Have you ever craved a restaurant-quality seafood dish that you could actually whip up at home in 20 minutes? This shrimp scampi recipe is one of my absolute go-to dinners when I need something fast, flavorful, and a little fancy. It’s got everything you want—tender shrimp, a garlicky lemon-butter sauce, and a splash of white wine for that irresistible depth.
You can serve this over pasta like angel hair, spoon it onto toasted crusty bread, or enjoy it with a crisp green salad. The ingredients are simple, and you likely already have most of them on hand. In this post, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make the best shrimp scampi—ingredients, expert tips, step-by-step instructions, variations, and how to store leftovers.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in 20 Minutes: Perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute guests.
- Big Flavor, Minimal Ingredients: Garlic butter, lemon juice, and white wine do the heavy lifting.
- Restaurant-Quality at Home: Elegant but easy enough for any home cook.
- Versatile: Serve it over pasta, rice, or crusty bread.
- Naturally Low-Carb: Keto-friendly and gluten-free (without pasta).
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this mouthwatering shrimp scampi recipe:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1/3 cup dry white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc)
- Juice of 1 fresh lemon (about 2 tbsp)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
To Serve:
- Cooked angel hair pasta, rice, or toasted crusty bread
- Lemon wedges, for garnish
- Grated parmesan (optional)
Tip: Make sure your shrimp are thawed and patted dry to avoid watery sauce.
Ingredient Substitutions
Here are some quick swaps you can make if you’re missing an ingredient or want to personalize your dish:
- White Wine: Substitute with chicken broth or seafood stock if avoiding alcohol.
- Butter: Use all olive oil for a dairy-free version.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Leave them out if you’re sensitive to spice, or add more for extra heat.
- Lemon Juice: Fresh is best, but bottled can work in a pinch. You can also try a splash of lime.
- Pasta Options: Swap angel hair for linguine, spaghetti, or even zucchini noodles.
How to Make Shrimp Scampi Recipe
This recipe comes together quickly, so have everything prepped and ready before you start.
- Prep the Pasta (if using): Start by cooking your angel hair pasta in salted boiling water according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 30 seconds to 1 minute, just until fragrant—don’t let it brown!
- Cook Shrimp: Add shrimp in a single layer. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side until shrimp turn pink and are cooked through.
- Deglaze with Wine: Pour in white wine and lemon juice. Let simmer for 1–2 minutes to reduce slightly and let the flavors marry.
- Finish with Fresh Herbs: Stir in chopped parsley and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve: Toss with cooked pasta or spoon over toasted bread. Garnish with extra lemon juice and parmesan if desired.
Equipment Needed: Large skillet, tongs, garlic press or knife, citrus juicer, pasta pot (if serving with pasta).
Expert Tips for Success
- Don’t Overcook Shrimp: Shrimp cook fast—remove them from heat once they’re opaque and pink.
- Use High-Quality Wine: If you wouldn’t drink it, don’t cook with it.
- Layer Flavors: Sauté garlic gently and finish with fresh herbs and citrus for balance.
- Use Fresh Lemon Juice: Bottled just doesn’t have the same zing.
- Prep Ahead: Have your garlic minced and shrimp ready before you turn on the heat.
Variations & Add-Ons
Looking to customize your shrimp scampi? Here are some great ways to switch things up:
- Creamy Shrimp Scampi: Add 1/4 cup of heavy cream after the wine for a richer sauce.
- Shrimp Scampi with Veggies: Toss in baby spinach, halved cherry tomatoes, or steamed broccoli.
- Gluten-Free: Serve with gluten-free pasta or over cauliflower rice.
- Spicy Kick: Use extra red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the garlic butter.
Serving Suggestions
Shrimp scampi is incredibly versatile. Here are a few tasty pairings:
- With Pasta: Toss with angel hair or linguine and sprinkle with parmesan.
- With Bread: Serve over toasted baguette slices for a shrimp scampi bruschetta.
- With Salad: Pair with a crisp Caesar or arugula salad for a light dinner.
- With Wine: A glass of chilled white wine like Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay pairs beautifully.
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Not recommended as shrimp can become rubbery after freezing.
Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or water. Avoid microwaving, which can overcook the shrimp.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 330
- Protein: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fat: 22g
- Sugar: 1g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 410mg
(Values are estimates and depend on serving method and portion size.)
Prep, Cook, and Total Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make shrimp scampi without wine?
Yes! You can substitute the white wine with chicken broth or seafood stock.
What kind of shrimp should I use?
Use large, raw shrimp that are peeled and deveined. Fresh or frozen both work well.
Can I make shrimp scampi with frozen shrimp?
Absolutely. Just make sure to thaw and pat them dry before cooking.
How do I know when shrimp are done?
Shrimp are done when they turn pink and opaque. It only takes 2–3 minutes per side.
Is shrimp scampi healthy?
Yes! It’s high in protein, low in carbs, and can be made lighter with less butter or oil.
Conclusion
This shrimp scampi recipe is your ticket to an easy, elegant dinner that’s full of garlicky, lemony flavor. Whether you’re impressing guests or just treating yourself midweek, it’s the kind of meal that feels special without requiring hours in the kitchen.
Try it tonight, and let me know how it goes! And if you add your own twist—like extra spice or a side of crusty bread—drop it in the comments. Happy cooking!
Shrimp Scampi Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Prep the Pasta (if using): Start by cooking your angel hair pasta in salted boiling water according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 30 seconds to 1 minute, just until fragrant—don’t let it brown!
- Cook Shrimp: Add shrimp in a single layer. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side until shrimp turn pink and are cooked through.
- Deglaze with Wine: Pour in white wine and lemon juice. Let simmer for 1–2 minutes to reduce slightly and let the flavors marry.
- Finish with Fresh Herbs: Stir in chopped parsley and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve: Toss with cooked pasta or spoon over toasted bread. Garnish with extra lemon juice and parmesan if desired.
Notes
- Don’t Overcook Shrimp: Shrimp cook fast—remove them from heat once they’re opaque and pink.
- Use High-Quality Wine: If you wouldn’t drink it, don’t cook with it.
- Layer Flavors: Sauté garlic gently and finish with fresh herbs and citrus for balance.
- Use Fresh Lemon Juice: Bottled just doesn’t have the same zing.
- Prep Ahead: Have your garlic minced and shrimp ready before you turn on the heat.
