Frozen shrimp might be the best thing in your freezer. It cooks in minutes, works in just about anything, and somehow manages to make even the laziest dinners look like you put in actual effort. You don’t need a five-star kitchen to throw together a meal that feels a little fancy, you just need a bag of shrimp and a plan. From buttery pasta dishes to shrimp that could pass for something off a high-end menu, these recipes prove that “frozen” and “impressive” aren’t opposites.

A plate of spaghetti topped with shrimp, basil leaves, and sun-dried tomatoes, garnished with lemon wedges. Grated cheese is scattered on the table, with fresh herbs and a pepper grinder visible nearby. A glass of white wine is in the corner.
Photo credit: Chew Out Loud.
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Bucatini with Garlic Shrimp

Bucatini pasta with shrimp in a white bowl.
Bucatini with Garlic Shrimp. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Bucatini’s thicker shape makes it perfect for catching all the garlicky goodness in this shrimp pasta. Tossed with cherry tomatoes, this one’s light but still feels like a treat.
Get the Recipe: Bucatini with Garlic Shrimp

Greek Shrimp Skillet

Shrimp skillet dinner with kalamata olives, tomatoes and feta.
Greek Shrimp Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Tomatoes, spinach, kalamata olives, and feta come together with shrimp in a skillet that’s full of bold Mediterranean flavors. It’s fast, easy, and definitely not your average weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Greek Shrimp Skillet

Sweet & Spicy Mango Shrimp

Mango shrimp served with white rice on a white plate with spoon.
Sweet & Spicy Mango Shrimp. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Mango balances out the heat in this shrimp dish, making it just the right mix of sweet and fiery. It’s ready in 20 minutes, which means you’ve got a fancy-feeling dinner on the table before takeout could even get here.
Get the Recipe: Sweet & Spicy Mango Shrimp

Spicy Shrimp Tostadas

Spicy shrimp tostadas on a cutting board.
Spicy Shrimp Tostadas. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Shrimp takes center stage in these tostadas, piled high with a jalapeño avocado sauce for just the right amount of kick. They’re crunchy, messy, and 100% worth it.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Shrimp Tostadas

Brown Butter Shrimp and Orzo

Brown butter shrimp and orzo served with burst cherry tomatoes in a bowl.
Brown Butter Shrimp and Orzo. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Brown butter makes everything better, and this shrimp dish is proof. Served over a parmesan-basil corn orzo with blistered tomatoes, this one’s got summer dinner written all over it.
Get the Recipe: Brown Butter Shrimp and Orzo

Chili Lime Shrimp

Chili Lime Shrimp. Photo credit: Dutch Oven Daddy.

Big flavor, no effort. Frozen shrimp, butter, citrus, and bold spices come together fast for a dish that tastes like something off a high-end taco truck. Tex-Mex and Baja fans, this one’s a keeper.
Get the Recipe: Chili Lime Shrimp

Baked Stuffed Shrimp

Baked Stuffed Shrimp. Photo credit: Balancing Bowls.

Stuffed shrimp sounds fancy because it is. But this version keeps things simple while packing in a ton of flavor. A family recipe spin-off from Clams Casino, this filling makes frozen shrimp feel downright special.
Get the Recipe: Baked Stuffed Shrimp

Baja Shrimp Bowl

Baja Shrimp Bowl. Photo credit: Balancing Bowls.

Frozen shrimp gets a glow-up with this bowl packed with lettuce, avocado, and pickled red onion, all drizzled with a garlic-cilantro sauce. It’s a build-your-own situation, which means picky eaters can customize, and everyone wins.
Get the Recipe: Baja Shrimp Bowl

Shrimp Scampi Pasta

Shrimp Scampi Pasta. Photo credit: Chew Out Loud.

Shrimp, garlic, lemon, and butter come together in minutes for a dish that makes it look like you tried way harder than you did. This is the kind of dinner that gets compliments.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Scampi Pasta

Shrimp Ceviche

Shrimp Ceviche. Photo credit: Chew Out Loud.

This no-cook recipe turns frozen shrimp into something fresh and bright with just a handful of ingredients. It’s a great way to pull off an appetizer that looks restaurant-worthy with barely any effort.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Ceviche

Shrimp Linguine

Shrimp Linguine. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Linguine and shrimp meet in a buttery garlic sauce that takes barely 20 minutes to throw together. It’s comforting, it’s got just the right amount of fancy, and yes, a little parmesan on top makes it even better.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Linguine

Dirty Martini Shrimp

Dirty Martini Shrimp. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

If you like briny, salty flavors, this one’s for you. Olives, garlic, and lemon bring a martini-inspired kick to shrimp, and yes, this trend is taking over TikTok for a reason. It works as an appetizer or a main, especially if you throw in some pasta.
Get the Recipe: Dirty Martini Shrimp

Hibachi on Blackstone Steak and Shrimp

Hibachi on Blackstone Steak and Shrimp. Photo credit: The Fresh Cooky.

This is backyard grilling with serious style. Hibachi-style steak and shrimp cook up in minutes, tossed with crisp vegetables and served over fried rice with Yum Yum sauce. It’s got the teppanyaki restaurant vibe without leaving home.
Get the Recipe: Hibachi on Blackstone Steak and Shrimp

Shrimp Scampi

Shrimp Scampi. Photo credit: Cheerful Cook.

This one’s a classic for a reason. Butter, garlic, and shrimp hit the pan and in a few minutes, you’ve got something that feels like it belongs in a white-tablecloth restaurant. Serve with bread to soak up that sauce.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Scampi

Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Pasta

Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Pasta. Photo credit: Cookrita.

Shrimp and sausage team up for a Cajun-inspired pasta that’s rich, a little spicy, and completely worth it. Bell peppers add crunch, the sauce brings a creamy kick, and everything ties together in one pan.
Get the Recipe: Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Pasta

Shrimp Alfredo

Shrimp Alfredo. Photo credit: The Forked Spoon.

Frozen shrimp + fettuccine + a creamy parmesan sauce = a no-fail weeknight dinner that feels a little fancy. This comes together in less than 30 minutes but looks like something that took much longer.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Alfredo

Shrimp and Pea Rigatoni

Shrimp and Pea Rigatoni. Photo credit: Chef’s Pencil.

Shrimp, rigatoni, and peas all coated in a creamy sauce? That’s an instant dinner win. It’s easy, it’s got just enough elegance, and it’s done before you know it.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Pea Rigatoni

Squid Ink Pasta with Prawns and Fennel

Squid Ink Pasta with Prawns and Fennel. Photo credit: Krumpli.

This is the kind of dish that makes people think you know things about food. Squid ink pasta brings the drama, while shrimp, garlic, and fennel keep things balanced. It’s bold, but in the best way.
Get the Recipe: Squid Ink Pasta with Prawns and Fennel

Quick Prawn Saganaki with Feta Cheese

Quick Prawn Saganaki with Feta Cheese. Photo credit: Krumpli.

This Greek favorite turns shrimp into something bold and tangy with cherry tomatoes and a crumbling of feta. It’s ready fast, but it’s got the kind of flavors that make it seem like it took all day.
Get the Recipe: Quick Prawn Saganaki with Feta Cheese

Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta

Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta. Photo credit: Living Chirpy.

Sweet, spicy, and loaded with shrimp, this is one of those pastas that’s impossible to put down. It’s got just enough heat to keep things interesting, and it comes together fast enough for a last-minute dinner win.
Get the Recipe: Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta

Lemon Butter Shrimp Skewers

Lemon Butter Shrimp Skewers. Photo credit: Living Chirpy.

Shrimp on skewers always looks like effort, but the truth? It’s one of the easiest ways to cook them. These get marinated in a buttery lemon sauce before hitting the grill, making them great for cookouts or a dinner that feels a little extra.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Butter Shrimp Skewers

Low Carb Noodles with Shrimp & Garlicky Cashew Pesto

Low Carb Noodles with Shrimp & Garlicky Cashew Pesto. Photo credit: My Chef’s Apron.

If you’re in the mood for something different, this one delivers. Shirataki noodles get tossed with a nutty pesto and shrimp for a quick, herby dish that shakes up the usual pasta routine.
Get the Recipe: Low Carb Noodles with Shrimp & Garlicky Cashew Pesto

Grilled Shrimp & Pineapple on Rosemary Skewers

Grilled Shrimp & Pineapple on Rosemary Skewers. Photo credit: In the Kitch.

Skewering shrimp with rosemary sprigs instantly makes them feel fancy. Add rum-soaked pineapple, and now you’ve got a dinner that’s pulling double duty as a conversation starter.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Shrimp & Pineapple on Rosemary Skewers

Kimchi Shrimp Stir Fry

Kimchi Shrimp Stir Fry. Photo credit: In the Kitch.

Shrimp gets a kick of heat from kimchi, garlic, and ginger, then gets tossed with vegetables in a quick stir fry. It’s got a little spice, a little crunch, and a whole lot of “why don’t I make this more often?” energy.
Get the Recipe: Kimchi Shrimp Stir Fry

Shrimp Pasta With Vegetables

Shrimp Pasta With Vegetables. Photo credit: Quiche My Grits.

A quick lemon-garlic sauce ties together shrimp, pasta, and plenty of veggies for a dinner that’s fresh and easy but still feels like something you’d order out.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Pasta With Vegetables

Founder and Writer at  | About

Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.

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