There's a reason shrimp scampi is a classic. It’s elegant, flavorful, and incredibly fast to make. But instead of the usual stovetop method, this recipe for Baked Shrimp Scampi with Garlic Butter & Lemon takes a hands-off approach that makes it even easier to get on the table on a busy weeknight. Simply toss everything together and let the oven do the work.

This dish is a perfect example of how a few simple, high-quality ingredients can create a truly delicious meal. The shrimp bakes to a tender, juicy perfection in a rich sauce of garlic, butter, white wine, and lemon. The aroma that fills your kitchen while it bakes is a promise of the deliciousness to come. It’s a restaurant-quality meal that you can have ready in under 30 minutes.

Baked Shrimp Scampi with Garlic Butter & Lemon

Weeknight Favorite

Yields: 4 servings

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ lbs large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails on or off

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

  • ½ cup dry white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc) or chicken broth

  • ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted

  • 1 lemon, zested and juiced

  • ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)

  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

  • ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped

  • For Serving:

    • Linguine, angel hair pasta, or crusty bread

Instructions

1. Prepare the Shrimp & Sauce

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

  2. Make the Sauce: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, minced garlic, white wine, lemon juice, lemon zest, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Season generously with salt and pepper.

  3. Combine: Add the shrimp to the bowl with the sauce and toss to coat every piece evenly.

2. Bake the Scampi

  1. Arrange: Pour the shrimp and the sauce into a 9x13-inch baking dish, spreading the shrimp in an even layer.

  2. Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink, opaque, and cooked through. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become rubbery.

3. Finish and Serve

  1. Garnish: Remove the baking dish from the oven and sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the shrimp.

  2. Serve: Serve the shrimp scampi immediately, spooning the delicious garlic butter sauce over your favorite pasta or a slice of crusty bread for dipping.

Pro-Tips for a Perfect Scampi

  • Don't Overcook! Shrimp cooks very quickly. As soon as it turns pink and curls into a C-shape, it's done. A tight O-shape means it's overcooked.

  • The Right Shrimp: Use large or jumbo shrimp for this recipe, as they hold up best and don't shrink too much during baking.

  • Dry White Wine: A dry white wine adds a depth of flavor that can't be replicated. If you prefer not to use wine, chicken broth is a great alternative.

  • Preheat Your Dish: For even faster cooking, you can place your baking dish in the oven while it preheats. This will get a head start on cooking the shrimp.

  • Crusty Bread is a Must: Don't forget the bread! It's perfect for soaking up all the delicious garlic-butter sauce.