When life gets hectic, the last thing you want is a complicated dinner recipe. But who says quick and easy can't also be incredibly delicious and satisfying? Enter our Zesty Baked Italian Shrimp with Lemon – a vibrant, flavorful dish that brings the taste of the Mediterranean to your table in under 30 minutes!

This recipe is a true weeknight hero. It combines succulent shrimp with bright lemon, fragrant garlic, and classic Italian herbs, all baked together on a single pan for minimal cleanup. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, you'll love how effortlessly this dish comes together, delivering restaurant-quality taste without the fuss.

Forget greasy takeout or bland frozen meals. This baked shrimp is a healthy, lean protein option that's bursting with zesty, herbaceous notes. It's perfect on its own, tossed with pasta, served over rice, or added to a fresh salad. Get ready to impress your family and friends with a meal that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, but only took minutes!

Why This Baked Italian Shrimp Will Become Your Go-To

Here’s why this recipe deserves a permanent spot in your weekly rotation:

• Lightning Fast: From start to finish, you're looking at less than 30 minutes. Perfect for busy evenings!
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of fresh lemon, garlic, and robust Italian herbs creates an irresistible aroma and taste.
• Effortless Cleanup: One pan means less scrubbing and more enjoying.
• Healthy & Satisfying: A light yet fulfilling meal that's rich in protein and good-for-you ingredients.
• Incredibly Versatile: Pairs beautifully with almost any side, making it adaptable to your cravings.

Essential Ingredients for Zesty Italian Shrimp

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and reliance on fresh, quality ingredients. You don't need a huge grocery list to create something extraordinary.

• Shrimp: Opt for large, peeled, and deveined shrimp. Fresh is fantastic, but frozen (thawed and patted dry) works just as well.
• Olive Oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil provides a rich base for the flavors.
• Lemon: You'll need both the zest and the juice for that quintessential bright, zesty tang.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is non-negotiable for maximum aromatic flavor.
• Italian Seasoning: A well-balanced blend of Italian herbs is crucial. You can learn more about what makes up Italian seasoning for future culinary adventures.
• Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): A pinch adds a subtle warmth and a touch of excitement.
• Fresh Parsley: For a final flourish of color and fresh herbaceousness after baking.

Choosing and Prepping Your Shrimp

For the best results, look for firm shrimp with a mild, fresh scent. If using frozen, ensure they are completely thawed before cooking. Patting them dry with paper towels is a crucial step – it helps the seasonings stick and prevents the shrimp from steaming instead of baking, which can lead to a rubbery texture.

Tips for Perfectly Baked Shrimp Every Time

Achieving tender, succulent shrimp is simpler than you think with these expert tips:

1. Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Give your shrimp some breathing room! If they're too close together, they'll steam rather than roast, resulting in a less desirable texture. Use two baking sheets if necessary.
2. Preheat Your Baking Sheet: A hot baking sheet helps to instantly sear the shrimp when they hit the pan, locking in their juices and contributing to that perfect texture.
3. Keep an Eye on Them: Shrimp cook very quickly! They're done when they turn pink and opaque. This usually takes 8-12 minutes, depending on the size of your shrimp and the oven temperature. Overcooked shrimp will be tough and rubbery.
4. Finish with Freshness: A final squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley after baking brightens all the flavors and adds a beautiful presentation.

Serving Suggestions for Your Italian Shrimp

This Zesty Baked Italian Shrimp is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways:

• Classic Pasta Pairing: Toss the warm shrimp with your favorite pasta, a drizzle of olive oil, and extra lemon juice. If you love Italian pasta dishes, you might also enjoy making The Ultimate Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce Copycat (Clara's Recipes).
• Over Grains: Serve it atop fluffy white rice, brown rice, or quinoa to soak up the delicious pan juices.
• Light & Fresh Salad: Let the shrimp cool slightly and add them to a vibrant green salad with a light vinaigrette.
• Appetizer Delight: Arrange on a platter with toothpicks for an elegant appetizer. Don't forget some crusty bread for dipping!
• With Roasted Veggies: Roast your favorite vegetables (like asparagus, bell peppers, or zucchini) alongside the shrimp for a complete and balanced meal. For another quick and satisfying meal, check out our recipe for Easy Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad: Your 15-Minute Recipe Guide!.

Ready to infuse your weeknight with sensational Italian flavors? Let's get cooking!

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Zesty Baked Italian Shrimp with Lemon

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• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Pescatarian, Gluten-Free

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Description

A quick and easy weeknight meal featuring succulent shrimp baked with zesty lemon, aromatic garlic, and classic Italian herbs on a single sheet pan.

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Ingredients

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1.5 lbs large shrimp, peeled and deveined (fresh or frozen, thawed)
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 lemon, zested and juiced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1.5 teaspoons Italian seasoning
0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
0.5 teaspoon salt, or to taste
0.25 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

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Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place a baking sheet in the oven to preheat for about 5-10 minutes. This helps the shrimp cook more evenly and prevents them from sticking.
Step 2: While the oven preheats, if using frozen shrimp, ensure they are fully thawed. Pat the shrimp very dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This is crucial for optimal texture.
Step 3: In a large bowl, combine the shrimp, olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Toss gently to ensure all shrimp are evenly coated.
Step 4: Carefully remove the preheated baking sheet from the oven. Arrange the seasoned shrimp in a single layer on the hot baking sheet. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan; if necessary, use two baking sheets.
Step 5: Bake for 8-12 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Cooking time will vary based on the size of your shrimp. Avoid overcooking, as this will make the shrimp rubbery.
Step 6: Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley and, if desired, a final squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving immediately.

Notes

For an extra layer of flavor, you can marinate the shrimp for up to 15-20 minutes in the refrigerator before baking. This dish is also wonderful with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese just before serving.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4oz
• Calories: 220 kcal
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 450mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 3g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 210mg

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