If you’re looking for a dish that feels gourmet but takes less than 30 minutes to prepare, Baked Italian Shrimp with Lemon is the answer. It combines the buttery richness of seafood with bright citrus and aromatic Italian herbs, creating a meal that’s as perfect for weeknights as it is for special occasions. With only a handful of pantry-friendly ingredients, this recipe proves that elegance doesn’t need complexity.
Why This Recipe Works
✅ Quick and Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes from start to finish.
✅ Minimal Ingredients – Mostly pantry and freezer staples.
✅ Versatile – Works as both an appetizer or a main course.
✅ Foolproof – No marinating or advance prep needed.
✅ Crowd-Pleasing – Always disappears fast at gatherings.
Key Ingredients
🦐 Shrimp
Choose large or jumbo shrimp, cleaned and deveined, for a plump and juicy bite. Fresh or properly thawed frozen shrimp work equally well—just make sure they are firm, translucent, and without a strong odor.
🌿 Dry Italian Dressing Packet
The ultimate shortcut: a ready-made blend of herbs, garlic, and spices that eliminates the need for measuring multiple seasonings. Opt for a high-quality brand for the best flavor.
🧈 Butter
Melted unsalted butter provides the base for richness and silkiness. For an extra creamy finish, European-style butter is an excellent choice.
🍋 Lemons
Thinly sliced lemons create a bed for the shrimp, adding brightness and preventing sticking. Choose firm, heavy lemons for maximum juice and oils.
Step-by-Step Method
Preheat Oven
Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C) for gentle, even cooking.
Melt Butter
Warm unsalted butter in a microwave-safe bowl until just melted. Avoid overheating.
Coat Shrimp
Pat thawed shrimp dry, then toss them in the melted butter to ensure seasoning clings well.
Season Generously
Sprinkle the Italian dressing packet over the buttered shrimp. Toss until evenly coated with herbs and spices.
Prepare Baking Dish
Line the bottom of a glass baking dish with thin lemon slices, slightly overlapping. This step infuses citrus flavor and keeps shrimp from sticking.
Assemble and Bake
Spread the shrimp in a single layer over the lemons. Bake for 20 minutes or until shrimp are pink, opaque, and gently curled.
Rest and Serve
Let the shrimp rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps set the juices and deepens the flavor.
Serving Suggestions
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