Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp with Spinach & Mozzarella Bake

Shrimp is the most popular seafood in America, yet many home cooks feel intimidated by it—often sticking to bland, boiled preparations. Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp with Spinach & Mozzarella Bake changes all that. In under 30 minutes, plump, juicy shrimp swim in a rich garlic cream sauce, layered with fresh spinach and topped with golden, bubbly mozzarella.

This one-skillet wonder isn’t just fast—it’s restaurant-quality flavor made simple. Sweet shrimp, aromatic garlic, velvety cream, and stretchy melted cheese come together for a decadent, weeknight-ready meal that’s perfect for date night or a special Tuesday dinner. Easy to make, impossible to resist, and guaranteed to earn seconds.

Ingredients List: The Building Blocks of Decadence

This recipe uses simple, high-quality ingredients to create something truly special. Each component plays a crucial role in the final symphony of flavors.

For the Shrimp & Base:

For the Creamy Sauce:

For Serving & Garnish:

Timing: Fast Food, Actually Luxurious

Data Insight: This garlic butter shrimp bake is 40% faster than traditional shrimp scampi recipes that require separate pasta cooking and sauce reduction. The one-skillet approach saves time and cleanup while delivering superior flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Your Path to Shrimp Perfection

Step 1: Prep the Shrimp for Success

Pat your peeled and deveined shrimp completely dry with paper towels. This step is absolutely critical—wet shrimp won’t sear; they’ll steam. Season them generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Let them sit at room temperature for 10 minutes while you prep other ingredients. Cold shrimp + hot pan = uneven cooking.

Step 2: Sear the Shrimp to Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Heat a large, oven-safe skillet (cast iron or stainless steel) over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter. Once the butter is foaming, add the shrimp in a single layer—do not overcrowd. Work in batches if necessary. Cook for 60-90 seconds per side until they’re just opaque and have developed a beautiful golden crust. They don’t need to be fully cooked through; they’ll finish in the oven. Use a slotted spoon to transfer shrimp to a plate.

Pro Tip: The Maillard reaction on those shrimp creates deep, savory flavor compounds that infuse the entire dish. Don’t skip the sear!

Step 3: Build the Aromatic Foundation

Reduce heat to medium. Add the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 60-90 seconds until fragrant—the aroma should be intoxicating. Be careful not to burn the garlic, or it will become bitter.

Step 4: Create the Luxurious Cream Sauce

Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 1 minute to release their flavor. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring continuously to incorporate any browned bits (fond) from the bottom of the pan. Add the Italian seasoning and a tiny grating of nutmeg if using. Bring to a gentle simmer and let it bubble for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.

The Science: The cream reduces slightly, concentrating its flavor while the broth adds savory depth without making it too heavy.

Step 5: Add the Spinach and Cheese

Add the fresh spinach in handfuls, stirring gently until it wilts into the sauce—this takes about 2 minutes. Off the heat, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Step 6: Return Shrimp, Top with Mozzarella

Nestle the seared shrimp back into the creamy sauce, along with any accumulated juices on the plate. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the top. The cheese should cover most of the surface.

Step 7: Bake Until Bubbly and Golden

Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 8-10 minutes until the sauce is bubbly around the edges and the mozzarella is melted, golden, and lightly browned in spots. For extra browning, you can switch to the broiler for the final 60 seconds—watch carefully to prevent burning.

Step 8: Rest, Garnish, and Serve

Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes. This allows the sauce to set slightly and cool to a safe temperature. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice—the acidity brightens the entire dish. Serve immediately with crusty bread or over pasta to soak up every drop of that incredible garlic butter sauce.

Nutritional Information: Indulgence with Benefits

Per Serving (based on 4 servings, with sauce, without pasta/bread):

Nutritional Highlights: This garlic butter shrimp dish is an exceptional source of lean protein—shrimp is low in fat but high in nutrients like selenium and vitamin B12. The spinach provides a massive dose of vitamin A, iron, and antioxidants. While rich, this dish offers a balanced nutritional profile when paired with a simple side salad or vegetables.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe: Customize Without Guilt

This decadent bake can be adapted to fit various dietary needs without sacrificing its soul.

For a Lighter Version:

For Dietary Adaptations:

To Boost Nutrients:

• Add Vegetables: Sauté mushrooms, bell peppers, or artichoke hearts with the garlic.
• Use Whole Grain Pasta: If serving over pasta, choose whole wheat or legume-based options.
• Boost Protein: Add a can of drained cannellini beans along with the spinach.

Serving Suggestions: From Skillet to Table

This garlic butter shrimp bake is versatile enough to star in any meal setting.

• The Classic Pairing: Serve directly from the skillet with a basket of warm, crusty sourdough or baguette slices. The bread is essential for sopping up every last drop of the garlicky cream sauce.
• Over Pasta: Toss with fettuccine, linguine, or pappardelle. The sauce coats pasta beautifully—reserve ½ cup pasta water to thin if needed.
• With Grains: Serve over creamy polenta, risotto, or quinoa for a hearty, satisfying meal.
• Date Night Presentation: Garnish with extra fresh parsley, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, and lemon zest. Serve with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.
• Family-Style: Place the hot skillet in the center of the table with a large spoon and let everyone help themselves. It’s interactive, rustic, and inviting.

Common Mistakes to Avoid: Lessons from the Kitchen

Even simple recipes have pitfalls. Here’s what to watch for when making this garlic butter shrimp bake:

Mistake 1: Rubber, Overcooked Shrimp

• Cause: Cooking shrimp too long. They go from perfect to rubbery in seconds.
• Fix: Sear just until opaque (60-90 seconds per side). They’ll finish cooking in the oven. Remember: residual heat continues cooking.

Mistake 2: Grainy, Separated Sauce

• Cause: Adding cheese to boiling sauce or using pre-shredded cheese with anti-caking agents.
• Fix: Remove pan from heat before stirring in Parmesan. Always grate your own cheese from a block.

Mistake 3: Burnt Garlic

• Cause: Garlic added to pan that’s too hot; cooked too long.
• Fix: Reduce heat to medium before adding garlic. It should sizzle gently, not aggressively. 60 seconds is plenty.

Mistake 4: Watery, Bland Sauce

• Cause: Not patting shrimp dry; adding undrained sun-dried tomatoes; not reducing cream enough.
• Fix: Dry shrimp thoroughly. Drain sun-dried tomatoes well. Let sauce simmer 2-3 minutes to thicken before baking.

Mistake 5: Soggy Spinach

• Cause: Adding too much spinach at once; not allowing it to wilt properly.
• Fix: Add spinach in handfuls, stirring gently. Let each batch wilt before adding more.

Mistake 6: Curdled Cream

• Cause: High heat; adding acid (lemon) too early.
• Fix: Keep heat at medium-low once cream is added. Add lemon juice only at the very end, off heat.

Storing Tips for the Recipe: Keeping the Magic Alive

The Golden Rule: This dish is best enjoyed fresh from the oven. Shrimp, like all seafood, suffers in texture when reheated. If you must have leftovers, consider storing the sauce separately and adding freshly cooked shrimp when reheating.

Freezing: Not recommended. Cream-based sauces separate upon thawing, and shrimp becomes unpleasantly rubbery.

Make-Ahead Strategy:

• Prep all ingredients up to 24 hours in advance (mince garlic, chop sun-dried tomatoes, grate cheese).
• Assemble through Step 5 (sauce with spinach and Parmesan) and refrigerate.
• When ready to serve, reheat sauce gently, sear fresh shrimp, and proceed with Steps 6-8.

Conclusion

This Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp with Spinach & Mozzarella Bake delivers restaurant-quality decadence in under 30 minutes. Plump, juicy shrimp swim in a rich garlic cream sauce with wilted spinach and bubbly, golden cheese. It’s elegant enough for date night yet simple enough for any weeknight—proof that fast food can be fabulous.

Ready to impress? Try this garlic butter shrimp bake tonight and tag us in your beautiful skillet creations! Drop a comment below with your favorite twist—do you add mushrooms? Extra cheese? A splash of white wine? Don’t forget to subscribe for more quick, luxurious recipes delivered straight to your inbox.

FAQs: Your Garlic Butter Shrimp Questions, Answered

Q: Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
A: Absolutely. Thaw them completely in the refrigerator overnight or under cold running water. The most important step is to pat them extremely dry before seasoning. Excess moisture from frozen shrimp is the enemy of a good sear.

Q: What size shrimp works best?
A: Look for 21-25 count per pound (labeled as “large” or “extra-large”). They’re big enough to be substantial but cook quickly and evenly. Avoid tiny salad shrimp—they’ll overcook in seconds.

Q: Can I make this in a non-oven-safe skillet?
A: Yes! Complete Steps 1-5 in your skillet, then transfer the mixture to a buttered baking dish. Top with mozzarella and bake as directed. Add 2-3 minutes to baking time since the dish starts cooler.

Q: Is this recipe spicy?
A: As written, it’s mild with just a hint of warmth from the red pepper flakes. For a kid-friendly version, omit them entirely. For extra heat, add ½ teaspoon of cayenne or a minced serrano pepper with the garlic.

Q: Can I use other seafood?
A: This creamy garlic butter sauce is versatile. Try it with scallops, chunks of firm white fish (cod, halibut), or a mix of seafood. Adjust cooking times accordingly—scallops need similar time; fish may need slightly longer.

Q: What can I use instead of heavy cream?
A: For a lighter version, use half-and-half or a mixture of ¾ cup whole milk and ¼ cup cream cheese (melted in). For dairy-free, full-fat coconut milk works beautifully—it adds a subtle sweetness that complements the garlic.

Q: How do I prevent the mozzarella from becoming stringy?
A: Use low-moisture, part-skim mozzarella rather than fresh mozzarella. Fresh has too much water and can make the sauce watery. Shred it yourself from a block for the best melt.

Q: Can I add wine to the sauce?
A: Absolutely! Deglaze the pan with ¼ cup dry white wine (Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc) after cooking the garlic. Let it reduce by half before adding the cream. It adds another layer of complexity.

Q: What should I serve with this dish?
A: Crusty bread is non-negotiable for sauce-sopping. Beyond that, consider:

Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp with Spinach & Mozzarella Bake

Print Recipe

This Garlic Butter Shrimp bake is the ultimate one-skillet comfort food. Perfectly seared shrimp are nestled in a velvety cream sauce infused with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach, then topped with mozzarella and baked until golden and bubbly. It’s elegant enough for date night, quick enough for a busy weeknight, and naturally low-carb and gluten-free.

 

• Total Time: 28 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

For the Shrimp & Base:

• 1.5 lbs large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
• 6-8 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Creamy Sauce:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup chicken or vegetable broth
• ⅓ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 5 oz fresh spinach (about 5 handfuls)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ⅛ tsp nutmeg (optional)

For Topping & Garnish:

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Pat shrimp dry and season with salt and pepper.
2. Sear shrimp: Heat olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Cook shrimp 60-90 seconds per side until just opaque. Remove to a plate.
3. Sauté aromatics: Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining 3 tbsp butter. Sauté garlic and red pepper flakes for 60-90 seconds until fragrant.
4. Build sauce: Add sun-dried tomatoes, cook 1 minute. Pour in cream and broth, stirring to deglaze. Add Italian seasoning and nutmeg. Simmer 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
5. Add spinach: Stir in spinach handful by handful until wilted (about 2 minutes). Remove from heat, stir in Parmesan until melted. Adjust seasoning.
6. Assemble: Return shrimp to skillet. Top with shredded mozzarella.
7. Bake: Transfer to oven and bake 8-10 minutes until bubbly and cheese is golden. Broil 60 seconds for extra browning if desired.
8. Rest & serve: Let rest 5 minutes. Sprinkle with parsley and lemon juice. Serve immediately with crusty bread or over pasta.

Notes

• For the best results, use freshly grated Parmesan and mozzarella—pre-shredded cheeses contain anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
• Pat shrimp completely dry before seasoning to ensure a proper sear, not steam.
• To make it dairy-free, substitute full-fat coconut milk for cream and use dairy-free butter and cheese alternatives.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days, but shrimp is best enjoyed fresh.

• Author: By juicymeatrecipes
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 18 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking, Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian-American
• Diet: Gluten-Free, Keto-Friendly, Low-Carb