25+ Quick + Yummy Weeknight Dinners With Shrimp

Finding the time to cook a wholesome, delicious dinner on a busy weeknight can be a challenge. Shrimp is the ultimate fast food—it cooks in mere minutes and absorbs flavors beautifully. Whether you are craving a comforting pasta dish, a vibrant stir-fry, or a simple skillet meal, these 25+ quick and yummy weeknight shrimp dinners will save your evening. Each recipe includes a full list of ingredients and step-by-step instructions to ensure your dinner is on the table in no time.

1. Garlic Butter Shrimp

A classic, rich, and incredibly fast dinner.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 tbsp butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions:

1. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add shrimp, salt, and pepper; cook for 1-2 minutes per side until pink.
4. Stir in lemon juice and chicken broth, simmering for 1 minute.
5. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

2. Shrimp Scampi

Elegant pasta night in under 20 minutes.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 8 oz linguine
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup white wine or chicken broth
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• Red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cook linguine according to package directions.
2. Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat.
3. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for 1 minute.
4. Add shrimp and cook until pink (about 3 minutes).
5. Stir in wine and lemon juice, simmering for 2 minutes.
6. Toss with cooked pasta and serve.

3. Shrimp Tacos

Fresh, zesty, and perfect for a quick weeknight meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp taco seasoning
• 8 corn tortillas
• 1 cup shredded cabbage
• 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
• 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
• Lime wedges for serving

Instructions:

1. Toss shrimp with olive oil and taco seasoning.
2. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes until pink.
3. Warm tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave.
4. Assemble tacos with cabbage, tomatoes, and cooked shrimp.
5. Garnish with cilantro and serve with lime wedges.

4. Honey Garlic Shrimp

Sweet, sticky, and savory.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/3 cup honey
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1 tbsp minced garlic
• 1 tsp grated ginger
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Green onions for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, whisk honey, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add shrimp and cook for 1 minute per side.
4. Pour the sauce over the shrimp and simmer for 1-2 minutes until thickened and sticky.
5. Garnish with green onions and serve over rice.

5. Shrimp Fried Rice

Better and faster than takeout.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 3 cups cooked, chilled rice
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil

Instructions:

1. Heat vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Cook shrimp until pink, then remove and set aside.
3. Scramble eggs in the same wok, then remove.
4. Add garlic, peas, and carrots, sautéing for 2 minutes.
5. Stir in chilled rice, soy sauce, and sesame oil.
6. Return shrimp and eggs to the wok, toss well, and heat through.

6. Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Light, bright, and incredibly satisfying.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 8 oz spaghetti
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil, chopped

Instructions:

1. Cook spaghetti according to package directions; reserve 1/4 cup pasta water.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
3. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
4. Add shrimp and cook until pink.
5. Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, and reserved pasta water.
6. Toss with pasta, Parmesan, and basil.

7. Shrimp Fajitas

Sizzling, colorful, and quick.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp fajita seasoning
• Flour tortillas
• Sour cream and guacamole for serving

Instructions:

1. Toss shrimp, bell peppers, and onion with olive oil and fajita seasoning.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add the mixture and cook for 5-7 minutes until vegetables are tender and shrimp is pink.
4. Serve sizzling hot with warm tortillas, sour cream, and guacamole.

8. Cajun Shrimp Skillet

Spicy, smoky, and ready in a flash.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 onion, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• Cooked rice for serving

Instructions:

1. Toss shrimp with Cajun seasoning.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add onion and bell pepper, sautéing for 3 minutes.
4. Add tomatoes and shrimp, cooking for 3-4 minutes until shrimp is pink.
5. Serve hot over cooked rice.

9. Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-Fry

A healthy, low-carb weeknight winner.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 3 cups broccoli florets
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp ginger, grated

Instructions:

1. Whisk soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger in a bowl.
2. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a wok or skillet over high heat.
3. Cook shrimp until pink, then remove.
4. Add remaining oil and broccoli, stir-frying for 4 minutes until tender-crisp.
5. Return shrimp to the wok, pour sauce over, and simmer for 1 minute to coat.

10. Creamy Tuscan Shrimp

Rich, decadent, and surprisingly fast.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Cook shrimp until pink, then remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, cooking for 1 minute.
4. Stir in heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
5. Add spinach and Parmesan, stirring until spinach wilts.
6. Return shrimp to the sauce and serve over pasta.

11. Shrimp Pesto Pasta

Vibrant, herbaceous, and comforting.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 8 oz penne pasta
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 cup basil pesto
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

1. Cook penne according to package directions.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
3. Cook shrimp until pink (about 3 minutes).
4. Add cherry tomatoes and cook for 1 minute.
5. Toss cooked pasta, shrimp, tomatoes, and pesto together in the skillet.
6. Top with Parmesan cheese and serve.

12. Spicy Sriracha Shrimp

For those who love a little heat.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp sriracha
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Lime wedges for serving

Instructions:

1. Whisk sriracha, honey, soy sauce, and garlic in a bowl.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add shrimp and cook for 1 minute per side.
4. Pour the sauce over the shrimp and cook for 1 more minute until sticky.
5. Serve with lime wedges over rice or noodles.

13. Shrimp and Grits (Quick Version)

Southern comfort food made fast.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup quick-cooking grits
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 slices bacon, chopped
• 1/2 onion, diced
• 1 tsp Cajun seasoning

Instructions:

1. Cook grits in chicken broth according to package directions; stir in cheese.
2. In a skillet, cook bacon until crisp; remove bacon but leave the fat.
3. Sauté onion in bacon fat until softened.
4. Toss shrimp with Cajun seasoning and add to the skillet, cooking until pink.
5. Serve shrimp and onions over cheesy grits, topped with bacon bits.

14. Teriyaki Shrimp Bowls

Sweet, savory, and perfect for meal prep.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce
• 2 cups snap peas
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• Cooked rice
• Sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions:

1. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add snap peas and sauté for 3 minutes.
3. Add shrimp and cook until pink.
4. Pour teriyaki sauce over the mixture and simmer for 1-2 minutes.
5. Serve over cooked rice and garnish with sesame seeds.

15. Shrimp Quesadillas

Crispy, cheesy, and packed with flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp taco seasoning
• 4 large flour tortillas
• 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
• 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
• Salsa for serving

Instructions:

1. Toss chopped shrimp with taco seasoning.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet and cook shrimp until pink; remove from skillet.
3. Place a tortilla in the skillet, top half with cheese, shrimp, and cilantro.
4. Fold tortilla over and cook until golden and cheese is melted (about 2 mins per side).
5. Repeat with remaining tortillas, slice, and serve with salsa.

16. Garlic Parmesan Roasted Shrimp

A hands-off, easy sheet pan meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss shrimp with olive oil, garlic, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread in a single layer on a baking sheet.
4. Roast for 6-8 minutes until shrimp are pink and opaque.
5. Serve immediately with lemon wedges.

17. Shrimp and Zucchini Noodles

A light, low-carb, healthy dinner.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 3 medium zucchini, spiralized into noodles
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Parmesan cheese for garnish

Instructions:

1. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Cook shrimp until pink, then remove and set aside.
3. Add remaining oil and garlic to the skillet, cooking for 30 seconds.
4. Add zucchini noodles, chicken broth, and lemon juice; toss for 2-3 minutes until just tender.
5. Return shrimp to the skillet, toss to combine, and garnish with Parmesan.

18. Coconut Curry Shrimp

A fragrant, creamy, Thai-inspired dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tbsp coconut oil
• 1 tbsp red curry paste
• 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 tbsp fish sauce
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• Fresh basil or cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

1. Heat coconut oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat.
2. Stir in red curry paste and cook for 1 minute.
3. Add coconut milk, bell pepper, and fish sauce; simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Add shrimp and cook for 3-4 minutes until pink.
5. Stir in lime juice, garnish with herbs, and serve over rice.

19. Shrimp Salad Wraps

Cool, refreshing, and requires minimal cooking.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 celery stalk, finely diced
• 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 large lettuce leaves or tortillas

Instructions:

1. Boil shrimp in salted water for 2-3 minutes until pink; drain and cool.
2. Chop the cooled shrimp into bite-sized pieces.
3. In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, lemon juice, celery, dill, salt, and pepper.
4. Fold in the chopped shrimp.
5. Spoon the shrimp salad into lettuce leaves or tortillas and wrap.

20. Bang Bang Shrimp

Crispy, creamy, sweet, and spicy.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
• 1 tsp sriracha
• Green onions for garnish

Instructions:

1. Toss shrimp in cornstarch until coated.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Fry shrimp for 2 minutes per side until crispy and pink; drain on paper towels.
4. In a bowl, whisk mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha.
5. Toss crispy shrimp in the sauce, garnish with green onions, and serve.

21. Shrimp and Sausage Skillet

A hearty, smoky, protein-packed meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 8 oz smoked sausage (like Andouille), sliced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 onion, diced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp Cajun seasoning

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add sliced sausage, bell pepper, and onion; sauté for 5-7 minutes until browned.
3. Toss shrimp with Cajun seasoning and add to the skillet.
4. Cook for 3-4 minutes until shrimp are pink and opaque.
5. Serve hot, optionally over rice or quinoa.

22. Lemon Dill Shrimp

Bright, herbaceous, and incredibly simple.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
3. Add shrimp, salt, and pepper; cook for 2 minutes per side until pink.
4. Stir in fresh dill, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
5. Toss well and serve immediately.

23. Shrimp Pad Thai (Quick Version)

A fast take on the classic noodle dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 8 oz rice noodles
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup bean sprouts
• 3 tbsp Pad Thai sauce (store-bought)
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• Crushed peanuts and lime wedges for serving

Instructions:

1. Cook rice noodles according to package directions; drain.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Cook shrimp until pink, then push to one side.
4. Pour in eggs and scramble.
5. Add noodles, bean sprouts, and Pad Thai sauce; toss everything together for 2 minutes.
6. Serve topped with crushed peanuts and lime wedges.

24. Shrimp and Tomato Skillet

A fresh, Mediterranean-inspired quick dinner.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• Fresh basil, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add cherry tomatoes and garlic; sauté for 4-5 minutes until tomatoes begin to burst.
3. Add shrimp, salt, and pepper; cook for 3 minutes until pink.
4. Remove from heat and sprinkle with feta cheese and fresh basil.
5. Serve with crusty bread to soak up the juices.

25. Pineapple Shrimp Skewers

Sweet, smoky, and perfect for the grill or grill pan.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 cups pineapple chunks
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp honey
• Wooden or metal skewers

Instructions:

1. Whisk olive oil, soy sauce, and honey in a small bowl.
2. Thread shrimp, pineapple, and bell pepper alternately onto skewers.
3. Brush the skewers with the marinade.
4. Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
5. Grill skewers for 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp are pink and slightly charred.
6. Serve hot.

26. Shrimp Mac and Cheese

A decadent, creamy, seafood twist on a childhood favorite.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
• 8 oz macaroni
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp flour
• 1.5 cups milk
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook macaroni according to package directions; drain.
2. In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
3. Gradually whisk in milk and simmer until thickened.
4. Stir in cheddar cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
5. Stir in chopped shrimp and cook for 3-4 minutes until shrimp are pink.
6. Fold in the cooked macaroni and serve hot.