Pizza Shrimp Skillet
A bubbly, cheesy one-pan wonder that combines perfectly seared shrimp with a garlicky tomato sauce and golden-brown pizza crust. The skillet delivers crispy edges, melty mozzarella, and that classic pizza-shop flavor in just 45 minutes with no dough stretching required.
For 8 servings
- prep
Season the shrimp and preheat the oven.
1.Pat shrimp very dry with paper towels.2.Toss shrimp with a pinch of salt and a pinch of black pepper.3.Position oven rack in upper third and preheat broiler to high. - saute · ~3 min
Sear the shrimp.
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a 12-inch cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook 90 seconds per side until pink. Transfer to a plate immediately.
TIPWork in batches if needed — crowding the pan steams the shrimp instead of searing. - saute · ~10 min
Build the pizza sauce.
1.Add remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil to the skillet and reduce heat to medium.2.Sauté diced onion until softened (3 minutes).3.Add minced garlic, oregano, and red pepper flakes; sauté until fragrant (30 seconds).4.Stir in tomato paste and cook 1 minute until darkened.5.Pour in blended tomato puree, water, and a pinch of salt; simmer 5 minutes until slightly thickened.TIPCook the tomato paste until it turns brick-red — this deepens the savory flavor. - assemble · ~2 min
Assemble the skillet pizza.
Remove skillet from heat. Gently stretch pizza dough and press it into the skillet over the sauce, tucking edges toward the sides. Scatter seared shrimp evenly over the dough, then top with shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan.
TIPDon't worry if the dough doesn't reach the edges perfectly — it will expand as it bakes. - bake · ~5 min
Broil until golden and bubbly.
Place skillet under the broiler and cook 3 to 5 minutes, rotating once, until cheese is bubbly and spotted brown and the crust edges are golden. Watch carefully — broilers vary in intensity.
TIPPull it when the cheese is golden-bubbled but before the crust edges blacken. - rest · ~3 min
Rest the skillet for 3 minutes.
Remove from oven and let the skillet sit undisturbed on a trivet for 3 minutes. The cheese will set slightly and the sauce will thicken.
TIPResting makes slicing cleaner — cut too soon and the cheese slides off. - garnish
Garnish with fresh basil, slice, and serve.
Scatter torn basil leaves over the top. Slice into 8 wedges directly in the skillet and serve hot.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Pat shrimp bone-dry before searing to ensure a golden crust, not steamed flesh.
- 2Cook tomato paste until it turns brick-red to unlock deeper, almost caramelized savory notes.
- 3Let the skillet rest 3 minutes after broiling so the cheese sets and slices cleanly.
- 4Stretch the dough gently with your hands — rolling can deflate the air needed for a puffy crust.
- 5Work in batches if searing shrimp to avoid overcrowding the pan and losing the sear.
- 6Place the skillet on the upper oven rack for broiling so the cheese browns before the bottom burns.
Adapt it for your goals.
Low-oil
Sauté the onion and garlic in a splash of water or broth instead of the second tablespoon of olive oil to reduce fat while keeping the flavor base.
high proteinHigh-protein
Swap half the mozzarella for part-skim ricotta dollops and add 150g sliced cooked chicken sausage for extra protein without overwhelming the shrimp.
seafood medleySeafood medley
Replace half the shrimp with 250g mixed scallops and squid — sear each separately to avoid overcooking the more delicate seafood.
vegetarianVegetarian
Omit the shrimp and double the amount of roasted bell peppers, artichoke hearts, and black olives for a hearty, plant-forward skillet pizza.
spicy arrabbiataSpicy arrabbiata
Increase red pepper flakes to a full teaspoon and add 2 finely chopped Calabrian chilies to the sauce for a fiery twist on the classic.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Lean Protein Source
Shrimp provides high-quality, low-fat protein that supports muscle maintenance and satiety without excess calories.
Rich in Antioxidants
Tomatoes and fresh basil supply lycopene and flavonoids, which help combat oxidative stress and support heart health.
Good Source of Calcium
Mozzarella and Parmesan contribute calcium for strong bones and teeth, especially when using low-moisture, full-fat cheese.
Garlic for Immune Support
Fresh garlic adds allicin, a compound linked to immune function and anti-inflammatory benefits.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, but thaw them completely in the refrigerator overnight and pat very dry — excess moisture will prevent a good sear.
