Best Shrimp Flatbread Pizza

Pizza night has always been a crowd-pleaser in our house. But sometimes, we want something a little different from the usual pepperoni and cheese. That’s when I pull out this shrimp flatbread pizza recipe – it’s become our new Friday night favorite.

I love how quick it comes together, which is perfect for those evenings when I’m tired but still want to put something homemade on the table. The flatbread crust means no waiting around for dough to rise, and shrimp cooks up in just minutes. Plus, everyone can add their own toppings, so there’s no arguing about what goes on the pizza.

Whether you’re looking for a casual dinner option or something to serve friends who drop by, this recipe hits all the right notes. And the best part? You can have it ready in less time than it takes to get delivery.

What Kind of Shrimp Should I Use?

For flatbread pizza, medium to large shrimp (around 21-25 count per pound) are your best bet since they’ll cook evenly and won’t get lost among the other toppings. Fresh or frozen shrimp both work well here – if using frozen, just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking. While you can use shrimp with tails on, I recommend removing them to make the pizza easier to eat. Look for shrimp that are pink-gray in color and firm to the touch if buying fresh, and avoid any that smell fishy or have black spots on their shells.

Options for Substitutions

This tasty flatbread pizza has several ingredients that you can swap out if needed:

• Shrimp: If you’re not a fan of shrimp or can’t find any, try using cooked chicken, scallops, or even canned tuna (well-drained). For a vegetarian option, sautéed mushrooms work great too.
• White wine: No wine? No problem! Use chicken broth or vegetable stock instead. You can add a splash of lemon juice for extra tang.
• Flatbread: Regular pizza dough, naan bread, pita bread, or even tortillas can work as your base. Just keep in mind that cooking times might need to be adjusted depending on the thickness.
• Mozzarella cheese: While mozzarella gives that classic pizza pull, you can use provolone, fontina, or sharp cheddar. Each will give a different but good flavor profile.
• Parmesan cheese: Pecorino Romano or Asiago make good substitutes. If you can’t find these, extra mozzarella or cheddar will still work fine.
• Lemon: If you don’t have fresh lemon, use 1 teaspoon of bottled lemon juice, or try lime for a different twist. For the zest, you can skip it if needed, though it does add nice flavor.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

The biggest challenge when making shrimp flatbread pizza is overcooking the shrimp, which can turn them rubbery and tough – cook them just until they turn pink and curl into a loose “C” shape, about 2-3 minutes per side. A common error is overloading the flatbread with too many toppings, which can make it soggy and prevent it from crisping up properly – remember that less is more when it comes to toppings. To ensure your flatbread gets perfectly crispy, pre-heat your baking sheet or pizza stone in the oven, and watch the cheese carefully in the final minutes of baking to prevent it from burning. For the best flavor, don’t skip patting the shrimp dry before cooking, as wet shrimp will steam rather than sear, and make sure to let the flatbread rest for a minute after baking to allow the cheese to set slightly before cutting.

What to Serve With Shrimp Flatbread?

This shrimp flatbread makes a fantastic meal when paired with some simple sides that complement its Mediterranean flavors. A light arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette works perfectly alongside the rich, garlicky shrimp and cheese. If you want to keep things casual, some marinated olives and a bowl of cherry tomatoes make great finger-food accompaniments. For a more substantial meal, try serving it with a cup of chilled gazpacho in summer or a warm bowl of tomato soup in cooler months – both options play really well with the flatbread’s flavors.

Storage Instructions

Keep Fresh: If you have any leftover shrimp flatbread pizza, wrap it well in aluminum foil or place it in an airtight container. Pop it in the fridge and enjoy within 2 days for the best taste and texture. The shrimp is best eaten sooner rather than later!

Make Ahead: You can prep the garlic-lemon shrimp mixture up to a day ahead and keep it in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, just assemble and bake your flatbread pizza – this makes dinner prep super quick and easy!

Warm Up: To get your leftover pizza crispy again, pop it in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes. I’d skip the microwave since it can make the flatbread soggy and the shrimp a bit rubbery. The oven helps keep that nice crispy crust!

Preparation Time	15-20 minutes
Cooking Time	20-25 minutes
Total Time	35-45 minutes
Level of Difficulty	Medium

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

• Calories: 1200-1400
• Protein: 80-90 g
• Fat: 80-90 g
• Carbohydrates: 70-80 g

Ingredients

For the shrimp marinade:

• 1 1/2 tbsp lemon juice
• zest of 1 lemon (freshly grated)
• 2 tbsp olive oil (I use Colavita extra virgin)
• 2 garlic cloves (finely minced for best flavor)
• 1 lb shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 1 tsp salt

For the shrimp sauté:

• 2 tbsp butter (I like Kerrygold unsalted)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/4 cup white wine (dry white wine like Pinot Grigio)
• 1 tbsp crushed red pepper flakes (for a little kick)
• 3 to 4 garlic cloves (sliced thin)
• 1 tsp salt

For the flatbread assembly:

• 4 oz mozzarella cheese (shredded)
• 1 flatbread (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 oz Parmesan cheese (grated fresh)

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Marinade

Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit, or follow the heating instructions on your flatbread package.

In a small bowl, mix together 2 cloves of chopped or minced garlic, 1 teaspoon of salt, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, the juice of half a lemon, and the zest of one lemon.

Step 2: Marinate the Shrimp

Ensure that the shrimp are properly deveined and the shells are removed, then pat them dry.

Stir the prepared marinade into the shrimp, ensuring they are well-coated, and let them sit for 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.

Step 3: Prepare for Sautéing

Slice some additional garlic and measure the red pepper flakes along with 1 teaspoon of salt.

Add olive oil and butter to a sauté pan, and heat for 30 seconds until the butter is melted.

Once ready, add the sliced garlic and red pepper flakes to the pan and sauté for 30 seconds to release the flavors.

Step 4: Cook the Shrimp

Add the shrimp, including all the marinade, to the sauté pan.

Pour in a dash of wine for additional flavor.

Cook the shrimp over medium heat until they are cooked through; they will appear pink and no longer translucent, which should take about 3 to 5 minutes.

Once done, remove the shrimp from heat.

Step 5: Assemble the Flatbread

Remove the shrimp from the pan and place them in a separate bowl.

Brush the remaining sauce from the sauté pan over the flatbread.

Next, add mozzarella cheese evenly across the flatbread, followed by the cooked shrimp.

Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the shrimp for added flavor.

Step 6: Bake and Finish

Place the assembled flatbread in the preheated oven.

Bake at 425 degrees Fahrenheit, or as instructed by the flatbread package, until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 15 minutes.

After baking, let the flatbread rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Enjoy your shrimp flatbread creation!