15+ Shrimp Dinner Recipes for Busy Weeknights

There’s something magical about shrimp when you’re pressed for time and staring into the fridge after a long day. I remember coming home after soccer practice—muddy cleats on the doorstep, everyone hungry, and not a lot of energy left in me. My secret: a bag of frozen shrimp defrosting in the sink, ready to become anything from garlicky pasta to an easy stir-fry. Whether it’s Monday mayhem or a night when you want a little treat without the hassle, these 15+ shrimp dinner recipes for busy weeknights are what get a real family around the table, tired but together, and almost always smiling by the end.

1. Garlic Butter Shrimp Skillet

Why You’ll Love It:

This dish is a weeknight superstar—shrimp cook so quickly, and the garlicky lemon butter sauce turns even the simplest pantry dinner into something you’d happily serve to anyone. We reach for this when everyone’s home late and wants something comforting without waiting around.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 8 minutes

Total Time: 18 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1.5 lbs large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lemon, zested and juiced
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

How to Make It:

1. Pat shrimp dry and season with salt and pepper.
2. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add garlic and cook 1 minutes until fragrant.
4. Add shrimp and cook 2 minutes per side until pink.
5. Pour in lemon juice and zest; toss to coat.
6. Sprinkle with parsley and serve straight from the pan.

Flavor Boost: Sauté a pinch of chili flakes with the garlic for subtle heat.

2. Creamy Shrimp Alfredo Pasta

Why You’ll Love It:

Rich, creamy Alfredo sauce with sweet shrimp is comfort food that feels indulgent but comes together in less than half an hour. My kids ask for it by name, and it’s great for sneaking in a handful of spinach or peas.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 12 minutes

Cook Time: 18 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 12 oz fettuccine
• 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan
• 1/2 cup baby spinach (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley

How to Make It:

1. Cook fettuccine according to package and drain.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet; sauté garlic until fragrant.
3. Add shrimp, cooking until pink, 2-3 minutes each side. Remove shrimp.
4. Add cream to skillet; simmer 2 minutes. Stir in parmesan until melted.
5. Toss in spinach to wilt, then add pasta and shrimp; season.
6. Plate and top with parsley.

Personal Note: A little grated nutmeg in the cream makes it extra special.

3. Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas

Why You’ll Love It:

Everything hits the oven at once, so there’s less cleanup and no babysitting at the stove. Perfect for taco Tuesday or any night you’re juggling homework and dinner.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Total Time: 27 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1.25 lbs large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 3 bell peppers, sliced
• 1 large red onion, sliced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp salt
• Juice of 1 lime
• Flour tortillas, to serve

How to Make It:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F.
2. Toss peppers and onions with half the oil and spices; spread on sheet pan.
3. Roast 8 minutes, then add shrimp tossed with remaining oil and spices.
4. Roast 4-5 more minutes until shrimp pink and veggies roasted.
5. Squeeze lime over top; serve with tortillas.

Swap This With That: Use corn tortillas for gluten-free fajitas.

4. Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Rice

Why You’ll Love It:

This is my go-to for a quick one-pan meal that doesn’t skimp on citrusy, savory flavors. It’s hearty, the rice soaks up all the garlicky pan juices, and it’s even better for next-day lunches.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 cups cooked white rice
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lemon, zested and juiced
• 1/3 cup chopped parsley
• Salt and pepper, to taste

How to Make It:

1. Heat oil in large skillet over medium. Add garlic, cook 1 minutes.
2. Add shrimp, season, and cook 2 minutes per side; remove.
3. Add rice and lemon juice/zest to pan, scraping up bits.
4. Fold shrimp and parsley back in. Toss and serve warm.

Meal Prep Tip: This reheats well—store leftovers for up to two days.

5. Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Slaw

Why You’ll Love It:

Shrimp tacos beat takeout for speed, and the fresh, crunchy slaw balances out that little kick from the spice. Great way to get everyone eating veggies, too.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• Salt to taste
• 8 corn tortillas
• 2 cups shredded purple cabbage
• 1 carrot, grated
• 1/4 cup mayo
• 2 tbsp lime juice
• 1 tbsp honey

How to Make It:

1. Toss shrimp with oil, chili powder, cumin, salt.
2. Mix cabbage, carrot, mayo, lime juice, honey in a bowl for slaw.
3. Sear shrimp in hot skillet 2-3 minutes per side.
4. Warm tortillas, fill with shrimp and top with slaw.

Flavor Boost: Add a splash of hot sauce to the slaw for more zing.

6. Shrimp Stir-Fry with Snap Peas

Why You’ll Love It:

A speedy skillet stir-fry that genuinely gets dinner on the table in under 20 minutes. Crisp, sweet snap peas and juicy shrimp are the star here. This one always disappears quickly in our house.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 8 minutes

Total Time: 18 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup snap peas, trimmed
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp honey
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp grated ginger

How to Make It:

1. Heat sesame oil in wok over medium-high.
2. Add garlic and ginger; cook 1 minutes.
3. Toss in shrimp, cook until pink, 2-3 minutes. Remove.
4. Add snap peas and bell pepper; cook 2-3 minutes.
5. Return shrimp to wok, add soy sauce and honey; toss to coat.

Serving Idea: Great over steamed white or brown rice.

7. Shrimp Scampi Linguine

Why You’ll Love It:

Restaurant-worthy in about the time it takes to boil pasta, this one is buttery, lemony, and savory—like a little Italian vacation right at home. It’s also a fabulous “what’s in the freezer?” dinner.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 12 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 27 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 12 oz linguine
• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup dry white wine
• 1 lemon, juiced
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley
• Salt and pepper, to taste

How to Make It:

1. Cook linguine according to package; drain, reserving 1/2 cup water.
2. Sauté garlic in butter and oil for 1 minutes in large skillet.
3. Add shrimp, cook 2 minutes per side.
4. Pour in wine and lemon juice; simmer 2 minutes.
5. Toss in pasta and parsley, adding reserved water as needed.

Flavor Boost: Top with extra lemon zest for brightness.

8. Shrimp Fried Rice

Why You’ll Love It:

Perfect for using up leftover rice and a catch-all for odds-and-ends veggies. This quick stir-fry is on the table faster than takeout arrives at your doorstep.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 3 cups cooked white rice (day-old best)
• 3/4 lb small shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1/2 cup frozen peas
• 1/2 cup diced carrots
• 3 scallions, sliced
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• Salt and pepper

How to Make It:

1. Heat vegetable oil in wok; scramble eggs, then remove.
2. Sauté shrimp 2-3 minutes, set aside.
3. Stir-fry peas, carrots 2 minutes.
4. Add rice to pan; cook 2 minutes, stirring.
5. Return eggs and shrimp, add soy sauce, sesame oil, and scallions; toss well.

Meal Prep Tip: Make extra rice and refrigerate for faster stir-fry next time.

9. Honey Garlic Shrimp Bowls

Why You’ll Love It:

Sticky-sweet, savory shrimp over rice with fresh veggies checks all the dinner boxes: fast, tasty, and filling. Both kids and grownups are happy with this one.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 8 minutes

Total Time: 18 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tbsp honey
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cups cooked jasmine rice
• 1 cup cucumber, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup shredded carrot
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds
• 2 scallions, sliced

How to Make It:

1. Mix honey, soy sauce, garlic in a bowl.
2. Sear shrimp in hot oil until pink, about 2 minutes per side.
3. Pour sauce over shrimp, let bubble and thicken for 2 minutes.
4. Assemble bowls with rice, shrimp, cucumber, carrot, sesame seeds, and scallions.

Best Pairings: Serve with miso soup or edamame.

10. Cajun Shrimp and Grits

Why You’ll Love It:

Southern comfort in a bowl, ready faster than you dream. Creamy, buttery grits and spicy shrimp make this our favorite cozy dinner when the evenings get cool.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tsp Cajun seasoning
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 cup quick-cooking grits
• 4 cups water
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar
• Salt to taste
• 2 scallions, sliced
• 2 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled (optional)

How to Make It:

1. Bring water to boil, stir in grits and salt; simmer 5-7 minutes. Stir in butter and cheese.
2. Toss shrimp with Cajun seasoning. Sauté in hot oil, 2 minutes per side.
3. Spoon grits into bowls, top with shrimp, bacon, and scallions.

Serving Idea: A slice of crusty bread helps mop up the extra sauce.

11. Mediterranean Shrimp Orzo Salad

Why You’ll Love It:

This bright, herby salad works for dinner, lunch, or packed up for a picnic. It’s filling, travels well, and feels just right on warm nights when you want something lighter.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 18 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 28 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup dry orzo pasta
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
• 1/3 cup crumbled feta
• 1/4 cup sliced kalamata olives
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh basil
• Salt and pepper

How to Make It:

1. Cook orzo, drain, and rinse under cold water.
2. Sauté shrimp in olive oil, 2 minutes per side, then let cool.
3. In large bowl, combine pasta, shrimp, tomatoes, cucumber, feta, olives, basil.
4. Drizzle with lemon juice and more olive oil; toss and season.

Meal Prep Tip: This salad keeps well in the fridge for packed lunches.

12. Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-Fry

Why You’ll Love It:

Two main ingredients and one wok—this is real weeknight cooking. The crunchy broccoli and juicy shrimp make it feel wholesome, fast, and full of flavor.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 8 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 18 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 3 cups broccoli florets
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp cornstarch mixed in 1 tbsp water
• Red chili, sliced (optional)

How to Make It:

1. Mix soy and oyster sauce in a bowl.
2. Heat oil in wok; sauté garlic 30 seconds.
3. Add broccoli; cook 3 minutes.
4. Add shrimp and sauce; stir-fry 2-3 minutes.
5. Stir in cornstarch slurry, cook to thicken.

Swap This With That: Use snap peas or green beans if you don’t have broccoli.

13. Shrimp Pesto Zucchini Noodles

Why You’ll Love It:

This low-carb, fresh-feeling dinner is perfect for nights when you want something satisfying but not heavy. Pesto and shrimp are always a winning combo, and zucchini noodles take less than five minutes.

Serving size: Serves 2

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 7 minutes

Total Time: 17 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 3 medium zucchini, spiralized
• 3/4 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/4 cup prepared basil pesto
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/4 cup shaved parmesan
• 2 tbsp fresh basil, torn
• Salt and pepper

How to Make It:

1. Heat oil in large skillet over medium.
2. Sauté shrimp 2 minutes per side. Remove.
3. Add zucchini noodles, toss 2-3 minutes.
4. Stir in pesto and shrimp, then season.
5. Serve with parmesan and basil on top.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Don’t overcook zoodles—they’ll get watery.

14. Shrimp and Sausage Jambalaya

Why You’ll Love It:

A Southern-inspired favorite that’s hearty, spicy, and a full meal in one pot. There’s rice, smoky sausage, and shrimp, all with those classic Cajun flavors.

Serving size: Serves 6

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 12 oz smoked andouille sausage, sliced
• 1 cup long grain rice
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley

How to Make It:

1. Heat oil; sauté sausage, remove.
2. Cook onion, pepper, garlic 3-4 minutes.
3. Add rice, tomatoes, broth, sausage, Cajun seasoning. Bring to boil, cover, simmer 25 minutes.
4. Stir in shrimp; cook 4-5 minutes until pink.
5. Garnish with parsley.

Meal Prep Tip: Leftovers freeze well for another busy night.

15. 15-Minute Shrimp Ramen Soup

Why You’ll Love It:

Comfort in a bowl for less effort than delivery. Warm broth, lots of noodles, and quick-cooking shrimp—this is our savior after chilly soccer practices.

Serving size: Serves 2

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 2 packs instant ramen (discard seasoning packets)
• 3/4 lb small shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups baby spinach
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 inch piece fresh ginger, sliced
• 2 scallions, sliced
• 2 tbsp soy sauce

How to Make It:

1. Bring broth and ginger to simmer; cook eggs for 6 minutes and set aside.
2. Add ramen noodles, spinach, soy sauce, and shrimp to broth. Cook 3-4 minutes.
3. Peel eggs, halve, and serve on top with scallions.

Flavor Boost: Add a few drops of sesame oil for toasty depth.

16. Shrimp Quesadillas

Why You’ll Love It:

Crispy outside, melty inside, and loaded with tender shrimp—these are party food made weeknight-easy. Serve with salsa, guac, or even just a squeeze of lime.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 12 minutes

Cook Time: 8 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 lb shrimp, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 4 large flour tortillas
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper
• Chopped cilantro and lime wedges, to serve

How to Make It:

1. Cook bell pepper in half oil for 2-3 minutes, remove.
2. Sauté shrimp with spices; combine with pepper.
3. Scatter cheese and shrimp mixture on half of each tortilla, fold.
4. Cook each in remaining oil until golden, then slice.

Serving Idea: Serve with salsa and sliced avocado.

17. Mango Avocado Shrimp Salad

Why You’ll Love It:

Sweet mango, creamy avocado, and tender shrimp—this salad is like a shortcut to a vacation dinner. So easy, so refreshing, and stunning for last-minute company.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 8 minutes

Total Time: 23 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 ripe mango, diced
• 1 avocado, diced
• 4 cups baby greens
• 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Juice of 1 lime
• Salt and pepper

How to Make It:

1. Sauté shrimp in olive oil until pink, 2-3 minutes per side.
2. In large bowl, combine baby greens, mango, avocado, onion.
3. Add shrimp, toss gently with lime juice, oil, salt, and pepper.

Budget-Friendly Tip: Frozen mango works perfectly outside of mango season.

18. Shrimp Pad Thai

Why You’ll Love It:

Takeout-style pad Thai faster than the delivery driver can reach the driveway. Tangy, sweet-savory sauce clings to every noodle and shrimp. Perfect for customizing with whatever veggies you have.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 13 minutes

Total Time: 28 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 8 oz rice noodles
• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup bean sprouts
• 1/3 cup chopped peanuts
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 2 tbsp lime juice
• 2 tbsp fish sauce
• 1/2 tsp chili flakes
• 2 scallions, sliced
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro

How to Make It:

1. Soak noodles in hot water until pliable, drain.
2. Whisk soy, fish sauce, brown sugar, lime, chili flakes.
3. Heat oil, scramble eggs, transfer out.
4. Sauté shrimp 2 minutes; add noodles and sauce, toss.
5. Return eggs, add bean sprouts, plate, and garnish with peanuts, scallions, cilantro.

Best Pairings: Edamame or simple Asian cucumber salad.

19. Coconut Curry Shrimp

Why You’ll Love It:

Bold and creamy, this Thai-inspired curry packs big flavor but is gentle enough for the spice-averse. Plus, it’s a reason to open that can of coconut milk sitting in your pantry.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 12 minutes

Cook Time: 18 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk
• 2 tbsp red curry paste
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fish sauce
• 1 tsp brown sugar
• 2 cups jasmine rice, cooked
• 1/4 cup cilantro leaves

How to Make It:

1. Heat oil in skillet; cook onion, garlic, and bell pepper 3-4 minutes.
2. Stir in curry paste, cook 1 minutes, then add coconut milk, fish sauce, sugar.
3. Simmer 5 minutes, then add shrimp; cook until pink, 3-4 minutes.
4. Serve with rice, topped with cilantro.

Flavor Boost: Add a squeeze of lime and fresh chili if you like it spicy.

20. Lemon-Parmesan Shrimp Asparagus Bake

Why You’ll Love It:

One baking dish, so little fuss, and tons of springtime flavor. Parmesan turns golden and crispy while the shrimp cook perfectly juicy. It’s a favorite for a quick and nourishing meal after work.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 16 minutes

Total Time: 26 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 lemon, zested and juiced
• Salt and pepper
• 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs

How to Make It:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Arrange asparagus and shrimp in baking dish. Drizzle with oil, lemon juice, zest, and season.
3. Sprinkle over parmesan and breadcrumbs.
4. Bake 14-16 minutes, until crumbs are golden and shrimp just cooked.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Don’t overbake—shrimp become tough quickly.

FAQ

How do I quickly thaw frozen shrimp for weeknight meals?

Place the frozen shrimp in a colander and run under cold water for 5-7 minutes, tossing occasionally, until thawed. Dry thoroughly with paper towels before cooking for best results.

What type of shrimp is best for these dinner recipes?

Medium to large peeled and deveined shrimp work best for most dinner recipes—they’re quick to clean, easy to handle, and perfect for fast cooking.

Can I make these recipes with pre-cooked shrimp?

You can, though it’s best to add pre-cooked shrimp at the end just to warm them through, as overcooking will make them rubbery.

How do I know when shrimp are done cooking?

Shrimp turn pink and opaque very quickly—usually in just 2-3 minutes per side. Overcooking makes them tough, so pull them off the heat as soon as they’re just cooked.

Conclusion

Shrimp really are a busy cook’s secret weapon—they jump from freezer to dinner plate in a flash, soak up any sauce you throw their way, and always feel a little special even on the most tired of weeknights. With these 15+ shrimp dinner recipes for busy weeknights, you’ve got flavorful, family-pleasing options for just about any mood or occasion, from zesty pasta bowls to sheet pan meals and comforting curries. Don’t be afraid to shake up the seasonings, swap in your favorite veggies, or riff on the basics. The more you trust your instincts, the more fun dinner will be—shrimp are forgiving and delicious, no matter how you toss them. Here’s to easy wins, happy bellies, and more weeknights that actually feel like a treat.