Shrimp Scampi
Looking for a quick, flavorful dinner that feels like a fancy treat? My Shrimp Scampi recipe is just the thing! 🍤✨ This dish features juicy shrimp tossed in a buttery, garlicky sauce with a touch of lemon, white wine (or broth for a non-alcoholic version), and fresh parsley. It’s a one-pan wonder that’s ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests with minimal effort. Plus, my kids love the combination of shrimp and pasta, so it’s a hit in our house every time!
If you’ve ever had Shrimp Scampi at a restaurant, you know how delicious it can be. The best part? You can make it at home and get the same incredible flavor, but without the long wait.
Why You’ll Love Shrimp Scampi
Shrimp Scampi is one of those dishes that’s simple yet packed with bold flavors! The shrimp are cooked to perfection, tender and succulent, while the buttery sauce coats the pasta and gives every bite a burst of garlicky goodness. Whether you serve it over pasta, rice, or even zucchini noodles, it’s the perfect dish to bring some restaurant-style magic into your kitchen. Plus, it’s super quick to prepare, making it a go-to recipe for busy days.
What You’ll Need to Make Shrimp Scampi
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 8 oz linguine or spaghetti (or any pasta you like)
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
How to Make Shrimp Scampi
- Cook the pasta: Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1 cup of pasta water.
- Cook the shrimp: While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.
- Make the sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Add the red pepper flakes (if using), white wine (or chicken broth), and lemon juice. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly reduced.
- Combine and serve: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little bit of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. Stir in the cooked shrimp, lemon zest, and fresh parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Serve your Shrimp Scampi with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, if you like, and a wedge of lemon on the side. Enjoy!
More Relative Recipes:
- Pineapple Lemonade
- Deliciously Cheesy Baked Pizza Spaghetti
- Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies
- Butternut Squash Sausage Tortellini Soup
- Jalapeño Popper Cheese Ball
Fun Variations
You can switch up the flavors in this dish by adding extra ingredients. Try tossing in some roasted cherry tomatoes for a burst of sweetness, or some spinach for a fresh, green touch. For a richer flavor, add a splash of heavy cream to the sauce, or if you love a bit of spice, throw in some freshly chopped chili peppers!
How to Make It Healthier
To lighten up this recipe, swap the butter for olive oil, or use a bit of low-fat cream in place of some of the butter. You can also replace the pasta with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for a lower-carb version. If you’re looking to cut down on sodium, use a low-sodium broth and be mindful of the salt you add.
Ideal for Quick Dinners or Special Occasions
Shrimp Scampi is perfect for when you want a delicious meal without spending too much time in the kitchen. It’s great for date nights, family dinners, or even entertaining guests with minimal effort. This dish has all the flavors of a gourmet dinner, but it’s so simple and quick to make!
FAQs
- Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp work just fine! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking to ensure they sear nicely. - Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just swap the regular pasta for gluten-free pasta, and you’re all set. There are lots of great gluten-free pasta options available. - What can I serve with Shrimp Scampi?
Shrimp Scampi pairs perfectly with a side of garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad. You can even serve it with a side of rice for a heartier meal! - Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Shrimp Scampi is best served fresh, as the shrimp can become tough if reheated. However, you can cook the shrimp and make the sauce ahead of time, then just toss everything together when you’re ready to eat. - Can I use something other than shrimp?
Yes! You can easily swap shrimp for scallops, chicken, or even a combination of vegetables like mushrooms and bell peppers for a vegetarian version.
Shrimp Scampi
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined
- 8 oz linguine or spaghetti or any pasta you like
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- 1/2 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving optional
Instructions
- Cook the pasta:
- Boil salted water and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, keeping 1 cup of pasta water.
- Cook the shrimp:
- While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp and set aside.
- Make the sauce:
- In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and sauté garlic for 1-2 minutes until fragrant (don’t burn it!). Add red pepper flakes (if using), wine (or broth), and lemon juice. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce.
- Combine and serve:
- Add the pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. If it’s too thick, add reserved pasta water. Stir in shrimp, lemon zest, and parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve:
- Serve with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and a lemon wedge on the side. Enjoy!
Notes
- Shrimp Scampi is best served fresh, as reheating can make the shrimp tough.
- You can prep the shrimp and sauce ahead of time, then just combine when you’re ready to eat.
