If you are craving a dish that perfectly balances bright citrus, rich butter, and savory garlic with tender, juicy shrimp, this Shrimp Scampi Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a timeless pasta classic that comes together quickly but tastes like something you’d find in a cozy, upscale Italian bistro. The luscious sauce clings to every strand of pasta, while the hint of red pepper flakes adds just the right touch of warmth. Once you try this recipe, it might just become your go-to meal when you want something impressive yet effortless to prepare.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Shrimp Scampi Recipe relies on simple, fresh ingredients that work in harmony to create layers of flavor and an irresistible texture. Each component plays a special role – from the perfectly cooked pasta to the garlic and butter sauce that ties everything together.
- 16 ounces dry spaghetti: Choose spaghetti, linguine, or angel hair to soak up all that flavorful sauce beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds a fruity richness and helps sear the shrimp to golden perfection.
- 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined: The star ingredient offering sweet, tender bites.
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter: Creates a velvety sauce that complements the garlic and shrimp perfectly.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Provides a pungent, aromatic foundation that elevates the dish.
- â…“ cup white wine: Adds acidity and depth, brightening the sauce with subtle complexity.
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested: Brings fresh citrus brightness that wakes up every bite.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes: Adds a gentle kick that balances the buttery richness.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley: Fresh herbs brighten the dish and add a lovely pop of color.
How to Make Shrimp Scampi Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente, making sure it still has just a bit of bite to it. Don’t forget to scoop out and save half a cup of the starchy pasta water before draining — this miracle liquid will help marry the sauce to the pasta for that perfect silky finish.
Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp
Heat olive oil in a large high-sided skillet over medium heat. While it warms up, pat your shrimp dry with paper towels and lightly season with kosher salt. Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer and sear for about two minutes, until they develop a lovely golden crust on one side. Flip them and cook for an additional minute to ensure they’re just cooked through but still juicy and tender.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
With the shrimp nestled back in the skillet, add the butter and minced garlic. Stir gently until the butter melts and the garlic becomes fragrant — this careful timing ensures the garlic is mellow and aromatic rather than sharp or burnt.
Step 4: Add Wine, Lemon, and Spice
Pour in the white wine alongside the fresh lemon juice and zest, then sprinkle in the salt and red pepper flakes. Let the sauce come to a gentle simmer, allowing the alcohol to cook off and the flavors to meld beautifully into one harmonious sauce.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Now, add your drained pasta back into the skillet. Toss everything together to coat each strand with the glorious scampi sauce. If it feels a bit dry, add a splash of that reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce — it’s the secret to creating a perfectly silky texture that clings lovingly to the shrimp and pasta.
Step 6: Finish with Fresh Parsley
Once everything is well combined and just about ready to serve, remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle over the fresh parsley. This final touch adds a burst of color and a fresh herbal note that makes the dish feel vibrant and complete.
How to Serve Shrimp Scampi Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley sprinkled on top not only brightens the plate but adds an herbal freshness that balances the richness of the dish. For an extra zing, a few thin lemon slices or a light dusting of grated Parmesan can also elevate your serving.
Side Dishes
This Shrimp Scampi Recipe pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette or some garlic butter-roasted vegetables. A crusty baguette is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce, making every forkful that much more indulgent.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your shrimp scampi over zucchini noodles or creamy polenta instead of pasta. You can also try plating it in individual small cast iron skillets for that rustic charm that’s sure to impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover shrimp scampi can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Keep in mind the shrimp might become firmer upon chilling, but the flavors will remain just as delicious.
Freezing
Freezing shrimp scampi is generally not recommended as the texture of cooked shrimp tends to change and can become rubbery when thawed. If you must, freeze only the pasta and sauce (without shrimp) separately and add freshly cooked shrimp when reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Avoid overheating to keep the shrimp tender and the pasta from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this Shrimp Scampi Recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to fully thaw and pat them dry before cooking to prevent excess water from diluting the sauce and to ensure even searing.
What type of white wine works best in shrimp scampi?
Choose a dry white wine like Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, or Chardonnay. These add a nice acidity and depth without overwhelming the dish.
Can I make this Shrimp Scampi Recipe gluten-free?
Definitely! Simply swap out the pasta for your favorite gluten-free noodles or even spiralized vegetables like zucchini for a lighter version.
Is it okay to omit the wine?
If you prefer to skip the wine, substitute with extra lemon juice or a splash of chicken broth; the flavor will still be bright and balanced.
How spicy is this recipe with red pepper flakes?
The half teaspoon of red pepper flakes offers a mild, gentle heat that enhances the dish without overpowering the other flavors. You can always adjust the amount to suit your spice tolerance.
Final Thoughts
This Shrimp Scampi Recipe is one of those dishes that feels luxurious yet comes together in a flash, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. The combination of buttery sauce, bright lemon, and tender shrimp is irresistible and often convinces even picky eaters to fall in love with seafood. I truly hope you enjoy making and sharing this delicious recipe as much as I do!
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Shrimp Scampi Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This classic Shrimp Scampi recipe features succulent shrimp sautéed in a flavorful garlic butter and white wine sauce, tossed with perfectly cooked spaghetti. Quick and easy to prepare, it’s a delightful dish bursting with bright lemon zest, a hint of spice from red pepper flakes, and fresh parsley for garnish—perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 16 ounces dry spaghetti (or linguine, angel hair, or any long-shaped pasta)
Shrimp and Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound medium shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails on or off)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (⅜ stick)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- â…“ cup white wine
- 1 lemon (juiced and zested)
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (plus more for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve ½ cup of the starchy pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Heat Olive Oil: In a large high-sided skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil until shimmering, ready for cooking the shrimp.
- Cook the Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel and lightly season with kosher salt. Add the shrimp to the skillet and sear for 2 minutes on the first side until lightly browned. Flip and cook for an additional 1 minute on the other side until just cooked through.
- Add Butter and Garlic: To the skillet, add the butter and minced garlic. Stir continuously until the butter is fully melted and fragrant, infusing the sauce with garlicky flavor.
- Add Wine and Lemon: Pour in the white wine along with the lemon juice, lemon zest, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, and red pepper flakes. Bring the mixture to a simmer to allow the flavors to meld and to slightly reduce the sauce.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss well to combine with the shrimp and sauce. If the sauce feels too dry or thick, add splashes of the reserved pasta water to loosen it and help coat the pasta beautifully.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the fresh parsley and garnish with additional parsley before serving immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Using freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest brightens the dish and enhances the seafood flavor.
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency as needed for a silky texture.
- You can substitute shrimp with scallops or chicken if preferred.
- Choose a dry white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio for cooking and pairing.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the shrimp at their freshest and the pasta perfectly coated.
