This Spicy Shrimp Scampi Pizza brings the bold, buttery flavors of classic shrimp scampi straight to your pizza night. Imagine garlic butter seeping into a crisp golden crust, tender shrimp tossed with a little heat from red pepper flakes, and a final squeeze of lemon for brightness. It’s the kind of pizza that feels indulgent but also fresh, making it a show-stopper for seafood lovers.
Unlike traditional shrimp scampi served over pasta, this version reimagines the dish in pizza form. The garlic butter base replaces tomato sauce, giving each bite a savory richness. Fresh parsley balances the spice, while mozzarella ties everything together. Finished with a wedge of lemon, this pizza bursts with flavor and elevates weeknight cooking into something special.
Ingredients
- 1 ball pizza dough store-bought or homemade
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes adjust to taste
- 1/2 lb shrimp peeled and deveined, cooked until pink
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
- 1 lemon cut into wedges (for serving)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C) with a pizza stone inside.
- In a skillet, melt butter with olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking until fragrant (about 1–2 minutes). Set aside to cool slightly.
- Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness.
- Transfer the dough to a floured pizza peel.
- Brush the dough generously with the garlic butter mixture.
- Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese evenly over the base.
- Arrange cooked shrimp evenly on top of the cheese.
- Add remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Slide the pizza onto the hot stone and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling.
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle with fresh parsley.
- Serve hot with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over each slice.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, double the red pepper flakes or add thinly sliced fresh chili.
- You can swap shrimp with scallops or crab for a seafood twist.
- If you don’t have a pizza stone, use a heavy baking sheet flipped upside down.
FAQ?
Q: Can I use frozen shrimp for this pizza?
Yes! Just thaw them completely, pat dry, and cook briefly before adding them to the pizza. Excess moisture can make the crust soggy, so drying is key.
Q: What cheese pairs best with shrimp scampi pizza?
Mozzarella is the classic choice for melt and stretch, but Parmesan adds a salty bite. You can also mix in a little Pecorino Romano for sharper flavor.
Q: How do I prevent shrimp from overcooking?
Cook shrimp just until pink before topping the pizza—they’ll finish gently in the oven. Overcooked shrimp can become rubbery.
Q: Can I make this pizza on the grill?
Yes, grilled pizza works beautifully. Preheat your grill to high, cook one side of the dough first, then flip, add toppings quickly, and cover until cheese melts.
Q: What wine pairs well with Spicy Shrimp Scampi Pizza?
A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio balances the garlic butter and spice. For beer lovers, try a citrusy IPA.
