shrimp scampi recipe creamier, add it about halfway through the cooking time when you mix up all of the shrimp.
How Long Does It Take to Cook Shrimp Scampi in the Oven?
Shrimp cooks fairly quickly in the oven but it’s important to give it a little szhuzsh halfway through cooking so it heats all the way through. I bake my scampi in the oven set to 375 degrees for about 25-30 minutes.
Can I Add Scallops or Other Seafood to Baked Shrimp Scampi?
Yes! You can make a shrimp and scallop scampi recipe following the same directions. Cut the amount of shrimp to 1/2 a pound and use 1/2-1 pound of scallops in its place when making this baked shrimp scampi recipe.
Should I Use Spaghetti With Shrimp?
Yes, spaghetti with shrimp is always a great option, but you can also use angel hair, fettuccine, or whatever types of noodles you prefer. I suggest not using rotini, penne, or rigatoni-type pasta because it doesn’t work as well with this shrimp and pasta recipe. Longer noodle-type pasta is best to use with shrimp scampi recipes because they hold the sauce better.
Final Thoughts
With its simple preparation, versatility, and crowd-pleasing flavor, this baked shrimp scampi is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. Whether you enjoy it as a quick weeknight dinner or a show-stopping dish for guests, you’ll appreciate the ease and deliciousness that this recipe brings to your table.
Have you made my recipe yet? If so, please tell me how you liked it in the comments below and give it a rating.
For more great shrimp recipes, check out these dishes from Food Network.
Thank you so much for following along.
Enjoy a beautiful day! xo
Easy Baked Shrimp Scampi Recipe in 30 Minutes
Ingredients
- 1 lb Shrimp Thawed, Cleaned and Deveined
- 12 tbsp Salted Butter (1.5 sticks of butter)
- ¼ cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 2 cloves Garlic minced
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- 1 bunch Parsely cut up, roughly 1/8-1/4 cup (or a handful)
Instructions
- Pre-heat oven to 375 degrees.
- Place shrimp, butter, extra virgin olive oil, garlic and chopped parsley in a roasting or casserole dish.
- Bake for 25 minutes or until shrimp are fully cooked and no longer translucent. (Cooking time could be more or less depending on your oven)
- Mix the shrimp up halfway through cooking to make sure it fully cooks.
- Boil and prepare pasta
- Serve and enjoy on it's own or over a bowl of pasta like spaghetti, linguini or fettucine.
Notes
Nutrition
Easy Baked Shrimp Scampi Recipe Leftover Ideas
If we have leftovers, I like to make shrimp scampi flatbread pizza the next day. If you want leftovers, you should double or triple this recipe. Whenever I make this recipe, we have just enough for our family of 5.
So if you plan to serve it for a dinner party, I’d at least double it. And definitely offer lots of crust Italian or French bread to soak up the delicious scampi sauce.
More Easy Italian Recipe Ideas
Here are some more of my favorite Italian recipes that you will love!
- 11 Simple Italian Food and Beverage Ideas
- The Best Bellini Recipe
- How to Make Sunday Sauce with Meatballs Like a Pro
- Simple Sausage and Peppers on the Grill
- The Best Recipe for Bruschetta Tomatoes
- How to Make Caprese Salad
I don’t know about you, but I am all about shrimp. And because I love it so much I make it a few different ways. I make this super easy shrimp boil foil packets. It’s amazingly delicious, so easy to make and there is almost no clean-up! One of my personal faves is this easy coconut shrimp tacos that I make all summer long. And for a fun dinner or party theme, check out this stove top clambake recipe. I made this on Christmas Eve and we had the best time! But seriously, nothing compares to this easy recipe for shrimp scampi so I know you’re going to love it too.
