Name: Baked Shrimp Scampi in Foil Packets Recipe
Prep time: 8 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ¼ – 1 ½ lbs. shrimp (peeled, deveined, 20-count/pound); 6 Tbsp. butter (salted, melted); 4 cloves garlic (finely minced); 3 Tbsp. dry white wine (or chicken broth); ½ tsp. salt (to taste); ¼ tsp. red pepper flakes (to taste); ¼ tsp. black pepper (to taste); 1 Tbsp. lemon juice (freshly squeezed); Parsley (optional, for garnish)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe· 3.9 from 178 reviews

If you’re craving something that’s loaded with flavor, quick to whip up, and feels just a little fancy, then this Baked Shrimp Scampi in Foil Packets Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine tender, garlicky shrimp infused with buttery white wine sauce, all perfectly steamed in foil packets that lock in juiciness and deliver restaurant-quality results with minimal effort. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or a special date night, this recipe brings vibrant colors, irresistible aroma, and that perfect balance of zesty and savory in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple but essential, each playing a vital role in bringing out the rich, fresh flavors and inviting colors of this dish. The secret lies in combining fresh, high-quality shrimp with a buttery garlic sauce brightened up by lemon and white wine, enhanced with just the right amount of seasoning.

Shrimp (1 ¼ – 1 ½ lbs., peeled and deveined, 20-count/pound): Fresh or thawed large shrimp to ensure every bite is juicy and tender.
Butter (6 Tbsp., salted, melted): Rich and creamy, it forms the base of the luscious scampi sauce.
Garlic (4 cloves, finely minced): Adds that essential pungent kick that shrimp scampi is famous for.
Dry white wine (3 Tbsp., or chicken broth): Infuses delicate acidity and depth, perfectly balancing the butter.
Salt (½ tsp., to taste): Brings out the natural flavors of the shrimp and sauce.
Red pepper flakes (¼ tsp., to taste): Adds a touch of warmth and spice without overpowering the dish.
Black pepper (¼ tsp., to taste): Freshly ground for aromatic complexity.
Lemon juice (1 Tbsp., freshly squeezed): Brightens and lifts the entire dish with a citrusy zing.
Parsley (optional): For a fresh, herbaceous finish and a pop of vibrant green color.

How to Make Baked Shrimp Scampi in Foil Packets Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Ingredients

First things first, preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit to get it nice and hot for baking. While it heats, gather all your ingredients so the process goes smoothly and you can fully enjoy the assembly without rushing.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Garlic Butter Sauce

In a small bowl, combine the melted butter with finely minced garlic, dry white wine (or chicken broth if you prefer), salt, red pepper flakes, and black pepper. Whisking these together ensures the garlic is evenly incorporated and every shrimp gets coated with this aromatic mixture during baking.

Step 3: Assemble Your Foil Packets

Grab four strips of aluminum foil, each about 10 inches long, and four slightly shorter strips of parchment paper. Lay down a sheet of foil, then one of parchment paper right on top. Arrange 6 to 8 shrimp in the center of the parchment, then pour a quarter of the garlic butter sauce over them. Fold the edges of the foil and parchment together, twisting just enough to seal while leaving a little space for steam to escape. Roll the shorter sides inward to create a neat, secure packet. Repeat this for the remaining shrimp and sauce until you have four foil packets ready to bake.

Step 4: Bake Your Shrimp Scampi Packets

Place the sealed foil packets on a baking sheet and pop them into your preheated oven. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, just enough time for the shrimp to turn perfectly pink and absorb the garlicky, buttery goodness while staying juicy inside the packets.

Step 5: Finish with Lemon and Garnish

Once you take the packets out, carefully open them (watch out for hot steam!) and drizzle each serving with freshly squeezed lemon juice. For a beautiful pop of color and freshness, sprinkle with chopped parsley if you like. Now, your irresistible Baked Shrimp Scampi in Foil Packets Recipe is ready to be enjoyed!

How to Serve Baked Shrimp Scampi in Foil Packets Recipe

Garnishes

Simplicity is your friend yet again when it comes to garnishing this dish. A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley adds a lovely green contrast and an herby brightness that complements the richness of the butter and shrimp perfectly. A wedge of lemon on the side allows everyone to add an extra splash of fresh citrus if they desire.

Side Dishes

This baked shrimp scampi shines brightest when paired with light, complementary sides. Think fluffy rice, garlic butter noodles, or a crusty baguette perfect for soaking up every golden drop of sauce. A crisp green salad or roasted vegetables can also add welcome texture and balance to your meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a truly memorable presentation, serve each foil packet whole at the table and let guests open their own, releasing the fragrant steam and creating a fun, interactive dining moment. Alternatively, carefully plate the shrimp along with the buttery pan juices and garnish with parsley and lemon wedges for a more polished, restaurant-style look.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover shrimp scampi can be transferred to an airtight container and stored in the refrigerator for up to two days. To keep the delicate flavors intact, refrigerate the shrimp separate from any bread or heavy sides you might have served with it.

Freezing

If you want to keep this dish longer, you can freeze the cooked shrimp scampi in foil packets, wrapped well in plastic wrap or place them in freezer bags. They will maintain their best quality for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Gently reheat leftovers in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 8-10 minutes, still wrapped in foil to keep the shrimp moist. Avoid microwaving if possible to prevent the shrimp from becoming rubbery and the butter sauce from breaking apart.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before assembling your foil packets. This helps prevent extra water from diluting the sauce.

What kind of white wine is best for shrimp scampi?

A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or Chardonnay works wonderfully here, bringing acidity and a subtle fruitiness that elevates the sauce without overpowering the shrimp.

Can I make this recipe without wine?

Yes! Simply substitute the wine with good quality chicken broth for a similar depth of flavor with less acidity.

Is it necessary to use parchment paper inside the foil packets?

While not absolutely required, the parchment paper helps prevent the butter sauce from reacting with the foil, making cleanup easier and ensuring the shrimp don’t stick to the foil during baking.

How spicy is this dish? Can I adjust the heat?

The red pepper flakes add just a gentle warmth, but you can easily adjust or omit them if you prefer a milder scampi. For more spice, feel free to increase the amount or add a dash of cayenne pepper.

Final Thoughts

I hope you feel as excited as I do to dive into this Baked Shrimp Scampi in Foil Packets Recipe. It’s a perfect blend of ease and elegance, packed with bold flavors and minimal cleanup. Give it a try—you might just find your new go-to for dinner parties or a quick, delicious weeknight meal that impresses everyone at the table.