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Shrimp is one of my favorite proteins to cook for dinner — it’s fast, flavorful, and so versatile. Whether you’re craving pasta, stir-fry, grilled skewers, or hearty rice bowls, shrimp cooks in minutes and pairs well with just about any seasoning.
These 18 delicious shrimp dinner recipes are easy enough for weeknights but packed with flavor.
I’ve also added longer, more helpful quick tips to help you get the best results every time.
1. Garlic Butter Shrimp Skillet
Shrimp cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce with a splash of lemon juice makes this a quick, savory meal perfect for serving over rice or pasta.
Quick Tip ⚠️
Use peeled, deveined shrimp for faster prep. Cook shrimp in a single layer without moving them too much so they sear nicely and don’t steam.
Get the Garlic Butter Shrimp Skillet recipe.
2. Shrimp Alfredo Pasta
Tender shrimp tossed with creamy Alfredo sauce and fettuccine noodles — a comforting dish that feels restaurant-worthy but comes together in under 30 minutes.
Quick Tip ⚠️
Add a little reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much. This keeps the pasta creamy without adding extra cream.
Get the Shrimp Alfredo Pasta recipe.
3. Honey Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry
Shrimp stir-fried with broccoli, bell peppers, and snap peas in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce for a colorful, healthy dinner.
Quick Tip ⚠️
Pat shrimp dry before cooking to get a better sear. Cook the veggies first and shrimp last to prevent overcooking the shrimp.
Get the honey garlic shrimp stir fry recipe.
4. Shrimp Fried Rice
A quick and easy dish using leftover rice, scrambled eggs, peas, carrots, and seasoned shrimp all stir-fried in a savory soy sauce blend.
Quick Tip ⚠️
Always use cold, day-old rice for the best fried rice texture. Fresh rice will turn mushy when stir-fried.
Get the Shrimp Fried Rice recipe.
5. Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw
Spicy shrimp tucked in warm tortillas with crunchy cabbage slaw and a drizzle of creamy lime sauce make for a fun and flavorful dinner.
Quick Tip ⚠️
Warm tortillas on a dry skillet or grill for 30 seconds per side to make them more flexible and prevent tearing.
Get the Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw recipe.
6. Lemon Herb Grilled Shrimp Skewers
Shrimp marinated in olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs, then grilled on skewers until lightly charred and juicy — perfect for a light summer dinner.
Quick Tip ⚠️
Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning on the grill.
Get the Lemon Herb Grilled Shrimp Skewers recipe.
7. Shrimp Scampi with Linguine
Shrimp sautéed with garlic, butter, white wine, and fresh parsley, then tossed with linguine for a bright, flavorful pasta dish.
Quick Tip ⚠️
Don’t overcook shrimp — they are done as soon as they turn pink and curl slightly. Overcooked shrimp become rubbery quickly.
Get the Shrimp Scampi with Linguine recipe.
8. Shrimp and Grits
Creamy cheese grits topped with shrimp cooked in bacon fat, garlic, and Cajun spices for a southern-style comfort meal.
Quick Tip ⚠️
Use stone-ground grits if possible for better texture and flavor. Stir grits often to avoid lumps while cooking.
Get the Shrimp and Grits recipe.
9. Shrimp Fajitas
Shrimp cooked with bell peppers and onions, seasoned with fajita spices, and served sizzling hot with warm tortillas and toppings.
Quick Tip ⚠️
Cook the shrimp separately from the veggies to avoid overcooking. Toss them together just before serving.
Get the Shrimp Fajitas recipe.
10. Shrimp Pesto Pasta
Pasta tossed with homemade basil pesto, sautéed shrimp, and cherry tomatoes for a bright and flavorful dinner that comes together quickly.
Quick Tip ⚠️
Reserve some pasta water to mix with the pesto. It helps coat the pasta better and gives a silkier sauce.
Get the Shrimp Pesto Pasta recipe.
11. Creamy Tuscan Shrimp
Shrimp cooked in a creamy garlic sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and Parmesan for a rich, Italian-inspired dish.
Quick Tip ⚠️
Use heavy cream for the best texture and richness. Light creams may break or thin out too much when heated.
Get the Creamy Tuscan Shrimp recipe.
12. Coconut Shrimp Curry
Shrimp simmered in a creamy coconut milk curry sauce with warm spices and a touch of lime — perfect served with steamed rice.
Quick Tip ⚠️
Add the shrimp at the very end of cooking so they stay tender and absorb the curry flavor without becoming overcooked.
Get the Coconut Shrimp Curry recipe.
13. Shrimp Enchiladas
Shrimp rolled in soft tortillas, covered in a creamy or spicy sauce, and baked until bubbly for a comforting, cheesy shrimp dinner.
Quick Tip ⚠️
Lightly sauté the shrimp before adding them to the enchiladas to prevent them from releasing too much moisture while baking.
Get the Shrimp Enchiladas recipe.
14. Shrimp Caesar Salad
Grilled or pan-seared shrimp served over crisp romaine lettuce with creamy Caesar dressing, croutons, and Parmesan cheese for a light but filling meal.
Quick Tip ⚠️
Grill shrimp on skewers for easier flipping and even cooking if making large batches.
Get the Shrimp Caesar Salad recipe.
15. Shrimp Tikka Masala
Shrimp simmered in a rich, creamy tomato-based tikka masala sauce with bold spices and fresh cilantro for a flavorful Indian-inspired dinner.
Quick Tip ⚠️
Marinate shrimp in yogurt and spices for at least 20 minutes before cooking to help them stay tender and flavorful.
Get the Shrimp Tikka Masala recipe.
16. Shrimp Pad Thai
Rice noodles stir-fried with shrimp, scrambled egg, bean sprouts, and peanuts in a sweet and tangy sauce for a restaurant-style dish at home.
Quick Tip ⚠️
Don’t soak rice noodles too long or they’ll get mushy in the stir-fry. They should be pliable but slightly firm before cooking.
Get the Shrimp Pad Thai recipe.
17. Shrimp Po’ Boy Sandwich
Crispy fried shrimp piled on a toasted baguette with lettuce, tomato, and spicy remoulade sauce for a classic New Orleans-style sandwich.
Quick Tip ⚠️
Use cornmeal in the shrimp coating for an extra crispy texture and authentic flavor.
Get the Shrimp Po’ Boy Sandwich recipe.
18. Shrimp Stuffed Bell Peppers
Bell peppers stuffed with a flavorful mixture of shrimp, rice, garlic, and herbs, then baked until tender and golden.
Quick Tip ⚠️
Pre-bake the bell peppers for 10 minutes before stuffing to soften them slightly and reduce the total cook time.
