Get Dinner on the Table with 40 Quick and Easy Shrimp Recipes

Shrimp cooks in minutes, welcomes just about any flavor you throw at it, and feels a little special even on a Thursday night. The recipes below rely on pantry staples, supermarket produce, and a bag of frozen or fresh shrimp—nothing complicated or time-consuming. Most of these dishes hit the table in 30 minutes or less, and all of them pair easily with rice, noodles, bread, or salad. Keep this roundup handy for evenings when you’re short on time but still craving a satisfying, home-cooked meal.

1. Shrimp Scampi Linguine

Classic shrimp scampi uses garlic, butter, white wine, and a squeeze of lemon to create a light sauce that clings to pasta. The shrimp cook right in the skillet, flavoring the sauce as they turn pink and opaque. Toss everything with al dente linguine and a handful of fresh parsley. Dinner is ready in the time it takes to boil the noodles.

2. Honey-Garlic Sheet-Pan Shrimp & Broccoli

Spread shrimp and broccoli on a single pan, drizzle with a quick sauce of honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic, then roast for about 10 minutes. The broccoli caramelizes while the shrimp stay juicy. Serve over rice to soak up the extra glaze. Cleanup is one pan and a cutting board—perfect for busy weeknights.

3. Coconut-Lime Shrimp Curry

Canned coconut milk and red curry paste form the base of this speedy Thai-inspired dish. Add shrimp, bell pepper strips, and snap peas, simmering just until the shrimp curl. Finish with fresh lime juice for a bright pop of flavor. Ladle over jasmine rice for an effortless meal.

4. Garlic-Parm Shrimp Toasts

Think bruschetta, but seafood-centric. Sauté shrimp with butter, garlic, and a pinch of crushed red pepper, then spoon onto toasted bread. Sprinkle Parmesan on top and broil for a minute until bubbly. These toasts work as a light dinner alongside salad or as party-ready appetizers.

5. Lemon-Pepper Shrimp Tacos

A quick toss in lemon zest, cracked black pepper, and olive oil gives shrimp a bright zing. Sear them in a hot skillet for three minutes per side. Pile into warm tortillas with crunchy cabbage and a dollop of yogurt-lime sauce. Dinner feels fresh, fast, and fun.

6. Shrimp Fried Rice

Cold leftover rice is the secret to non-sticky fried rice. Cook the shrimp first, then set aside while scrambling eggs and sautéing vegetables. Stir everything together with soy sauce and sesame oil until heated through. It’s a full meal in one wok and tastes even better the next day.

7. Spicy Sriracha Shrimp Lettuce Wraps

Sauté shrimp in a mix of Sriracha, soy, and a touch of honey for heat with balance. Spoon the mixture into sturdy lettuce leaves—romaine hearts or butter lettuce work well. Top with sliced scallions and sesame seeds for crunch. It’s light, handheld, and ready in under 15 minutes.

8. One-Pot Tomato-Basil Shrimp Orzo

Everything cooks in a single pot, so the orzo absorbs tomato flavor while releasing starch that thickens the sauce. Add shrimp during the final five minutes so they don’t overcook. Fresh basil stirred in at the end brightens the dish. Serve straight from the pot for family-style ease.

9. Old Bay Air-Fryer Shrimp

The air fryer turns out juicy shrimp with a lightly crisp exterior in about eight minutes. Toss raw shrimp with a little oil and Old Bay, then arrange in a single layer. While they cook, mix up a quick cocktail sauce for dipping. It’s a low-mess alternative to deep frying.

10. Ginger-Soy Shrimp Stir-Fry

Prep all vegetables before heating the wok so everything can cook quickly. Sear shrimp first, set aside, then stir-fry veggies until crisp-tender. Return shrimp to the pan with a sauce of soy, fresh ginger, and a splash of rice vinegar. Serve over steamed rice or noodles.

11. Chipotle-Lime Shrimp Quesadillas

Marinate shrimp briefly in chipotle powder, lime juice, and garlic. Sauté, chop coarsely, and tuck into tortillas with shredded cheese. Cook on a skillet until the cheese melts and the tortillas crisp. Slice into wedges for a family-friendly dinner or game-night snack.

12. Shrimp and Grits

This Southern staple is weeknight-friendly when you use quick-cooking grits. Sauté bacon, then cook shrimp in the rendered fat with a touch of Cajun spice. Spoon the shrimp mixture over buttery grits. The combo of creamy and smoky never disappoints.

13. Thai Peanut Noodle Bowl with Shrimp

Whisk peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, and a hint of chili paste for a silky dressing. Toss cooked rice noodles and sautéed shrimp in the sauce, adding crunchy vegetables for texture. The dish can be served warm or room temperature. It’s a tasty way to switch up pasta night.

14. Garlic-Butter Baked Shrimp & Asparagus

Arrange asparagus in a baking dish, dot with butter, and roast for five minutes. Add shrimp seasoned with salt, pepper, and more butter, then return to the oven until pink. The asparagus turns tender-crisp while soaking up garlicky juices. Serve with crusty bread to mop up every drop.

15. Shrimp Caprese Skillet

Cherry tomatoes burst into a quick sauce when sautéed with olive oil and garlic. Add shrimp and cook until opaque, then tuck in mozzarella so it softens but doesn’t fully melt. Finish with fresh basil. Spoon over toasted ciabatta or toss with pasta.

16. Mango-Avocado Shrimp Salad

This bright salad combines sweet mango with creamy avocado and tender shrimp. A light citrus vinaigrette ties it together. Because shrimp cook so quickly, you can assemble everything in under 20 minutes. Perfect for warm evenings or lunch prep.

17. Cajun Shrimp Po’ Boy

Toss shrimp in Cajun seasoning and pan-fry until crisp at the edges. Load them into a crusty roll with lettuce, tomatoes, and a tangy remoulade sauce. The sandwich delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Serve with kettle chips or a simple slaw.

18. Greek-Style Shrimp Saganaki

Simmer onions, garlic, and crushed tomatoes until slightly thickened, then nestle shrimp into the sauce. Sprinkle feta over the top and broil until bubbly. Serve the skillet family-style with crusty bread for dipping. It feels restaurant-quality yet takes about 25 minutes.

19. Shrimp Alfredo Tortellini

Store-bought tortellini shaves cooking time. While pasta boils, sauté shrimp in butter. Add cream, Parmesan, and a pinch of nutmeg to create a quick Alfredo. Combine with drained tortellini for a rich, comforting plate.

20. Cilantro-Lime Shrimp Quinoa

Cook quinoa in vegetable broth for extra flavor. Stir in drained black beans, corn kernels, and sautéed shrimp. A quick dressing of lime juice and olive oil ties it together. The dish packs protein, fiber, and zesty taste in every bite.

21. Moroccan-Spiced Shrimp Couscous

Instant couscous steams in minutes, soaking up cinnamon, cumin, and a touch of turmeric. Shrimp get a fast seasoning of harissa paste and paprika before a quick sauté. Combine the two and scatter with toasted almonds. It’s fragrant, filling, and speedy.

22. Teriyaki Shrimp and Pineapple Kebabs

If grilling isn’t an option, a stovetop grill pan works perfectly. Thread shrimp and pineapple onto skewers, brush with teriyaki sauce, and cook until lightly charred. Serve over steamed rice or tucked into lettuce leaves. The sweet-savory combo is always a hit.

23. Shrimp Piccata

This riff on chicken piccata swaps in quick-cooking shrimp. After a fast sear, deglaze the pan with white wine and lemon juice, then swirl in butter and capers. The briny sauce pairs well with angel-hair pasta or crusty bread. Start to finish, the dish takes about 15 minutes.

24. Avocado Shrimp Toast

Upgrade classic avocado toast by adding garlic-lime shrimp. Mash ripe avocado with salt and a squeeze of lemon, spread on toast, and arrange warm shrimp on top. Chili flakes add gentle heat. It works for brunch, lunch, or a quick supper.

25. Spanish-Style Garlic Shrimp (Gambas al Ajillo)

Warm olive oil with thin garlic slices and a pinch of smoked paprika until fragrant. Add shrimp and cook just until pink, serving directly in the sizzling oil. Provide crusty bread for dipping. It’s a simple dish that shines with quality olive oil and fresh shrimp.

26. Shrimp Chow Mein

Use fresh or dried chow mein noodles and cook them until barely tender. Stir-fry shrimp and vegetables, then toss in noodles with a savory soy-oyster sauce. Let some noodles crisp at the edges for authentic texture. The result rivals takeout in under 25 minutes.

27. Lemon-Herb Shrimp Couscous Salad

Pearl couscous offers a satisfying bite and cooks in 10 minutes. Roast zucchini and cherry tomatoes while the couscous simmers, then fold in sautéed shrimp. A lemon-oregano vinaigrette keeps it bright. Enjoy warm or chilled for meal prep.

28. Buffalo Shrimp Lettuce Boats

Toss shrimp in melted butter mixed with hot sauce, then sear quickly. Spoon into lettuce leaves and top with a little ranch or blue cheese. Crunchy, spicy, and low carb, these boats satisfy wing cravings without the fryer. Serve with carrot and celery sticks.

29. Pesto Zucchini Noodles with Shrimp

Spiralized zucchini cooks in just a couple of minutes, making it a speedy low-carb base. Sauté shrimp, add pesto, then toss in the zucchini until just warmed. Cherry tomatoes lend sweetness and color. The entire dish comes together in about ten minutes.

30. Shrimp Tortilla Soup

A quick simmer of onions, garlic, tomatoes, and broth forms the soup base. Add shrimp during the last five minutes so they stay tender. Finish with lime juice and top with crunchy tortilla strips. It’s warming without being heavy.

31. Orange-Sesame Shrimp Stir-Fry

Combine orange juice, soy sauce, and a hint of brown sugar for a citrusy glaze. Stir-fry broccoli first, then add shrimp and sauce, cooking until thickened. Sesame seeds and scallions finish the dish. Serve over rice for a speedy sweet-savory dinner.

32. Shrimp Puttanesca

Pungent olives and capers give depth to a quick tomato sauce. Shrimp simmer in the sauce for just a few minutes before it’s tossed with spaghetti. Chili flakes add gentle heat. This pantry-friendly meal satisfies salty, briny cravings fast.

33. Herb-Crusted Shrimp Flatbread

Use store-bought naan or flatbread as the base. Spread with a light layer of olive oil and minced garlic, scatter mozzarella, then add herb-coated shrimp. Bake until the cheese melts and the edges crisp. Slice into squares for an easy shareable meal.

34. Shrimp & White Bean Skillet

Canned white beans make this dish weeknight-friendly. Simmer them with garlic, diced tomatoes, and a splash of broth, then add shrimp and spinach. Everything cooks in one pan. Serve with crusty bread for a cozy, protein-packed dinner.

35. Greek Lemon Orzo Soup with Shrimp

A quick chicken or vegetable broth becomes bright and flavorful with fresh lemon juice and zest. Orzo cooks right in the pot, thickening the soup slightly. Shrimp poach gently in the hot broth, staying tender. Sprinkle dill on top before serving.

36. Tandoori-Spiced Shrimp Wraps

Marinate shrimp briefly in yogurt, garlic, and tandoori spice mix, then sear until charred spots appear. Fill warm flatbreads with the shrimp and crisp veggies. A cooling cucumber yogurt sauce balances the warmth of the spices. The wraps travel well for on-the-go dinners.

37. Shrimp & Corn Chowder

Start by sautéing onions, celery, and bacon for a flavorful base. Add potatoes, corn, broth, and simmer until tender, then stir in milk or half-and-half. Shrimp cook in the creamy mixture during the final minutes. The chowder is comforting without requiring long simmering times.

38. Sesame-Ginger Shrimp Cold Noodle Salad

Buckwheat soba or thin spaghetti works well for this chilled salad. Toss noodles with a dressing of soy, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and grated ginger. Add cooked shrimp and crunchy veggies like cucumber and bell pepper. It’s refreshing and ideal for make-ahead meals.

39. Tomato-Garlic Shrimp Bruschetta Pasta

Bruschetta flavors move from toast to pasta in this quick dish. Combine fresh tomatoes, garlic, basil, and olive oil while the pasta boils. Sauté shrimp separately, then toss everything together with the hot penne. The residual heat warms the tomato mixture just enough.

40. Shrimp Caesar Salad Wraps

Swap grilled chicken for quick-cooking shrimp in a classic Caesar. Toss romaine, Parmesan, and croutons with a light dressing, then fold into tortillas. The wraps are crisp, creamy, and portable. They also make great use of leftover salad components.