Shrimp Scampi Recipe

What You’ll Love About This Recipe

This shrimp scampi recipe is quick, easy, and packed with flavor, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special dinners. You’ll love how simple it is to whip up a restaurant-quality meal at home.

• Bold, garlicky flavor that’s rich but not overpowering, thanks to fresh herbs and a splash of lemon.
• Ready in under 20 minutes, so you can spend less time cooking and more time enjoying.
• Versatile and customizable—serve it over pasta, with crusty bread, or even as a tasty appetizer.

Recipe

Shrimp scampi is a classic Italian-American dish that combines succulent shrimp with a rich, garlicky butter sauce, often served over pasta or with crusty bread. This recipe is quick to prepare, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Ingredients:

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

Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. Add the shrimp to the skillet, seasoning with salt and black pepper. Cook until the shrimp turn pink and are just cooked through, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the shrimp and set aside.
4. Pour the white wine and lemon juice into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly reduced.
5. Return the shrimp to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce. Add the cooked pasta and parsley, tossing everything together until well combined.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes:

• For a richer flavor, use shrimp with the shells on and peel them just before cooking.
• Substitute chicken broth for white wine if preferred.
• Add a splash of heavy cream for a creamier sauce.

Time:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Serving: 4

Nutrition

Shrimp scampi is a flavorful dish that combines shrimp with garlic, butter, and lemon. Here’s a breakdown of its nutritional content per serving:

What To Serve With It

I love pairing shrimp scampi with pasta, like linguine or angel hair, because it soaks up the garlicky butter sauce perfectly. For a lighter option, I’ll add roasted asparagus or a crisp green salad to balance the richness. It’s a simple way to make the meal feel complete without much extra effort.

Pasta Pairings

While shrimp scampi’s rich, garlicky flavors shine on their own, pairing it with the right pasta can turn a simple dish into something special. I love using long, thin pasta shapes like linguine or spaghetti—they hold the sauce variations beautifully. For a twist, try fettuccine or angel hair; their textures complement the buttery, lemony sauce perfectly. Experimenting with pasta makes each bite feel like a new adventure!

Vegetable Sides

A great plate of shrimp scampi isn’t complete without something fresh and crisp on the side. I love pairing it with grilled asparagus, which adds a smoky, tender bite that balances the dish perfectly. Roasted Brussels sprouts are another favorite—their caramelized edges and slight crunch make them irresistible. These veggies not only brighten the meal but also make it feel more wholesome and satisfying.