Oh, friends, there’s just something so wonderfully comforting about a dish that whispers of sunny Italian kitchens, isn’t there? And when it comes to bringing that warmth and flavor right into your home, this Baked Italian shrimp with garlic butter recipe is an absolute dream. It’s a dish that feels both elegant and effortlessly simple, transforming plump, juicy shrimp into a magical treat enveloped in a fragrant garlic butter sauce.
I remember countless afternoons in my grandmother’s kitchen, the air thick with the scent of garlic and herbs. She had a way of making even the simplest ingredients sing, turning them into something truly special. This recipe brings back those cherished memories for me, a testament to how humble ingredients, made with a little love, can create extraordinary flavors that bring everyone to the table.
This recipe isn’t just easy to bake, it’s also incredibly versatile and perfect for any family gathering or a cozy weeknight meal. It’s a dish that satisfies, delights, and gathers everyone around, just as my grandmother’s meals always did. My top tip? Always use fresh garlic and herbs – it truly makes all the difference!
What You Need to Make This Recipe
Crafting this delightful dish requires just a handful of fresh ingredients, proving that extraordinary flavor doesn’t need a complicated list. We’re talking plump, large shrimp, rich unsalted butter, vibrant fresh garlic and herbs like parsley and oregano, bright lemon juice, and a splash of dry white wine to truly elevate the Baked Italian shrimp with garlic butter recipe. The full list of ingredients and precise measurements awaits you in the recipe card below, ready to guide your culinary adventure.
How to Make Baked Italian shrimp with garlic butter recipe
Whipping up this delightful Baked Italian shrimp with garlic butter recipe is truly a simple joy, a gentle dance of flavors and textures. You’ll begin by preparing your shrimp, getting them perfectly seasoned. Next, we craft that irresistible garlic butter sauce, a fragrant symphony of butter, garlic, herbs, and lemon. Finally, everything comes together in a baking dish, merging into a cohesive, flavorful masterpiece in the oven. The complete step-by-step instructions are waiting for you in the recipe card below!
Baked Italian Shrimp with Garlic Butter
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Pat the shrimp thoroughly dry with paper towels. In a medium mixing bowl, toss the shrimp with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper until evenly coated.
- In a small saucepan over low heat or in a microwave-safe bowl, melt the 1/2 cup of unsalted butter.
- Add the minced garlic, chopped fresh parsley, chopped fresh oregano (or dried Italian seasoning), and red pepper flakes to the melted butter. Stir well to combine.
- Remove from heat and stir in the fresh lemon juice and dry white wine (or chicken broth).
- Pour the prepared garlic butter sauce over the seasoned shrimp in the mixing bowl. Toss gently until all the shrimp are thoroughly coated.
- Transfer the shrimp and all the sauce to a 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading them in a single layer as much as possible.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the shrimp are opaque and pink, just cooked through. Be careful not to overcook, as shrimp can become rubbery quickly.
- Remove the baking dish from the oven. Garnish generously with additional fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately with lemon wedges. This dish pairs wonderfully with crusty bread for dipping in the delicious sauce, pasta, or rice.
Notes
Pro Tips for Making This Baked Italian shrimp with garlic butter recipe
Ensuring your Baked Italian shrimp with garlic butter recipe turns out perfectly every time is my greatest wish for you! Here are a few little secrets I’ve picked up over the years that truly make a difference.
First, always pat your shrimp thoroughly dry before seasoning. This helps them achieve that beautiful, slightly crisp texture rather than steaming in the pan. Trust me, it’s a game-changer!
My Secret Trick: When making the garlic butter sauce, I love to add the fresh lemon zest right into the melted butter and garlic. This releases the essential oils and infuses the entire sauce with an incredibly bright, fragrant citrus note that perfectly complements the rich garlic.
Be mindful not to overcrowd your baking dish. Giving the shrimp a little space allows them to cook evenly and caramelize slightly, rather than just simmering. If you have a lot of shrimp, consider baking in two batches or using a larger dish.
Finally, remember that shrimp cook quickly! Keep a close eye on them; they are done when they turn opaque and pink. Overcooked shrimp can become tough, and we want every bite of this Baked Italian shrimp with garlic butter recipe to be wonderfully tender and juicy.
Fun Variations for Baked Italian shrimp with garlic butter recipe
One of the joys of home cooking is getting to play and personalize, isn’t it? This Baked Italian shrimp with garlic butter recipe is wonderfully adaptable, a canvas for your own creativity! Here are a few ways I’ve loved to switch things up, often inspired by what friends and family crave.
A Spicy Kick
If you, like my brother, enjoy a little heat, consider adding an extra pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce. You could even swirl in a tiny bit of Sriracha or a dash of cayenne pepper for a bolder, fiery twist that complements the garlic beautifully.
Herbaceous Delights
While parsley and oregano are classic, feel free to experiment with other fresh herbs. My sister loves when I add a sprig of fresh dill for a brighter, almost Scandinavian-inspired note, or a sprinkle of chives just before serving for a delicate oniony freshness.
Veggie Boost
For a more substantial meal, or to add extra color and nutrition, I sometimes toss in some quick-cooking vegetables. Cherry tomatoes burst with sweetness as they roast, and a handful of fresh spinach wilts down beautifully into the sauce, making this Baked Italian shrimp with garlic butter recipe a complete meal.
Cheesy Indulgence
A light sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the shrimp during the last few minutes of baking adds a wonderful salty, umami layer that takes this dish to another level. It’s a favorite with friends who adore a cheesy finish!
What to Serve With Baked Italian shrimp with garlic butter recipe
Oh, the delightful dance of pairing! This Baked Italian shrimp with garlic butter recipe is so wonderfully versatile, it practically begs for delicious companions. For me, nothing beats a warm, crusty loaf of artisanal bread to soak up every last drop of that glorious garlic butter sauce – it’s a moment of pure bliss.
My mom always says a simple pasta, like angel hair or linguine, tossed lightly with a bit more of the garlic butter and perhaps some fresh parsley, makes for a perfectly comforting meal. Alternatively, a fluffy bed of rice is just heavenly for soaking up all those rich, savory juices.
For a lighter touch, a crisp, vibrant green salad with a simple vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast. And if you’re looking for a quick serving idea, some quickly steamed or grilled asparagus, perhaps drizzled with a little lemon, adds a beautiful touch of green and a pleasant bite alongside this fantastic Baked Italian shrimp with garlic butter recipe.
How to Store Baked Italian shrimp with garlic butter recipe
After all the joy of making and enjoying this Baked Italian shrimp with garlic butter recipe, you might find yourself with a few precious leftovers! To keep them tasting as fresh as possible, allow any cooled shrimp to be transferred to an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
Reheating for Freshness
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, I recommend reheating gently. You can warm it in a pan on the stovetop over low heat until just heated through, or in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10-15 minutes, covering it loosely with foil to prevent drying. My personal tip? A fresh squeeze of lemon juice after reheating always brings the flavors back to life, making it taste almost as vibrant as the first time!
Nutritional Benefits
Beyond the incredible flavor, this Baked Italian shrimp with garlic butter recipe offers some lovely nutritional benefits. Shrimp are an excellent source of lean protein, supporting muscle health, while the olive oil and butter provide healthy fats. It’s a treat that’s both satisfying and nourishing, proving that delightful homemade dishes can easily incorporate wholesome ingredients into a truly indulgent experience.
FAQs
Faq 1
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw your frozen shrimp completely before you begin cooking. Pat them very dry with paper towels to ensure they cook properly and absorb the delicious garlic butter in this Baked Italian shrimp with garlic butter recipe.
Faq 2
How do I know when the shrimp is cooked perfectly?
Shrimp cooks very quickly! You’ll know it’s done when the shrimp turns from translucent gray to opaque pink, curling slightly into a ‘C’ shape. Be careful not to overcook, or it can become tough in this Baked Italian shrimp with garlic butter recipe.
Faq 3
Can I prepare the garlic butter sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can! You can melt the butter with the garlic and herbs, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. This makes assembling your Baked Italian shrimp with garlic butter recipe even quicker on a busy day.
Faq 4
What kind of dry white wine should I use?
For this Baked Italian shrimp with garlic butter recipe, a dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or a dry Chardonnay works wonderfully. Choose one you’d enjoy drinking, as its flavor will enhance the sauce.
Conclusion
There you have it, my friends – a Baked Italian shrimp with garlic butter recipe that’s truly a testament to the magic of simple, heartfelt cooking. This dish isn’t just about the incredible flavors of succulent shrimp, bright lemon, and aromatic garlic; it’s about the joy of creating something beautiful in your own kitchen. I hope this recipe inspires you to gather your loved ones, share in the warmth of a homemade meal, and create sweet memories that will linger long after the last delicious bite. Happy baking, or in this case, happy baking-and-shrimping!