Garlic Tomato Shrimp Scampi

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This shrimp scampi variation packs bold flavor with minimal effort. The sweet acidity of tomatoes complements the garlicky shrimp, while a splash of white wine adds depth. It comes together in under 30 minutes and feels fancy without the fuss. Whether you’re craving something cozy or hosting friends, this dish is versatile, satisfying, and restaurant-quality at home.

Ingredients

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

large shrimp, peeled and deveined
olive oil
unsalted butter
garlic, minced
cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
dry white wine (such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)
red pepper flakes (optional)
salt
black pepper
lemon juice
fresh parsley, chopped
pasta (linguine or spaghetti), optional
grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)

Directions

1. If serving with pasta, cook according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat.
3. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Stir in halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 4–5 minutes until they begin to soften and release their juices.
5. Pour in white wine and bring to a simmer. Let it reduce slightly, about 3 minutes.
6. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
7. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
8. Squeeze in fresh lemon juice and stir in chopped parsley.
9. Toss with cooked pasta if using, or serve the shrimp and sauce over crusty bread or rice.
10. Garnish with extra parsley and Parmesan, if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Creamy version: Add a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese after the wine reduces.
• Spicy scampi: Use extra red pepper flakes or a diced chili for added heat.
• No wine: Substitute with chicken broth and a bit of lemon juice.
• Add spinach or arugula: Stir in leafy greens at the end for added color and nutrition.
• Zoodle option: Serve over zucchini noodles for a low-carb twist.
• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta or serve over rice or quinoa.
• Use canned tomatoes: If fresh tomatoes aren’t available, use diced canned tomatoes (drained).
• Pesto finish: Stir in a spoonful of basil pesto for a flavor boost.
• Add olives or capers: For a Mediterranean twist, mix in chopped olives or a few capers.
• Surf & turf: Serve with seared steak slices for a deluxe combo.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat until heated through. Avoid microwaving for long periods, as shrimp can become rubbery. Add a splash of water, broth, or olive oil to loosen the sauce as needed.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking.

What’s the best pasta for this dish?

Linguine, spaghetti, or angel hair work well. Any pasta that holds sauce will do.

Can I make this without tomatoes?

Yes, for a more traditional scampi, skip the tomatoes and increase the lemon juice and garlic.

Do I have to use wine?

No. Chicken or seafood broth with a squeeze of lemon juice is a great alternative.

Is this dish very garlicky?

It’s garlicky in a flavorful way, but you can reduce the garlic if preferred.

Can I make it ahead?

It’s best served fresh, but you can prep the ingredients ahead to speed up cooking.

What kind of wine should I use?

Dry white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio are best. Avoid sweet or oaky wines.

Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?

Yes, but add them at the very end to warm through. Don’t overcook or they’ll become tough.

How do I prevent the shrimp from overcooking?

Cook them just until they turn pink and opaque—usually 2–3 minutes per side.

What sides pair well with shrimp scampi?

A green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables all make great accompaniments.

Conclusion

Garlic Tomato Shrimp Scampi is an easy yet elegant dish that brings bold flavor and vibrant color to your table. The combination of garlicky shrimp, juicy tomatoes, and a splash of wine creates a light, satisfying sauce that’s perfect for pasta or crusty bread. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating yourself to a special meal, this recipe delivers every time.

Garlic Tomato Shrimp Scampi

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Garlic Tomato Shrimp Scampi is a flavorful twist on the classic dish, featuring juicy shrimp sautéed in garlic and simmered in a light tomato-wine sauce. It’s quick, elegant, and perfect served over pasta or crusty bread.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
• Diet: Low Lactose

Ingredients

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1.5 cups cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
• 1/3 cup dry white wine (Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 8 oz linguine or spaghetti, cooked (optional)
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)

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Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions if using. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat.
3. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 4–5 minutes until softened and juicy.
5. Pour in white wine and bring to a simmer. Let reduce slightly for about 3 minutes.
6. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
7. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
8. Stir in lemon juice and chopped parsley.
9. Toss with cooked pasta or serve over crusty bread or rice.
10. Garnish with extra parsley and Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Notes

• Use canned diced tomatoes if fresh are unavailable.
• For a creamy version, add a splash of cream after wine reduces.
• Substitute wine with broth and extra lemon juice for an alcohol-free version.
• Serve over pasta, rice, bread, or zoodles for variety.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 390
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 720mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 175mg