Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Shrimp Scampi is the perfect balance of fresh, tender shrimp, savory garlic, and a rich buttery sauce. The pasta soaks up all the delicious flavors, making it a satisfying and indulgent dish. It’s quick to prepare, making it ideal for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The best part? It’s made with ingredients that are easy to find and doesn’t require much prep work, meaning you can enjoy a luxurious meal with minimal effort.

Ingredients

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
8 oz linguine or spaghetti
3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons olive oil
5 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
1/2 cup dry white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc)
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the linguine or spaghetti according to the package instructions, until al dente. Drain, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.
Cook the shrimp: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1-2 minutes on each side, until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
Make the sauce: In the same skillet, add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Add the crushed red pepper flakes (if using), wine, and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce slightly.
Combine: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, and add the cooked pasta along with the lemon juice and fresh parsley. Toss everything together, adding a little reserved pasta water if needed to help the sauce coat the pasta. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve: Plate the shrimp scampi and garnish with additional parsley and lemon wedges if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

Spicy Shrimp Scampi: Add more crushed red pepper flakes to turn up the heat. You can also include a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra spice.
Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi: For a richer flavor, increase the amount of butter in the sauce. You can also add a bit of heavy cream to make the sauce creamy.
Vegetarian Scampi: Swap the shrimp for mushrooms, zucchini, or other vegetables for a plant-based version.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish suitable for gluten-sensitive eaters.
Parmesan Shrimp Scampi: Top with freshly grated Parmesan for a cheesy twist.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover shrimp scampi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce. You can also reheat in the microwave, but be sure to do so in short intervals, stirring in between, to prevent overcooking the shrimp.

FAQs

How do I know when the shrimp are cooked?

Shrimp cook quickly and are done when they turn pink and opaque. Overcooking them will make them tough, so watch them carefully while cooking.

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking, and pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.

What pasta is best for shrimp scampi?

Linguine and spaghetti are both great choices for shrimp scampi, but you can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as fettuccine or angel hair.

Can I make shrimp scampi ahead of time?

Shrimp scampi is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the sauce and cook the shrimp ahead of time. Simply combine the pasta and shrimp when ready to serve.

What type of wine is best for shrimp scampi?

A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or Chardonnay works well in this dish. The wine adds a bit of acidity and complexity to the sauce.

How do I make the sauce richer?

To make the sauce richer, you can add extra butter or a bit of heavy cream. This will create a creamy, luxurious texture.

Can I add vegetables to shrimp scampi?

Yes, you can add vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes to the dish. Sauté the vegetables in the skillet before adding the garlic and shrimp.

How do I prevent the shrimp from being rubbery?

Make sure not to overcook the shrimp. They should only be cooked for about 1-2 minutes per side. Once they’re pink and opaque, they’re ready to be removed from the heat.

Can I use other types of seafood in this dish?

Yes, you can substitute shrimp with other seafood such as scallops, lobster tails, or even fish fillets. Just be mindful of the cooking times, as different seafood items cook at different rates.

Can I make shrimp scampi without wine?

Yes, if you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute with extra chicken broth or vegetable broth. The wine adds depth to the flavor, but the dish will still be delicious without it.

Conclusion

Shrimp Scampi is a delicious and quick meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With its bold garlic flavor, buttery sauce, and tender shrimp, this dish is sure to impress. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a special celebration, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s simple to prepare and bursting with flavor.

Shrimp Scampi

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Shrimp Scampi is a quick, flavorful dish that combines succulent shrimp with a rich, buttery garlic sauce, served over pasta. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, offering a restaurant-quality meal in under 30 minutes. The blend of garlic, lemon, and white wine creates a vibrant sauce that makes this dish a family favorite.

Author: Laura
Prep Time: 10min
Cook Time: 15min
Total Time: 25min
Yield: 4servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Sautéing
Cuisine: Italian
Diet: Gluten Free

Instructions

Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the linguine or spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
Cook the shrimp: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1-2 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp and set aside.
Make the sauce: In the same skillet, add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the crushed red pepper flakes (if using), wine, and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes to reduce slightly.
Combine: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, then add the cooked pasta, lemon juice, and fresh parsley. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water to help coat the pasta in the sauce.
Serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Plate the shrimp scampi and garnish with additional parsley and lemon wedges. Serve immediately.

Notes

Variations: Add more heat by increasing the red pepper flakes or adding cayenne pepper. For a richer sauce, increase the butter or add heavy cream. For a vegetarian version, substitute the shrimp with mushrooms or zucchini.
Storage/Reheating: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water. You can also microwave in short intervals, stirring between each.
Freezing: While not ideal for freezing due to the pasta and shrimp, the sauce can be frozen for up to 1 month.