Introduction
Shrimp Scampi Bake is a delicious twist on the classic shrimp scampi. Instead of cooking everything in a skillet, the shrimp are baked in a buttery, garlicky sauce with a hint of lemon and white wine for irresistible flavor. This dish is easy to prepare, yet elegant enough for dinner parties or weeknight meals. Serve it with crusty bread, pasta, or rice to soak up the luscious sauce, and you’ll have a meal that feels restaurant-worthy with minimal effort.
Ingredients
1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
4 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup dry white wine (or chicken broth as substitute)
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
½ cup seasoned breadcrumbs (or panko for extra crunch)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Arrange shrimp: Spread shrimp evenly in the baking dish in a single layer. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
Prepare sauce: In a bowl, combine melted butter, garlic, wine, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes. Pour mixture evenly over the shrimp.
Top with breadcrumb mixture: In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and parsley. Sprinkle evenly over the shrimp.
Bake: Place dish in oven and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until shrimp are pink, opaque, and cooked through.
Serve: Garnish with extra parsley and lemon wedges. Serve hot with pasta, rice, or bread.
Description
This Shrimp Scampi Bake delivers all the flavors of traditional shrimp scampi — buttery garlic, zesty lemon, a touch of wine, and Parmesan — but in a fuss-free baked version. The shrimp stay tender and juicy, while the breadcrumb topping adds a satisfying crunch. The sauce is rich yet fresh, making this dish both indulgent and light at the same time.
Tips
Use raw shrimp, not pre-cooked, for best flavor and texture.
Don’t overbake shrimp — they cook quickly and can turn rubbery if left too long.
Add extra garlic for a stronger scampi flavor.
For more richness, stir in a tablespoon of cream into the sauce before baking.
Serve immediately while hot for the best texture.
Variations
Pasta bake version: Toss cooked angel hair pasta in the sauce before baking with the shrimp.
Spicy scampi: Increase red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
Herb swap: Use fresh basil or dill instead of parsley for a different twist.
Low-carb version: Serve over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
Cheesy upgrade: Sprinkle mozzarella over the top before baking for a melty finish.
Correction
If your dish turns out:
Shrimp rubbery: It was overbaked; reduce cooking time.
Too salty: Use unsalted butter and season lightly, since Parmesan and breadcrumbs add salt.
Sauce too watery: Use less wine or let the sauce simmer on the stove first to reduce before baking.
Breadcrumbs soggy: Broil the dish for 1–2 minutes at the end for a crispy topping.
Enjoy
Serve your Shrimp Scampi Bake hot with pasta, rice, or a warm baguette to soak up the garlicky lemon-butter sauce. Every bite offers tender shrimp, zesty flavors, and a satisfying crunch, making it a dish that feels special yet simple to prepare.