🍤 Shrimp Scampi Bake: A Cheesy, Garlicky Weeknight Favorite
Looking for a quick, comforting dinner that feels like a restaurant treat but comes together in under 30 minutes? This Shrimp Scampi Bake is exactly what you need! Juicy shrimp, a zesty garlic butter sauce, a touch of cream, and a cheesy golden topping — it’s the kind of dish that makes you come back for seconds… and maybe thirds.
💛 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Zesty & Bold: Garlic, lemon juice, and zest combine to create a sauce that’s bright and flavorful.
- Creamy & Dreamy: The addition of heavy cream and melty cheese adds richness and indulgence.
- Quick & Easy: From skillet to oven to table in less than 30 minutes!
- Versatile: Serve it with pasta, rice, or crusty bread — whatever you’re in the mood for.
- Crowd Favorite: Ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or cozy date nights.
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
Serves 4–6 people
For the Shrimp Scampi:
- 1 lb large shrimp (peeled & deveined)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- Juice of 1 lemon (about 2–3 tbsp)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- ¼ cup dry white wine (optional – more broth if not using wine)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
For the Cheesy Topping:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley (plus extra for garnish)
Optional for Serving:
- Cooked pasta, rice, or warm crusty bread
👩🍳 How to Make Shrimp Scampi Bake
1. Preheat Your Oven
Set oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Sauté the Shrimp
In a large skillet, melt the butter with olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until just pink. Transfer shrimp to a plate.
3. Make the Sauce
To the same skillet, pour in chicken broth, heavy cream, lemon juice, lemon zest, and white wine (if using). Stir and let it simmer for 3–4 minutes to thicken slightly. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
4. Assemble the Dish
Add the shrimp back into the sauce and toss to coat. Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan evenly.
5. Bake
Bake uncovered for 10–12 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden on top.
6. Garnish & Serve
Top with fresh parsley, and serve hot with your choice of pasta, rice, or toasted bread to soak up all that amazing sauce.
⭐ Why This Dish Works
- Garlic + Lemon = Magic: This flavor combo brightens up the richness of the shrimp and cream.
- One Pan, Less Fuss: From stovetop to oven — fewer dishes and faster cleanup.
- Cheesy Top Layer: That bubbly, golden cheese crust is hard to resist.
🔄 Variations & Substitutions
- Veggie Boost: Stir in spinach, cherry tomatoes, or artichokes for extra flavor and color.
- Seafood Swap: Try scallops, crab meat, or chunks of cod.
- Low-Carb Option: Serve over zucchini noodles or steamed veggies.
- Gluten-Free Friendly: Use gluten-free pasta or rice.
💡 Expert Tips
- Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: They cook fast! As soon as they turn pink, take them out to avoid rubbery texture.
- Use Fresh Lemons: Bottled juice just can’t compare to the brightness of fresh.
- Make Ahead: Prep the sauce and shrimp ahead of time, then bake just before serving.
🥖 What to Serve with Shrimp Scampi Bake
- Linguine or Fettuccine: Classic pairing.
- Rice or Quinoa: Soaks up the sauce beautifully.
- Garlic Bread: A no-brainer — you’ll want something to mop up the pan.
- Green Salad: For a fresh, crisp contrast.
📦 Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) or microwave in short bursts.
Final Thoughts 💬
This Shrimp Scampi Bake is the ultimate blend of ease, elegance, and indulgence. Whether you’re cooking for guests or just treating yourself, this dish brings restaurant-quality flavor to your own kitchen — no reservations required.
Would you try it with pasta, rice, or bread? Let us know in the comments below!
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