Recipe for Shrimp Scampi

Shrimp scampi is one of those dishes that looks and tastes fancy but comes together in 20 minutes or less. Tender shrimp sautéed in a buttery, garlicky white wine sauce with a splash of lemon… it’s a classic that’s perfect for date night, weeknight dinners, or impressing guests with minimal effort!

Serve it over angel hair pasta, linguine, or with crusty bread to soak up every drop of that golden sauce. This recipe is simple, elegant, and completely irresistible.

🛒 What You’ll Need

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off)
• 8 oz linguine or angel hair pasta
• 3 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)
• ½ cup dry white wine (like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc) or chicken broth
• Juice of ½ lemon
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• Optional: Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

👩‍🍳 Pro Tips for the Best Shrimp Scampi

1. Use fresh or thawed shrimp and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture.
2. Don’t overcook the shrimp—2–3 minutes per side is all you need!
3. No wine? Chicken broth with a splash of lemon juice is a great substitute.
4. Want it creamier? Add a splash of heavy cream or a bit of Parmesan at the end.
5. Serve immediately while the sauce is glossy and the shrimp are tender.

🔄 Substitutions & Variations

• Gluten-free? Use gluten-free pasta or serve over spiralized zucchini noodles
• Low-carb? Serve with steamed cauliflower rice or sautéed spinach
• Extra indulgent? Stir in 2 tbsp of cream or finish with a pat of butter
• Add cherry tomatoes or spinach for a veggie boost

🔪 Tools You’ll Need

• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Pot for boiling pasta
• Tongs or slotted spoon
• Zester and citrus juicer
• Measuring cups & spoons

🔥 How to Make Shrimp Scampi

1️⃣ Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook pasta until al dente. Reserve ¼ cup pasta water, then drain.

2️⃣ Sauté the Shrimp

1. In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp butter + 1 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Season shrimp with salt and pepper.
3. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook 2 minutes per side or until pink and opaque.
4. Remove and set aside.

3️⃣ Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

1. In the same skillet, add remaining butter and oil.
2. Sauté garlic and red pepper flakes for 30 seconds.
3. Pour in white wine and let simmer 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly.
4. Stir in lemon juice and zest.

4️⃣ Finish the Dish

1. Return shrimp to the pan. Toss in drained pasta and a splash of pasta water if needed.
2. Sprinkle with parsley, adjust seasoning to taste.
3. Serve hot with lemon wedges and optional Parmesan on top.

🧊 Leftovers & Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water—don’t microwave too long or shrimp will get rubbery!

🍋 Elegant Meets Easy

Shrimp scampi is bright, buttery, and packed with flavor, yet simple enough to whip up on a weeknight. Pair it with a glass of white wine, a side salad, and crusty bread, and you’ve got a meal that’s straight-up restaurant-worthy.

Tried it? Leave a comment and let me know how you served it or what twist you added! 🍷🦐