Print
clockclock iconcutlerycutlery iconflagflag iconfolderfolder iconinstagraminstagram iconpinterestpinterest iconfacebookfacebook iconprintprint iconsquaressquares iconheartheart iconheart solidheart solid icon
Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Bake

Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp with Spinach & Mozzarella Bake

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.