Baked Italian Shrimp Lemon

Transform your weeknight dinner with this zesty Baked Italian Shrimp Lemon dish that’s ready in under an hour!

Quick Answer: Baked Italian Shrimp Lemon combines jumbo shrimp with garlic, fresh lemon, and Italian herbs, baked at 400°F for 12-15 minutes. The dish features a light white wine sauce and comes together in just 45 minutes total.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Category: Main Dish

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Italian-American

Yield: 4 servings

Dietary: Gluten-Free, Low-Carb

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bright, citrusy flavors with perfectly tender shrimp
One-pan recipe with minimal cleanup
Ready in under 45 minutes
High in protein, low in carbs
Perfect for both casual dinners and entertaining

Quick Benefits

This Baked Italian Shrimp Lemon recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort. The combination of fresh lemon, Italian herbs, and succulent shrimp creates an impressive yet easy dinner option.

Ingredients

12 oz bag of shrimp, thawed, cleaned, dried, and deveined
1 package of dry Italian dressing mix
1 stick of butter, melted
2 large lemons, sliced into thin rounds

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Melt the butter in a medium-sized bowl and add the prepared shrimp.
Sprinkle the dry Italian dressing mix over the shrimp and gently toss to combine evenly.
Line a baking dish with thinly sliced lemon rounds and pour the shrimp and butter mixture over the lemons.
Spread the shrimp in a single layer within the baking dish.
Place the dish in the oven and bake for approximately 20 minutes, or until the shrimp are fully cooked.
Let the shrimp cool slightly before serving.

You Must Know

Don’t overcook – shrimp should be just pink and opaque
Pat shrimp very dry before cooking for better browning
Use room temperature butter for even melting
Choose a wide, shallow baking dish for even cooking
Check for shellfish allergies before serving
Watch carefully in last few minutes to prevent overcooking

Serving Suggestions

Crusty Italian bread for sauce-soaking
Angel hair pasta or rice pilaf
Roasted asparagus or broccoli
Fresh green salad with lemon vinaigrette
Chilled Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc
Garlic knots or focaccia

Creative Variations

Mediterranean style: Add cherry tomatoes and kalamata olives
Spicy version: Include red pepper flakes and cayenne
Herb-forward: Add fresh basil and oregano
Creamy adaptation: Stir in heavy cream at the end
Low-carb: Serve over zucchini noodles

Cultural Notes

This Italian-American dish combines traditional Mediterranean flavors with modern simplicity. While not strictly traditional Italian, it draws inspiration from the coastal regions of Italy where seafood, lemon, and herbs are dietary staples. The addition of white wine in the sauce reflects the Italian cooking philosophy of using local wines in cuisine.

Pro Tips

Choose uniform-sized shrimp for even cooking
Use freshly squeezed lemon juice, not bottled
Don’t skimp on quality olive oil
Remove shrimp tails for easier eating
Let butter come to room temperature before using
Use fresh garlic instead of pre-minced

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use frozen shrimp for Baked Italian Shrimp Lemon?
A: Yes, but thaw completely and pat dry before using.

Q: What’s the best white wine to use?
A: Use a dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.

Q: Can I make this without wine?
A: Substitute with chicken broth and a splash of white wine vinegar.

Q: How do I know when the shrimp are done?
A: They should be pink, opaque, and curved into a loose “C” shape.

Q: Can I prepare this in advance?
A: Best served fresh, but can prep ingredients ahead of time.

Health Benefits

Baked Italian Shrimp Lemon offers lean protein from shrimp, heart-healthy olive oil, and immune-boosting vitamin C from fresh lemons. This dish is naturally low in carbohydrates and calories while providing essential omega-3 fatty acids and minerals.

Nutrition

(Per serving, estimate) Calories: 285 • Carbs: 4g • Protein: 35g • Fat: 14g • Sodium: 890mg

Notes

For best results, serve immediately while the sauce is hot and shrimp are at their most tender.