Shrimp Scampi Recipe

This Shrimp Scampi is a classic, restaurant-quality dish made with juicy shrimp sautéed in a buttery garlic sauce, brightened with lemon juice and finished with fresh parsley. It’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Serve it over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread for soaking up every last drop of the luscious sauce.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy – Ready in just 20 minutes with simple ingredients.
• Restaurant-quality at home – A flavorful and elegant dish without the hefty price tag.
• Versatile – Serve over pasta, rice, or as a low-carb option with zucchini noodles.
• Light and refreshing – A buttery garlic sauce with a hint of lemon brightens every bite.
• Perfect for entertaining – A crowd-pleaser that feels fancy but requires minimal effort.

Ingredients

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

• 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails on or off)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves (minced)
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• ¼ cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (plus extra lemon wedges for serving)
• Salt and black pepper (to taste)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
• Optional: grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)

Directions

1. Prepare the shrimp:
   • Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season with salt and black pepper.
2. Sauté the shrimp:
   • In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
   • Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1–2 minutes per side, until pink and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. Make the garlic butter sauce:
   • Add the remaining butter to the same skillet.
   • Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Deglaze with wine:
   • Pour in the white wine (or chicken broth) and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes, allowing the alcohol to cook off and the sauce to reduce slightly.
5. Finish the dish:
   • Stir in lemon juice and return the cooked shrimp to the skillet.
   • Toss the shrimp in the sauce until heated through, about 1–2 minutes.
6. Garnish and serve:
   • Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley.
   • Serve immediately over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread for dipping.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4 servings
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes

Variations

• Lemon Herb Shrimp Scampi: Add fresh thyme or basil for a herby twist.
• Spicy Scampi: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
• Zoodle Shrimp Scampi: Serve over zucchini noodles for a low-carb, keto-friendly option.
• Creamy Scampi: Stir in ¼ cup of heavy cream for a rich, creamy sauce.
• Garlic Butter Scampi Pasta: Toss with cooked linguine, spaghetti, or fettuccine for a filling meal.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Freezing: Not recommended, as shrimp can become rubbery after thawing.
• Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat until just heated through. Avoid overcooking the shrimp to maintain tenderness.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture in the pan.

What’s the best wine for shrimp scampi?

A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or Chardonnay works best. If you don’t have wine, chicken broth is a good substitute.

Can I make shrimp scampi dairy-free?

Yes, replace butter with a dairy-free alternative like vegan butter or additional olive oil.

How do I keep the shrimp from overcooking?

Cook the shrimp just until they turn pink and start to curl—this usually takes 1–2 minutes per side.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Yes, asparagus, spinach, or cherry tomatoes pair well with shrimp scampi and can be sautéed along with the shrimp.

What pasta works best with shrimp scampi?

Linguine, spaghetti, or angel hair pasta are great choices for absorbing the sauce.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, just serve over gluten-free pasta or rice. Ensure your broth and other seasonings are gluten-free as well.

Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?

Yes, but reduce the cooking time and toss them in the sauce just long enough to warm through.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

It’s best served fresh, but you can prep the ingredients in advance and cook just before serving.

How do I thicken the scampi sauce?

If you prefer a thicker sauce, stir in a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with a tablespoon of water toward the end of cooking.

Conclusion

This Shrimp Scampi is a fast, easy, and flavorful dish that brings restaurant-quality taste to your home kitchen. With juicy shrimp, rich garlic butter, and a hint of lemon, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Whether served over pasta, rice, or on its own with crusty bread, this classic recipe is sure to become a favorite!

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