Description
Baked Shrimp Scampi is a delightful Italian-American dish featuring large shrimp sautéed in a rich garlic butter sauce, topped with a crispy Parmesan and breadcrumb crust, then baked to perfection. This flavorful, easy-to-make seafood dinner combines bright lemon juice, aromatic garlic, and a subtle kick from red pepper flakes to create a crowd-pleasing entrée perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp and Sauce
- 1 1/2 pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Topping and Garnish
- 1/3 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to bring it to the ideal temperature while you prepare the shrimp.
- Arrange Shrimp: Place the peeled and deveined shrimp in a single layer inside a 9×13-inch baking dish, ensuring even cooking.
- Prepare Garlic Butter Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, minced garlic, dry white wine (or chicken broth), lemon juice, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Coat the Shrimp: Pour the prepared garlic butter mixture evenly over the shrimp, coating them thoroughly for maximum flavor.
- Make the Topping: In a separate bowl, combine the seasoned breadcrumbs with grated Parmesan cheese, then sprinkle this mixture evenly over the shrimp.
- Bake the Dish: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque and the topping turns golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the dish from the oven, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top, and serve immediately with lemon wedges. Pair with crusty bread or pasta for a complete meal.
Notes
- For an extra crispy topping, broil the shrimp for the last 2 minutes of baking.
- Substitute panko breadcrumbs for a lighter, crunchier texture.
- This dish works well both as a main course entrée and as a party appetizer.
