There’s something undeniably indulgent about the combination of shrimp, garlic, and melted cheese — and when all those irresistible flavors come together on a crispy golden crust, you get the spectacular Cheesy Garlic Shrimp Pizza.

This dish fuses the comforting familiarity of pizza with the elegant flavors of a seafood entrée. The garlic butter sauce acts as a flavorful base, perfectly complementing the juicy shrimp and gooey mozzarella, while hints of parmesan and herbs add layers of richness.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it brings together my two biggest culinary loves — seafood and pizza — into one decadent creation. The aroma of garlic butter sizzling with shrimp instantly makes the kitchen smell heavenly.

I adore how the shrimp stay tender and juicy, while the cheese melts into a creamy, golden blanket. Each bite has the perfect balance of garlicky richness, melted cheese, and crisp crust.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This pizza is a must-try because it proves that seafood and cheese can be a match made in culinary heaven when done right.

The creamy garlic sauce enhances the natural sweetness of shrimp, while the mozzarella and parmesan give it that classic pizza comfort factor. It’s indulgent yet light enough to enjoy guilt-free.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

Servings and Nutrition Info

• Servings: 4
• Calories per serving: ~480 kcal

Course and Cuisine

• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

For the Pizza Dough (or use store-bought):

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp instant yeast
• ½ tsp sugar
• ½ tsp salt
• ¾ cup warm water
• 1 tbsp olive oil

For the Garlic Butter Sauce:

• 3 tbsp butter
• 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for mild heat)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp heavy cream (optional for creamier texture)
• 1 tbsp chopped parsley

For the Toppings:

• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• ½ cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 cup shrimp (peeled, deveined, medium-sized)
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 cup baby spinach leaves (optional, for color and freshness)
• Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare the Pizza Dough (if making from scratch)

1. In a large bowl, mix flour, yeast, sugar, and salt.
2. Gradually add warm water and olive oil, mixing until a soft dough forms.
3. Knead for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Cover and let rest for 30 minutes in a warm place, until doubled in size.

Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce

1. In a small skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes; sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute).
3. Stir in heavy cream (optional) and season with salt, pepper, and parsley.
4. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp

1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
2. Season shrimp with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
3. Sauté shrimp for 2 minutes per side until just pink and cooked through.
4. Remove and set aside — don’t overcook! They’ll finish in the oven.

Step 4: Assemble the Pizza

1. Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C) and lightly grease a baking sheet or pizza stone.
2. Roll out the dough into a 12-inch circle and place it on the prepared sheet.
3. Brush the crust lightly with olive oil.
4. Spread the garlic butter sauce evenly over the dough.
5. Add a layer of mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
6. Arrange shrimp and spinach leaves (if using) on top.

Step 5: Bake the Pizza

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling.
2. Remove from oven and let rest for 3–5 minutes.
3. Garnish with fresh basil and a sprinkle of extra parmesan.

How to Serve

• Slice the pizza and serve hot with a drizzle of garlic butter or a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.
• Pair with a crisp Caesar salad or a glass of white wine (like Pinot Grigio) for a restaurant-style meal.
• Serve with chili flakes or garlic dipping sauce on the side for extra indulgence.

Recipe Tips

• Don’t overcook the shrimp before baking — they’ll continue cooking in the oven.
• For a crispy crust, preheat your pizza stone or baking tray before placing the dough on it.
• Use fresh mozzarella for a melty, creamy texture.
• Add a drizzle of garlic oil after baking for an extra burst of flavor.
• If using frozen shrimp, thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.

Recipe Variations

1. Spicy Cajun Shrimp Pizza:
   Add Cajun seasoning to the shrimp and a touch of hot sauce to the garlic butter for fiery Southern flavor.
2. White Alfredo Shrimp Pizza:
   Swap the garlic butter sauce for creamy Alfredo and add spinach and mushrooms for a rich, indulgent version.
3. Pesto Shrimp Pizza:
   Replace the garlic butter with basil pesto for a fresh, herbaceous twist.
4. Shrimp Scampi Pizza:
   Add a splash of white wine and lemon zest to the garlic butter sauce for a true scampi-style experience.
5. Low-Carb Version:
   Use a cauliflower crust or flatbread base instead of traditional pizza dough.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Wrap individual slices tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then freeze for up to 1 month.
• Reheating: Reheat in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes until the crust crisps back up. Avoid microwaving to maintain texture.

Special Equipment Needed

• Pizza stone or baking tray
• Rolling pin
• Skillet for shrimp
• Pizza cutter or sharp knife

FAQ

Q1: Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
Yes, but add them to the pizza halfway through baking to prevent overcooking.

Q2: What cheese works best?
A blend of mozzarella, parmesan, and provolone gives the perfect balance of creaminess and stretch.

Q3: Can I make this pizza with frozen dough?
Absolutely — just thaw it fully and let it rest at room temperature before rolling it out.

Q4: How do I make the crust extra crispy?
Bake the pizza on a preheated pizza stone or cast iron pan for best results.

Q5: Can I add other toppings?
Yes! Try adding mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, caramelized onions, or even bacon for extra flavor.

Conclusion

Cheesy Garlic Shrimp Pizza is a perfect marriage of elegance and comfort. The buttery garlic base, succulent shrimp, and melted cheese come together to create a luxurious flavor that feels both homemade and gourmet. Every bite delivers a crispy crust, gooey cheese, and the sweet savoriness of garlic shrimp — a truly unforgettable experience.

Whether you’re hosting friends, cooking for date night, or just craving something special, this pizza is bound to become your new favorite indulgence. It’s restaurant-worthy, soul-satisfying, and 100% delicious!