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A white dish of delicious Shrimp Scampi sautéed in garlic butter sauce with parsley and served with a side of crusty bread.

Baked Italian Shrimp with Garlic Butter

Succulent large shrimp baked to perfection in a rich, zesty Italian garlic butter sauce. This dish is quick to prepare and makes for an impressive main course or appetizer.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 27 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Garlic Butter Shrimp
  • 1.5 lbs large shrimp peeled, deveined, tails on or off
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
  • 6 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley finely chopped, plus extra for garnish
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tbsp olive oil extra virgin
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp dried basil
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes optional, for a hint of heat
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice freshly squeezed
  • 1/2 lemon zested (about 1 tsp)
  • 1/2 tsp salt or to taste
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper freshly ground, or to taste
For Serving
  • 1 lemon cut into wedges

Equipment

  • Large baking dish or sheet pan (approx. 9x13 inch)
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Zester/Grater (optional)

Method
 

Prepare the Shrimp & Oven
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a large baking dish or line a sheet pan with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
  2. Pat the peeled and deveined shrimp very dry with paper towels. This helps them cook better and absorb the flavors.
Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
  1. In a small saucepan over low heat or in a microwave-safe bowl, melt the unsalted butter. Remove from heat.
  2. To the melted butter, add the minced garlic, chopped fresh parsley, tomato paste, extra virgin olive oil, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if using), freshly squeezed lemon juice, and lemon zest. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
  3. Season the sauce with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Mix thoroughly.
Combine & Bake
  1. Place the dried shrimp in a large mixing bowl. Pour the prepared garlic butter sauce over the shrimp. Toss gently to ensure every shrimp is evenly coated.
  2. Arrange the coated shrimp in a single layer in the prepared baking dish or on the sheet pan. Do not overcrowd the pan; use two pans if necessary to ensure even cooking.
  3. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the shrimp turn opaque pink and are cooked through. Be careful not to overcook, as shrimp can become rubbery quickly.
Serve
  1. Remove from oven and serve immediately. Garnish with additional fresh chopped parsley and lemon wedges for squeezing over the shrimp.

Notes

This Baked Italian Shrimp with Garlic Butter is fantastic served with crusty bread for dipping into the delicious sauce, pasta, rice, or a light salad. For an even more vibrant flavor, add a splash of white wine to the garlic butter sauce before tossing with the shrimp.