🍤 Shrimp Scampi
Bright, buttery, garlicky, and incredibly easy to make, this classic Shrimp Scampi is the perfect quick dinner for seafood lovers. Juicy shrimp are sautéed in a rich garlic butter sauce with fresh lemon juice, herbs, and tender pasta for a restaurant-style meal you can make at home.
Ready in about 25 minutes, this easy shrimp scampi recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or a cozy meal when you’re craving something flavorful without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Shrimp Scampi
- 🍤 Juicy, tender shrimp
- 🧄 Plenty of fresh garlic
- 🧈 Rich buttery sauce
- 🍋 Bright lemon flavor
- 🍝 Perfect with pasta
- ⏰ Ready in about 25 minutes
- 🍳 Easy one-skillet shrimp
- 🌿 Fresh parsley adds a delicious finish
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 12 ounces linguine or spaghetti
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
- ½ cup chicken or seafood broth
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, optional
How to Make Shrimp Scampi
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook the linguine or spaghetti according to the package directions until al dente.
Before draining, reserve about ½ cup of pasta water.
Drain the pasta and set aside.
Step 2: Season the Shrimp
Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels.
Season them with salt and black pepper.
If you enjoy a little heat, add the red pepper flakes as well.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the shrimp in a single layer.
Cook for about 1–2 minutes per side, until the shrimp are opaque and cooked through.
Transfer the shrimp to a plate and set aside.
Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium.
Add the remaining butter to the skillet.
Once melted, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes.
Cook for approximately 30–60 seconds, stirring constantly until fragrant.
Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Step 5: Add the Lemon and Broth
Pour in the chicken or seafood broth.
Add the fresh lemon juice and lemon zest.
Stir well, scraping the bottom of the skillet to loosen any flavorful browned bits.
Let the sauce simmer for about 2–3 minutes.
Step 6: Add the Pasta
Add the cooked pasta directly to the skillet.
Toss everything together until the pasta is coated in the garlic butter sauce.
If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
Step 7: Return the Shrimp
Add the cooked shrimp back into the skillet.
Gently toss with the pasta and sauce.
Cook for another 30–60 seconds, just until everything is warmed through.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Remove the skillet from the heat.
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese if desired.
Serve immediately with extra lemon wedges.
What Does Shrimp Scampi Taste Like?
Shrimp Scampi is rich, buttery, garlicky, and bright.
The butter creates a silky sauce, while garlic provides savory depth. Fresh lemon juice adds a delicious citrusy flavor that balances the richness, and parsley gives everything a fresh herbal finish.
The combination of tender shrimp and flavorful pasta makes this a satisfying dinner that’s simple enough for any night of the week.
Tips for the Best Shrimp Scampi
Use Fresh Garlic
Fresh garlic gives the sauce its signature flavor. Mince it finely so it cooks evenly.
Don’t Overcook the Shrimp
Shrimp only need a few minutes to cook. Once they’re opaque and cooked through, remove them from the heat.
Reserve Pasta Water
A little pasta water can help loosen the sauce and help it cling beautifully to the pasta.
Use Fresh Lemon
Fresh lemon juice provides a much brighter flavor than bottled lemon juice.
Cook Shrimp in a Single Layer
If your skillet is small, cook the shrimp in batches. Overcrowding can cause them to steam instead of sauté.
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp?
Yes! Frozen shrimp are convenient and work very well.
Thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking.
Can I Use Another Pasta?
Absolutely! Shrimp scampi works well with:
- Linguine
- Spaghetti
- Angel hair
- Fettuccine
- Bucatini
- Spaghetti noodles
- Gluten-free pasta
Angel hair is especially delicious if you prefer a lighter pasta texture.
Easy Shrimp Scampi Variations
Spicy Shrimp Scampi
Increase the red pepper flakes for extra heat.
Creamy Shrimp Scampi
Add a splash of heavy cream after the broth and lemon to create a creamy sauce.
Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Scampi
Add extra Parmesan and garlic for a richer, cheesier variation.
Shrimp Scampi with Vegetables
Add spinach, asparagus, broccoli, cherry tomatoes, or zucchini.
Lemon Herb Shrimp Scampi
Add extra lemon zest and fresh herbs such as basil or oregano.
What to Serve with Shrimp Scampi
This pasta is delicious on its own, but you can serve it with:
- Garlic bread
- Crusty French bread
- Caesar salad
- Simple green salad
- Roasted asparagus
- Steamed broccoli
- Green beans
- Roasted vegetables
Garlic bread is especially good for soaking up the extra lemon butter sauce.
How to Store Leftovers
Place leftover shrimp scampi in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
When reheating, add a small splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce.
Reheat gently over low to medium heat until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Shrimp Scampi without wine?
Yes. This version uses chicken or seafood broth instead, making it easy to prepare without wine while keeping plenty of flavor.
Can I make Shrimp Scampi without pasta?
Absolutely. Serve the garlic butter shrimp over rice, vegetables, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.
Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
You can, but raw shrimp are recommended for the best texture. If using cooked shrimp, add them near the end just to warm them through.
How spicy is Shrimp Scampi?
Traditional shrimp scampi is usually mild, but you can easily adjust the red pepper flakes to your preference.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes. Replace the butter with a dairy-free butter alternative or additional olive oil, and omit the Parmesan.
Shrimp Scampi Recipe Card
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp
- 12 ounces linguine or spaghetti
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 5 cloves garlic
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
- ½ cup chicken or seafood broth
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup fresh parsley
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, optional
Instructions
- Cook pasta until al dente and reserve ½ cup pasta water.
- Pat shrimp dry and season with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet.
- Cook shrimp for 1–2 minutes per side, then remove.
- Add remaining butter and minced garlic.
- Cook for 30–60 seconds.
- Add broth, lemon juice, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes.
- Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- Add cooked pasta and toss with the sauce.
- Add a splash of pasta water if needed.
- Return shrimp to the skillet.
- Toss gently and warm through.
- Garnish with parsley and Parmesan.
- Serve immediately.
Final Thoughts
This easy Shrimp Scampi is everything you want in a quick seafood dinner: tender shrimp, buttery garlic sauce, fresh lemon, herbs, and perfectly cooked pasta.
It’s simple enough for a weeknight but elegant enough for a special dinner. With just a handful of ingredients and about 25 minutes, you can enjoy a delicious restaurant-style meal right at home.
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Make this easy Shrimp Scampi with juicy shrimp, garlic butter, fresh lemon, herbs, and tender pasta. A flavorful restaurant-style dinner ready in 25 minutes.