Shrimp Scampi Pizza: A Gourmet Twist on a Classic Italian-American Dish

If you love shrimp scampi and you love pizza, why not combine the two? Shrimp scampi pizza is a delicious mashup that takes the garlicky, buttery, lemony goodness of shrimp scampi and pairs it with the irresistible crispness of homemade pizza crust. It’s a dish that feels gourmet yet is surprisingly easy to make at home.

My first experience with shrimp scampi pizza came at a cozy coastal Italian restaurant, where the menu featured inventive seafood pizzas. One bite was enough to convince me that this combination belonged in my home kitchen. The juicy shrimp, fragrant garlic, fresh parsley, and touch of Parmesan over a crisp crust made every slice unforgettable. This recipe recreates that magic, allowing you to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal without leaving your kitchen.

What Is Shrimp Scampi Pizza?

Shrimp scampi is a classic Italian-American dish featuring shrimp sautéed in butter, garlic, white wine, and lemon juice, often served over pasta. Shrimp scampi pizza takes the same flavor profile and layers it onto a pizza crust with mozzarella, Parmesan, and fresh herbs.

The result is a lighter, more elegant seafood pizza that’s perfect for special occasions, dinner parties, or when you’re craving something a little different from traditional tomato-based pies.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Unique and gourmet – A creative twist that impresses guests.

• Quick to prepare – Ready in about 30 minutes (with pre-made dough).

• Packed with flavor – Garlic, butter, lemon, and shrimp are a match made in heaven.

• Versatile – Works as a main course, appetizer, or even a date-night dish.

• Customizable – Add toppings like spinach, cherry tomatoes, or chili flakes.

Ingredients for Shrimp Scampi Pizza

For the Dough (or use store-bought):

• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)

• 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F)

• 1 teaspoon sugar

• 3 ½ to 4 cups all-purpose flour

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 teaspoon salt

For the Shrimp Scampi Topping:

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 4 garlic cloves, minced

• ½ cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)

• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

For the Pizza Assembly:

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• Olive oil, for brushing

• Lemon zest, for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. In a bowl, dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.

2. Add flour, olive oil, and salt. Mix until dough forms.

3. Knead on a floured surface for 6–8 minutes until smooth.

4. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour until doubled.

(Shortcut: Use pre-made pizza dough to save time.)

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp Scampi

1. Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat.

2. Add garlic and cook until fragrant (1 minute).

3. Add shrimp, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook until pink, about 2 minutes per side.

4. Deglaze with white wine and lemon juice, simmering 1–2 minutes.

5. Stir in parsley. Remove shrimp and chop into bite-sized pieces. Reserve sauce.

Step 3: Assemble the Pizza

1. Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C). Place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat.

2. Roll out dough on a floured surface into a 12–14 inch circle.

3. Transfer dough to parchment paper.

4. Brush lightly with olive oil.

5. Spread a thin layer of reserved scampi sauce over the crust.

6. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan evenly.

7. Distribute shrimp pieces across the pizza.

8. Drizzle with remaining sauce.

Step 4: Bake the Pizza

1. Transfer pizza (with parchment) to the hot stone or baking sheet.

2. Bake for 12–14 minutes until crust is golden and cheese is bubbling.

3. Remove, garnish with lemon zest and more parsley.

Serving Suggestions

Shrimp scampi pizza is delicious on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with:

• Side salad – A simple arugula or Caesar salad.

• Grilled vegetables – Asparagus or zucchini complement the shrimp.

• Wine pairing – A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.

• Appetizers – Serve with bruschetta or garlic knots for a full Italian spread.

Tips for the Best Shrimp Scampi Pizza

• Don’t overcook shrimp – They should be just pink; they’ll cook slightly more in the oven.

• Preheat the stone/pan – Ensures a crisp crust.

• Go light on sauce – Too much liquid makes the crust soggy.

• Use fresh lemon zest – Brightens the entire pizza.

• Try variations – Add spinach, cherry tomatoes, or chili oil for extra flair.

Variations of Shrimp Scampi Pizza

This pizza is endlessly adaptable. Try these twists:

• Spinach Shrimp Pizza – Add fresh spinach leaves before baking.

• Tomato & Shrimp Pizza – Add halved cherry tomatoes for sweetness.

• Spicy Shrimp Pizza – Use extra chili flakes or drizzle with hot oil.

• White Clam & Shrimp Pizza – Combine seafood for a coastal Italian feel.

• Cheesy Shrimp Pizza – Mix mozzarella with fontina or provolone.

Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions

• Dough – Make ahead and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.

• Shrimp – Cook scampi mixture in advance, refrigerate, and assemble before baking.

• Leftovers – Store slices in the fridge for up to 3 days.

• Reheating – Warm in the oven at 375°F for 8–10 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it toughens shrimp.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
Yes, but add them right before baking so they don’t overcook.

Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just thaw and pat dry before cooking.

Do I need wine for the sauce?
No, chicken broth works as a substitute with a splash of lemon.

Can I make this without cheese?
Yes, though cheese helps balance the sauce. Try a dairy-free mozzarella alternative.

Is this pizza spicy?
Only if you add chili flakes—adjust to your taste.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per slice, 8 slices total)

• Calories: 310

• Protein: 20g

• Carbohydrates: 28g

• Fat: 12g

• Fiber: 2g

Conclusion

Shrimp scampi pizza is a dish that blends the best of two Italian-American favorites into one elegant yet approachable meal. With garlicky shrimp, a buttery-lemony sauce, gooey cheese, and crisp crust, every bite feels indulgent and fresh.

Perfect for date nights, dinner parties, or whenever you want to elevate pizza night, this recipe brings restaurant-quality flavor to your kitchen. Serve it hot, share it with friends or family, and savor the deliciousness of this seafood-inspired twist.

So, roll out that dough, sauté some shrimp, and treat yourself to homemade shrimp scampi pizza tonight.

Shrimp Scampi Pizza: A Gourmet Twist on a Classic Italian-American Dish

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• Author: rodrigo Stone
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 1 (10–12 inch) pizza (serves 2–3) 1x

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Description

Shrimp scampi pizza is a luxurious and flavorful twist on classic pizza, combining garlicky shrimp, buttery white wine sauce, and gooey mozzarella over a crispy crust. It’s the perfect marriage of Italian-American shrimp scampi and everyone’s favorite comfort food: pizza. Light, zesty, and indulgent all at once, this dish is ideal for a special dinner, seafood lovers’ night, or when you want to impress guests with something unique.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Dough (or use store-bought):

• 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast

• 1 teaspoon sugar

• ¾ cup warm water (110°F / 45°C)

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Topping:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 4 garlic cloves, minced

• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

• ½ cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

• Lemon zest, for garnish

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Instructions

• Make the dough: In a bowl, combine yeast, sugar, and warm water. Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy. Mix flour and salt in another bowl. Add yeast mixture and olive oil, stirring until dough forms. Knead for 5–7 minutes until smooth. Place in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour.

• Cook the shrimp scampi topping: In a skillet, melt butter with olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in white wine and lemon juice, simmering for 2–3 minutes. Add shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook until pink and opaque (2–3 minutes). Remove shrimp with a slotted spoon and set aside. Simmer sauce for another 2 minutes until slightly thickened.

• Preheat oven: Place a pizza stone in the oven and preheat to 475°F (245°C) for 30 minutes, or prepare a greased baking sheet.

• Shape the dough: Roll out risen dough into a 12-inch circle. Transfer to parchment (for a stone) or a baking sheet.

• Assemble the pizza: Spread the garlic-butter sauce evenly over the dough. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan on top. Arrange shrimp evenly across the pizza.

• Bake: Bake for 12–15 minutes until crust is golden and cheese is bubbling.

• Finish and serve: Garnish with parsley, lemon zest, and an extra squeeze of lemon juice. Slice and serve hot.

• Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (including dough rising)
• Cook Time: 15 minutes