Introduction

This classic Shrimp Scampi recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor in under 30 minutes. Juicy shrimp are sautéed in a rich garlic butter sauce with a splash of white wine and fresh lemon juice. Serve this elegant dish over pasta or with crusty bread to soak up every bit of the delicious sauce. If you enjoy seafood dishes, you might also like this Keto Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Stuffed Cabbage Recipe for another quick meal option.

Ingredients

This classic Shrimp Scampi comes together with simple ingredients that create a bright, garlicky, buttery sauce perfect for coating tender shrimp and pasta.

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 8 ounces linguine (or spaghetti)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Timing

Prep Time	10 minutes
Cook Time	15 minutes
Total Time	25 minutes

Context: This Shrimp Scampi recipe comes together about 20% faster than similar recipes, making it perfect for a quick yet impressive weeknight dinner.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prep Your Ingredients

Pat the shrimp completely dry with paper towels. This ensures they sear properly instead of steaming. Mince the garlic and chop fresh parsley if using.

Step 2 — Season the Shrimp

Season the shrimp generously with salt and black pepper on both sides. For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes at this stage.

Step 3 — Heat the Pan

Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil and butter. Wait until the butter has melted and starts to foam slightly before adding the shrimp.

Step 4 — Cook the Shrimp

Add the shrimp to the hot pan in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd. Cook for 1–2 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. The internal temperature should reach 120°F for perfectly cooked shrimp.

Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside—they will finish cooking later when added back to the sauce.

Step 5 — Sauté Garlic and Aromatics

In the same skillet, add more butter if needed, then toss in the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

If using white wine, pour it in now to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.

Step 6 — Create the Scampi Sauce

Add lemon juice and chicken or seafood broth to the skillet. Let the sauce simmer for 2–3 minutes until it slightly reduces. Stir in the remaining butter until melted and creamy.

Step 7 — Combine Shrimp and Sauce

Return the cooked shrimp to the pan, tossing to coat evenly in the scampi sauce. Let everything heat through for about 1 minute.

Step 8 — Finish with Herbs and Serve

Turn off the heat and stir in freshly chopped parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed.

Serve your Shrimp Scampi immediately over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Nutritional Information

Calories	385
Protein	24g
Carbohydrates	32g
Fat	18g
Fiber	2g
Sodium	890mg

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.

Healthier Alternatives

• Chicken or Tofu — Swap shrimp for lean chicken breast or firm tofu to vary the protein while keeping the dish satisfying.
• Zucchini Noodles — Replace traditional pasta with zucchini noodles for a low-carb, gluten-free option that absorbs the garlic butter sauce beautifully.
• Spaghetti Squash — Use roasted spaghetti squash strands as a nutritious, gluten-free base that pairs wonderfully with the scampi flavors.
• Dairy-Free Butter — Substitute regular butter with olive oil or a plant-based butter alternative to create a rich, dairy-free Shrimp Scampi.
• Whole Wheat or Chickpea Pasta — Opt for whole wheat or chickpea pasta to add fiber and protein while keeping the meal gluten-free if needed.
• Low-Sodium Broth — Use low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth instead of wine or full-salt stock to control sodium without sacrificing depth.
• Nutritional Yeast — Sprinkle nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan for a cheesy, dairy-free finish that adds B vitamins.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve your Shrimp Scampi over a bed of linguine or angel hair pasta to soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce.
• For a low-carb option, pair this Shrimp Scampi with zucchini noodles or steamed broccoli.
• Turn it into a surf-and-turf meal by adding grilled steak or chicken alongside the shrimp.
• Elevate your plating by garnishing with freshly chopped parsley and a lemon wedge for a bright, colorful finish.
• Perfect for a romantic dinner or a quick weeknight meal, this classic dish is both elegant and easy.
• Serve with a side of crusty bread or a crisp Caesar salad to complete the Italian-inspired experience.

This Shrimp Scampi recipe is incredibly versatile, making it suitable for both casual family dinners and more formal entertaining occasions.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using pre-cooked or frozen shrimp with excess moisture. Fix: Pat fresh or thawed shrimp completely dry with paper towels to ensure proper searing.
• Mistake: Overcooking the shrimp until they become rubbery. Fix: Cook shrimp just until they turn pink and opaque, which typically takes 2-3 minutes per side.
• Mistake: Adding garlic too early, causing it to burn and turn bitter. Fix: Sauté garlic for only 30-60 seconds in warm oil before adding liquid ingredients.
• Mistake: Skipping the pasta water when making the sauce. Fix: Reserve ½ cup of starchy pasta water to help emulsify and thicken your scampi sauce beautifully.
• Mistake: Using low-fat butter substitutes that don’t emulsify properly. Fix: Stick with real, unsalted butter for the classic rich, silky texture that defines Shrimp Scampi.
• Mistake: Crowding the pan when searing shrimp, which steams them. Fix: Cook shrimp in a single layer with space between them to achieve that perfect caramelized crust.
• Mistake: Neglecting to season the shrimp before cooking. Fix: Lightly salt and pepper shrimp just before they hit the pan to enhance their natural sweetness.
• Mistake: Over-reducing the sauce until it becomes overly salty. Fix: Taste and adjust seasoning after the sauce has reduced to your desired consistency.
• Mistake: Using wine that you wouldn’t drink. Fix: Choose a dry white wine you enjoy, as its flavor concentrates and becomes the backbone of your scampi sauce.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Cool your Shrimp Scampi quickly and store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Freeze in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag for up to 2 months.
• Reheat: Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Always refrigerate or freeze your Shrimp Scampi within 2 hours of cooking to ensure food safety.

Conclusion

This Shrimp Scampi recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort. The combination of garlic, butter, and lemon creates a bright, savory sauce that perfectly coats the shrimp. Try this dish for an impressive yet simple meal, and share your results in the comments below! For another seafood favorite, consider this Recipe Title: Seafood Chowder.

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FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for Shrimp Scampi?

Yes, frozen shrimp work perfectly for Shrimp Scampi. Just thaw them completely in the refrigerator first and pat them dry to avoid excess water in the pan. This ensures your Shrimp Scampi has the best texture and flavor.

What can I substitute for white wine in Shrimp Scampi?

You can replace white wine with chicken or vegetable broth, or even a squeeze of fresh lemon juice mixed with a little water. This substitution still gives your Shrimp Scampi a bright, acidic note without alcohol.

How do I prevent the shrimp from becoming rubbery?

To keep shrimp tender, cook them just until they turn pink and opaque, which usually takes 2-3 minutes per side. Overcooking is the main cause of rubbery shrimp in Shrimp Scampi, so watch them closely during cooking.