Shrimp Scampi Pizza
A gourmet fusion of two Italian-American classics! This pizza features succulent shrimp sautéed in a rich garlic, butter, and white wine sauce, layered over a crispy crust with bubbly mozzarella and Parmesan. It's a show-stopping main course that brings pizzeria-quality flavor to your home kitchen.
For 4 servings
Preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C). Place a pizza stone or steel on the middle rack to preheat for at least 45 minutes. Allow the pizza dough to rest at room temperature for 20-30 minutes to make it easier to stretch.
While the oven preheats, prepare the scampi sauce. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter with the olive oil. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, and sauté for 30-60 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic brown.
Pat the shrimp completely dry with paper towels and season them with salt and pepper. Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally, just until they begin to turn pink. Do not cook them all the way through.
Deglaze the pan by pouring in the white wine, scraping up any flavorful bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for 1 minute. Using a slotted spoon, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside. Continue to simmer the sauce for another 2-3 minutes until it has reduced slightly. Remove from heat and stir in 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice.
On a lightly floured surface, gently stretch the pizza dough into a 12 to 14-inch circle. Transfer the dough to a pizza peel generously dusted with cornmeal.
Assemble the pizza. Brush the garlic butter sauce from the skillet evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border for the crust. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the sauce. Arrange the partially cooked shrimp evenly over the cheese.
Carefully slide the pizza from the peel onto the preheated pizza stone or steel. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove the pizza from the oven. Garnish with the chopped fresh parsley and a sprinkle of fresh lemon zest for a bright finish. Let it rest for 2-3 minutes before slicing and serving hot.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1A very hot oven and a preheated pizza stone/steel are crucial for achieving a crispy, pizzeria-style crust.
- 2Use low-moisture, whole milk mozzarella. Fresh mozzarella releases too much water during baking and will result in a soggy pizza.
- 3Patting the shrimp completely dry before cooking ensures they sear rather than steam, improving their texture.
- 4The shrimp are cooked twice (once in the pan, once in the oven), so it's essential to undercook them in the skillet to prevent them from becoming tough and rubbery.
- 5Don't overload the pizza with toppings, as this can weigh down the dough and lead to a soggy center.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicy Scampi Pizza
Double the amount of red pepper flakes or add thinly sliced fresh chili to the garlic butter sauce for an extra kick.
Add GreensAdd Greens
After removing the shrimp from the skillet, wilt 2 cups of fresh spinach in the remaining sauce. Squeeze out any excess liquid before arranging it on the pizza under the cheese.
Creamy Scampi PizzaCreamy Scampi Pizza
For a richer, creamier sauce, stir 2 tablespoons of heavy cream or mascarpone cheese into the sauce after it has reduced.
Herbaceous TwistHerbaceous Twist
Add 1 teaspoon of dried oregano along with the garlic for a more traditional pizza flavor profile that complements the scampi.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Lean Protein
Shrimp is an excellent source of high-quality, lean protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting immune function, and maintaining muscle mass.
Source of Healthy Fats
Olive oil is a key component of the Mediterranean diet and provides monounsaturated fats, particularly oleic acid, which is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and benefits for heart health.
Contains Allicin
Garlic is rich in a compound called allicin, which is released when it's crushed or chopped. Allicin has been studied for its potential to support cardiovascular health and boost the immune system.
Frequently asked questions
This pizza is a gourmet indulgence and is best enjoyed in moderation. While shrimp provides lean protein, the dish is also high in calories, saturated fat, and sodium from the butter, cheese, and dough. To make it healthier, consider using whole wheat dough and reducing the amount of butter and cheese.
