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- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 6 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 lemon, zested and juiced - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes - 1 cup spinach, chopped - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped - Salt and pepper to taste For this Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Bake, I love to start with fresh, large shrimp. You want them peeled and deveined for easy eating. Next, I use unsalted butter. It gives a rich flavor without being too salty. Fresh garlic is key; I always use minced garlic for that strong aroma. The lemon zest and juice add a bright, tangy flavor that balances the dish. Red pepper flakes give a nice kick, but you can adjust the amount to your taste. For some green, I chop up spinach, which adds color and nutrition. Cherry tomatoes bring sweetness and juiciness, making the meal more vibrant. I use grated Parmesan cheese for a creamy texture and a savory taste. The panko breadcrumbs add crunch on top. Fresh parsley gives a pop of color and freshness. Finally, season with salt and pepper to enhance all those wonderful flavors. Gather these ingredients, and you are ready to create a flavorful dish that’s both easy and impressive! {{ingredient_image_1}} - Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). - Melt 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a skillet over medium heat. - Sauté 4 cloves of minced garlic until it smells great. - Add 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp. Cook them until they turn pink, about 2-3 minutes. - Mix in the juice and zest from 1 lemon, 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. - Stir in 1 cup of chopped spinach and 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes. Cook for another 2 minutes until the spinach wilts. - Transfer the shrimp and veggies to a baking dish. - In a bowl, mix 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs, ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and 2 tablespoons of chopped parsley. Drizzle in the rest of the melted butter and mix well. - Spread the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the shrimp bake. - Bake for 15-20 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the shrimp are cooked through. To avoid overcooking shrimp, cook them for just 2-3 minutes. They turn pink when done. Remove them from heat as soon as they change color. This keeps them tender and juicy. For sautéing garlic, heat the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and stir for about one minute. Watch carefully so it doesn’t burn. Burnt garlic can ruin your dish's flavor. Serve your dish straight from the baking dish. It looks rustic and inviting. Top with fresh parsley and lemon wedges for color. The bright lemon adds a nice touch. Pair this dish with crusty bread. It’s perfect for sopping up that tasty garlic butter. A light salad also works well to balance the meal. To add extra flavor, consider fresh herbs like basil or dill. They brighten up the dish. You can also squeeze more lemon juice on top before serving. If you love spice, adjust the red pepper flakes. Start with a teaspoon and add more if you like heat. This lets you control the spice level to suit your taste. Pro Tips Fresh Shrimp: Always use the freshest shrimp you can find for the best flavor and texture; look for shrimp that are firm and have a mild sea smell. Breadcrumb Texture: For extra crunch, toast the panko breadcrumbs in a skillet with a little butter before adding them to the topping mixture. Adjusting Spice: If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of red pepper flakes or omit them altogether; alternatively, add more if you love heat. Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs beautifully with a side of garlic bread or a light salad to complement the rich flavors of the shrimp scampi. {{image_2}} You can swap shrimp for other tasty proteins. Try scallops or chicken for a change. Each option brings a unique flavor. Scallops add a sweet touch, while chicken makes it hearty. Vegetables can also switch up your dish. Bell peppers add crunch and sweetness. Zucchini brings a mild taste and a nice texture. Feel free to mix and match! If you need gluten-free options, use crushed cornflakes instead of panko breadcrumbs. They give a nice crunch without the gluten. For a dairy-free dish, you can use vegan butter and nutritional yeast. These options keep the flavor while being kinder to your diet. Herbs can elevate your dish. Try fresh basil or thyme for a fragrant boost. Even a little dill can add a nice twist! Adding a splash of white wine brightens the flavors. Pour it in after cooking the shrimp. It adds depth you will love! Don't be afraid to experiment with these ideas. They make the dish your own. To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container. This keeps the dish fresh. Let it cool down to room temperature first. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, use the oven for best results. Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place the dish in the oven for about 10-15 minutes. This helps restore the crispy top and warm the shrimp evenly. Can you freeze Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Bake? Yes, you can! Just make sure it cools completely before freezing. Use a freezer-safe container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. It lasts well for up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat in the oven to maintain the texture. Understanding how long the dish lasts is key to food safety. In the fridge, it stays good for about three days. If you freeze it, it can last for three months. Watch for signs of spoilage. If it looks discolored or has an off smell, it’s best to toss it out. Always trust your senses! What can I serve with Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Bake? You can serve this dish with crusty bread. It helps soak up the tasty garlic butter. A fresh salad pairs well too. The cool, crisp greens balance the rich flavors. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can prep it ahead. Cook the shrimp and veggies, then store them. Cover and chill in the fridge. When ready, add the breadcrumb topping and bake. Is it possible to make this dish spicy? Absolutely! Adjust the red pepper flakes to your taste. Add more for heat or less for mild flavor. You can also add sliced jalapeños for an extra kick. Can I use frozen shrimp instead of fresh? Yes, frozen shrimp works fine. Just make sure to thaw them fully. Pat them dry before cooking to avoid extra water in the dish. What can I use instead of Parmesan cheese? You can use Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste. Nutritional yeast is a great dairy-free option. It adds a cheesy flavor without the dairy. Can I cook this recipe in a skillet instead of baking? Yes, you can! Cook the shrimp and veggies in a skillet. After mixing in the toppings, cover it with a lid. Cook on low heat until the topping is golden. How do I know when the shrimp are fully cooked? Shrimp are done when they turn pink and opaque. They should curl into a C shape. Overcooked shrimp become tough, so watch them closely. This blog post covered how to make a delicious Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Bake. You learned about key ingredients like shrimp, garlic, and lemon. I shared step-by-step instructions, cooking tips, and serving ideas. You can also explore variations for dietary needs and flavor swaps. In the end, this dish is not just tasty; it's easy to make. Enjoy it fresh, and don't hesitate to get creative with the ingredients!

Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Bake

A delicious and easy shrimp scampi baked with garlic butter, spinach, and topped with a crispy breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 whole lemon, zested and juiced
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 cup spinach, chopped
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • to taste salt and pepper

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter.
  • Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  • Stir in the shrimp and cook for about 2-3 minutes until they start to turn pink.
  • Add the lemon juice, lemon zest, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper, mixing well.
  • Fold in the chopped spinach and cherry tomatoes, cooking for another 2 minutes until the spinach wilts.
  • Transfer the shrimp and vegetable mixture to a baking dish.
  • In a separate bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley. Drizzle in the remaining melted butter and mix until the breadcrumbs are coated.
  • Evenly spread the breadcrumb mixture over the shrimp bake.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the shrimp are cooked through.

Notes

Serve directly from the baking dish, garnished with additional parsley and lemon wedges for a pop of color. Pair with crusty bread for a delightful meal!
Keyword bake, butter, garlic, scampi, shrimp