One-Pan Shrimp Scampi: Easy Sheet Pan Dinner Recipe

When the week’s chaos is calling and the kitchen feels more like a battleground than a haven, simplicity becomes the ultimate luxury. Enter the One-Pan Shrimp Scampi-a dazzling dish that marries elegance with ease on a single sheet pan. This recipe transforms juicy, succulent shrimp and vibrant, garlicky flavors into a wholesome dinner that practically cooks itself. Say goodbye to piles of dishes and hello to a vibrant, flavorful meal that’s ready in a flash. Whether you’re a seasoned home chef or a weeknight dinner rookie, this easy sheet pan shrimp scampi will become your go-to recipe for a fuss-free culinary win.

One-Pan Shrimp Scampi is a timeless classic reimagined for busy weeknights and carefree weekends alike. This dish celebrates succulent shrimp bathed in a luscious garlic butter and citrus sauce, all cooked effortlessly on a single sheet pan. Crafted for simplicity without sacrificing flavor, it offers a brilliant balance of fresh ingredients and minimal cleanup-perfection on a plate with the effortless charm of sheet pan cooking.

Prep and Cook Time

• Preparation: 10 minutes
• Cooking: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

Yield

Serves 4 generous portions

Difficulty Level

Easy – ideal for both beginner cooks and seasoned pros looking for a fast, flavorful dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails on
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lemon, zested and juiced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional, for color and sweetness)
• 1/2 cup white wine (or low-sodium chicken broth)
• Fresh basil leaves, optional garnish
• Cooked linguine or crusty bread, for serving

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large rimmed sheet pan with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. In a small bowl, combine melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, smoked paprika, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Whisk until well blended.
3. Arrange the shrimp evenly on the sheet pan. If using cherry tomatoes, scatter them around the shrimp for a burst of color and natural sweetness.
4. Pour the garlic butter sauce over the shrimp and tomatoes, tossing gently on the pan to coat everything evenly.
5. Drizzle white wine (or chicken broth) over the pan-this adds moisture and elevates flavor.
6. Bake uncovered for 8 to 10 minutes, or until shrimp turn pink and opaque. Avoid overcooking to maintain optimal tenderness.
7. Switch to broil for the last 1-2 minutes to achieve a lightly caramelized top-watch carefully to prevent burning.
8. Remove from the oven, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and optional basil leaves for freshness and a pop of green.
9. Serve immediately over cooked linguine or with crusty bread to soak up the luscious scampi sauce.

Tips for Success

• Choosing Shrimp: For the perfect One-Pan Shrimp Scampi, opt for large or jumbo shrimp that are peeled and deveined with tails on. The tails add both flavor and presentation polish. Wild-caught offers nuanced sweetness, while farmed shrimp provide great consistency.
• Sheet Pan Cooking: Ensure your shrimp are in a single layer for even cooking and caramelization. Use parchment for easy cleanup that keeps buttery sauce intact.
• Balancing Flavors: The key to an irresistible scampi sauce lies in balancing the rich garlic butter with bright lemon juice. Start with less lemon and adjust to taste; you can always add more at the end.
• Make Ahead: Prepare the garlic butter mixture ahead and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Pat shrimp dry just before cooking for the best sear.
• Variations: Swap white wine for broth or add capers for tangy bursts. Toss in asparagus spears or snap peas for vibrant vegetable notes.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the One-Pan Shrimp Scampi right from the sheet pan, sprinkled with extra fresh herbs and bright lemon wedges for squeezing. A side of al dente linguine or angel hair pasta tossed lightly in olive oil makes the perfect bed to catch every drop of buttery sauce. For a gluten-free twist, consider zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. Garnish with vivid chopped parsley and a dusting of finely grated Parmesan to elevate the dish visually and flavor-wise. To add contrast, a crisp green salad dressed lightly with vinaigrette complements the warm and buttery scampi beautifully.

Q&A

Q&A: One-Pan Shrimp Scampi – Your Easy Sheet Pan Dinner Solution

Q1: What makes One-Pan Shrimp Scampi such a perfect weeknight dinner?
A1: One-Pan Shrimp Scampi combines simplicity with sophistication. It’s fast-ready in under 30 minutes-and uses just one sheet pan, slashing cleanup time. Plus, it delivers bright, garlicky shrimp paired with tender veggies and pasta, making your dinner both effortless and elegant.

Q2: Can I customize this recipe to suit my taste or what’s in my pantry?
A2: Absolutely! Swap out the shrimp for scallops or chicken if you like. Toss in your favorite veggies-think cherry tomatoes, asparagus, or zucchini-for extra crunch and color. And feel free to use gluten-free pasta or zoodles for a lighter twist.

Q3: How do you keep the shrimp from overcooking on a sheet pan?
A3: Timing is key! Shrimp cook quickly-usually 6 to 8 minutes. Spread them out so they roast evenly and add them halfway through cooking your pasta and veggies. Watching closely ensures tender, juicy shrimp instead of rubbery bites.

Q4: What’s the secret to that signature buttery garlic flavor without making a mess?
A4: The magic lies in the olive oil, butter, fresh garlic, and a spritz of lemon juice all drizzled over the pan before roasting. This blend seeps into every ingredient, creating a fragrant, mouthwatering sauce with zero stovetop fuss.

Q5: Is this dish healthy? Can it fit into special diets?
A5: Shrimp is a lean protein packed with nutrients, and paired with fresh veggies, this dish is both nutrient-rich and low in calories. You can tailor it to keto, paleo, or gluten-free diets with simple swaps-like zucchini noodles instead of pasta or using ghee instead of butter.

Q6: Any pro tips for an Instagram-worthy presentation?
A6: Sprinkle fresh parsley or basil leaves over the finished dish for a pop of green. Add lemon wedges for zest and a little sparkle. Serve straight from the pan for rustic charm or plate it beautifully with a drizzle of extra garlic sauce for that wow factor.

Q7: What sides pair well with One-Pan Shrimp Scampi if I want a fuller meal?
A7: A crisp side salad, crusty bread, or roasted garlic potatoes complement the bold flavors perfectly. For an elegant dinner, try a chilled glass of white wine-think Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio-to elevate the experience.

This Q&A unpacked why One-Pan Shrimp Scampi is your new kitchen hero-easy, adaptable, and delicious. Ready to toss those ingredients on a sheet pan and wow your taste buds tonight?

In Retrospect

In the world of weeknight dinners, few dishes strike the perfect balance between simplicity and sophistication quite like this one-pan shrimp scampi. With minimal prep, a handful of fresh ingredients, and just one sheet pan to clean, you can enjoy a vibrant, flavorful meal that tastes like it took hours to prepare. Whether you’re feeding a family or treating yourself after a long day, this easy sheet pan dinner proves that elegance doesn’t have to be complicated. So next time you’re craving something light, zesty, and downright irresistible, remember: great meals don’t always demand a kitchen full of pots and pans-sometimes, all you need is one.