20 Quick Shrimp Dishes That Will Make Dinner A Breeze

Short on time but craving big flavor? These quick shrimp dishes deliver restaurant-worthy results without the fuss, turning weeknights into a breeze. From silky pastas to zesty tacos and vibrant stir-fries, each recipe packs speed, simplicity, and serious satisfaction. Dive in and discover your new go-to dinner—ready faster than takeout and twice as delicious.

1. Garlic Butter Shrimp

Keep dinner effortless with garlic butter shrimp that bursts with rich, savory flavor. Sear plump shrimp in a hot skillet, add a generous knob of butter, and bloom minced garlic until fragrant. A bright squeeze of lemon balances the richness, while fresh parsley lifts every bite. Serve the shrimp piled over twirls of pasta to catch every drop of sauce, or spoon it beside fluffy rice for soaking. In under 20 minutes, you’ll have a dish that tastes indulgent but feels refreshingly simple. This is weeknight comfort, elevated with minimal effort and maximum payoff.

2. Shrimp Scampi

Shrimp scampi is the ultimate fast, flavorful classic. Quickly sauté shrimp in butter and olive oil, then add garlic to release its aroma. Deglaze the pan with white wine and a squeeze of lemon for brightness, letting the sauce slightly reduce. Toss with al dente linguine to coat every strand in garlicky richness. Finish with red pepper flakes for heat and a shower of parsley for freshness. Serve with crusty bread to swipe the silky sauce from the plate. It’s elegant, satisfying, and on the table in minutes—perfect for a refined weeknight dinner.

3. Shrimp Tacos

These shrimp tacos are a weeknight hero—bold, bright, and lightning fast. Sear seasoned shrimp until just pink, then nestle them into warm corn tortillas. Pile on creamy slaw for crunch, avocado for richness, and a tangy salsa for zing. A squeeze of lime wakes up every layer, making the flavors pop. Customize with pickled onions, cotija, or jalapeños if you like heat. Everything comes together in one pan and a few bowls, making cleanup easy. Whether for Taco Tuesday or a quick crowd-pleaser, these tacos deliver freshness in every bite.

4. Shrimp Stir-Fry

For speed and versatility, shrimp stir-fry is unbeatable. Heat a wok or skillet until smoking, then flash-cook shrimp for succulent tenderness. Toss in colorful vegetables like peppers, snap peas, and carrots for crunch and balance. A simple soy-garlic sauce with ginger, a splash of rice vinegar, and a touch of honey ties it together. Serve over steamed rice or noodles to soak up the glossy sauce. Adjust heat with chili flakes or sriracha to taste. It’s a vibrant, delicious dinner that makes the most of whatever veggies you have on hand.

5. Cajun Shrimp and Grits

This Cajun shrimp and grits delivers bold Southern comfort in under 30 minutes. Whisk creamy, buttery grits until smooth and lush. Meanwhile, toss shrimp with Cajun seasoning and sear until lightly charred and fragrant. A quick pan sauce—garlic, butter, lemon, and a splash of stock—adds depth and richness. Spoon the shrimp over the grits and finish with scallions for a fresh bite. It’s hearty yet weeknight-friendly, perfect when you want cozy flavor fast. Serve with a side salad or sautéed greens to round out the meal.

6. Shrimp and Avocado Salad

Light, crisp, and satisfying, this shrimp and avocado salad is perfect when you want freshness without fuss. Quickly sauté or poach shrimp until just opaque, then cool slightly. Toss with creamy avocado, crunchy cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and greens of choice. A zesty lemon vinaigrette with olive oil, Dijon, and herbs ties everything together. Add a sprinkle of flaky salt and cracked pepper for balance. It’s a complete meal that feels indulgent yet wholesome. Serve as a main or divide into meal-prep containers for quick, energizing lunches all week.

7. Shrimp Fried Rice

Shrimp fried rice transforms leftovers into a craveable one-pan dinner. Start with day-old rice for the best texture and quick, hot stir-frying. Sauté shrimp until just pink, then scramble eggs and toss in peas, carrots, and scallions. Season with soy sauce, sesame oil, and a pinch of white pepper for nostalgic takeout flavor. Add a splash of oyster sauce if you like extra depth. Everything cooks fast in a ripping-hot pan, delivering fluffy grains and plump shrimp. It’s budget-friendly, family-approved, and endlessly customizable with whatever veggies you have.

8. Shrimp and Spinach Pasta

This shrimp and spinach pasta is comfort in a bowl, ready in a flash. Sauté shrimp in butter and olive oil, then stir in garlic until aromatic. Add cream and a splash of pasta water to create a silky sauce that clings beautifully. Wilt in spinach for color and freshness, and finish with Parmesan for nutty richness. Toss with your favorite pasta shape and a squeeze of lemon to brighten. It’s elegant yet unfussy, perfect for busy nights. Serve with a simple green salad to complete the meal.

9. Shrimp Po’Boy Sandwiches

Bring a taste of New Orleans home with speedy shrimp po’boys. Coat shrimp in seasoned cornmeal or flour and fry until crisp and golden. Pile them into soft French rolls and layer with shredded lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and crunchy pickles. Slather on spicy remoulade for tang and heat that cuts through the richness. For a lighter twist, oven-bake or air-fry the shrimp. The contrast of textures—crackly shrimp and pillowy bread—is irresistible. Serve with kettle chips or a simple slaw for a complete, crowd-pleasing meal.

10. Shrimp and Zucchini Noodles

When you want something light yet satisfying, shrimp with zucchini noodles delivers. Spiralize zucchini for quick-cooking “zoodles” that soak up sauce beautifully. Sear shrimp, then swirl in garlic butter with a splash of lemon to create a glossy coating. Toss with the zoodles just long enough to warm, keeping them pleasantly crisp. Add cherry tomatoes for sweetness and color, and finish with parsley and Parmesan. It’s a low-carb dinner that doesn’t skimp on flavor or comfort. Ready in minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights.

11. Shrimp and Corn Chowder

This shrimp and corn chowder is creamy, hearty, and deceptively quick. Start by sautéing aromatics and a little bacon for smoky depth. Add corn, potatoes, and stock, simmering until the potatoes are tender. Stir in cream and gently poach the shrimp until just cooked. Fresh thyme and a squeeze of lemon keep the flavors bright. It’s comfort in a bowl, ideal for cool evenings or a speedy weekend lunch. Serve with crusty bread to swipe every last spoonful of velvety, sweet-savory goodness.

12. Shrimp Fajitas

Shrimp fajitas bring sizzling, colorful energy to the table fast. Toss shrimp with fajita seasoning, then sear in a hot skillet until just opaque. Add sliced peppers and onions, cooking until tender-crisp with caramelized edges. A squeeze of lime and sprinkle of cilantro brighten the whole skillet. Serve with warm tortillas, salsa, and guacamole for build-your-own fun. It’s a quick, customizable dinner that satisfies everyone. Leftovers reheat well for bowls with rice or salad the next day.

13. Shrimp Alfredo

Rich, decadent, and ready in minutes, shrimp Alfredo makes any night feel special. Sauté shrimp in butter until pink, then set aside. In the same pan, stir cream with garlic and Parmesan to create a silky sauce. Toss with hot fettuccine, loosening with pasta water for perfect coating. Return the shrimp and finish with black pepper and parsley. The result is pure comfort with minimal effort. Pair with a crisp salad for balance and you’ve got an instantly satisfying meal.

14. Shrimp and Tomato Basil Skewers

These shrimp and tomato basil skewers deliver vibrant, Mediterranean-inspired flavor in minutes. Thread shrimp and cherry tomatoes onto skewers, brushing with olive oil, garlic, and a pinch of salt. Grill or broil until the shrimp are just cooked and tomatoes blister. Finish with torn basil and a squeeze of lemon for freshness. Serve over greens, alongside couscous, or as an appetizer. The simplicity lets sweet shrimp and juicy tomatoes shine. It’s a light, crowd-pleasing option perfect for warm evenings or quick indoor grilling.

15. Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-Fry

For a nutritious dinner in a hurry, shrimp and broccoli stir-fry is a staple. Blanch or steam broccoli briefly to keep it crisp-tender and bright green. Sear shrimp, then build a simple sauce with garlic, ginger, soy, and a hint of honey. Toss everything together until coated and glossy, finishing with sesame oil and seeds. Serve over rice or noodles for a satisfying bowl. It’s clean, flavorful, and endlessly reliable. Add chili flakes or sriracha if you crave a little heat.

16. Shrimp Coconut Curry

This shrimp coconut curry is fragrant, cozy, and lightning fast. Bloom curry paste in oil to unlock deep flavor, then stir in coconut milk for a creamy base. Simmer briefly and add shrimp, cooking until just tender. Lime juice and fresh cilantro brighten the rich sauce. Serve with jasmine rice or naan to scoop every drop. Customize with vegetables like bell peppers or spinach without adding time. It’s a pantry-friendly, high-impact dinner you’ll crave again and again.

17. Shrimp Ceviche

Refreshing and zesty, shrimp ceviche is a no-cook wonder. Marinate cooked or butterflied raw shrimp in fresh lime juice until opaque and tangy. Toss with diced tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, and creamy avocado for balance. Add a pinch of chili for heat and season to taste. Serve chilled with tortilla chips or crisp lettuce cups. It’s bright, clean, and perfect for warm days or a light dinner. Prep ahead and let the flavors meld for even better results.

18. Shrimp and Asparagus Lemon Risotto

Make risotto weeknight-easy with this bright shrimp and asparagus version. Sauté aromatics in butter, then toast Arborio rice for nutty depth. Gradually add warm stock, stirring until creamy yet al dente. Fold in tender asparagus and shrimp near the end so they cook perfectly. Lemon zest and juice bring lively freshness that lifts the richness. Finish with Parmesan and a knob of butter for silkiness. It’s a one-pot meal that tastes restaurant-level without complicated steps.

19. Spicy Shrimp and Cauliflower Rice

This spicy shrimp over cauliflower rice is fast, flavorful, and low-carb. Season shrimp with chili, paprika, and garlic, then sear until lightly charred. In the same pan, sauté cauliflower rice with scallions and a splash of soy or coconut aminos. Pile the shrimp on top and finish with lime juice for zing. Add avocado for creaminess or extra veggies for volume. It’s a satisfying bowl that keeps things light while packing serious kick. Ready in under 20 minutes.

20. Shrimp and Bacon Wrapped Skewers

For smoky-savory delight with minimal effort, try shrimp wrapped in bacon. Thread onto skewers and brush with a garlic-herb mixture for aromatic depth. Grill or broil until the bacon crisps and the shrimp turn tender and juicy. The contrast of salty bacon and sweet shrimp is irresistible. Serve with a lemony aioli or chimichurri for dipping. Great as an appetizer or main with a simple salad. It’s a quick showstopper perfect for weeknights or impromptu gatherings.