Shrimp Scampi Recipe

I still remember the quiet Saturday evenings when my kitchen would fill with the warm scent of butter and garlic while a pan of shrimp simmered gently, the whole family gathering at the table for something simple and special, that memory is exactly why I reach for this Shrimp Scampi Recipe when I want comfort that feels a little fancy but is very easy to make.

Why You’ll Love It

This recipe works because it is fast, forgiving, and tastes like a small celebration on a weeknight, perfect for a cozy dinner for two or a quick family meal, the sauce comes together in minutes so you get restaurant flavor without a lot of fuss.

Serves 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes |
Cook Time: 12 minutes |
Total Time: 27 minutes

Ingredients

• 12 oz linguine or spaghetti
• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/2 cup dry white wine or low sodium chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 lemon, cut into wedges
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan for serving (optional)
• 1 slice crusty bread per person, for serving

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the linguine according to package instructions until al dente, reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water before draining.
2. While the pasta cooks, pat the shrimp dry and season lightly with salt and black pepper.
3. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter with the olive oil, add the garlic and red pepper flakes, and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
4. Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer and cook 1 to 2 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque, then transfer the shrimp to a plate.
5. Pour the white wine into the skillet and let it simmer for 1 to 2 minutes to reduce slightly, scraping up any browned bits, then stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and the lemon juice.
6. Add the drained linguine to the skillet with the sauce, toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water a few tablespoons at a time to loosen the sauce until silky.
7. Return the shrimp to the pan, fold gently to combine, taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, then sprinkle with chopped parsley.
8. Serve immediately with lemon wedges, a sprinkle of Parmesan if desired, and slices of crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

Recipe Variations

• Creamy scampi: Stir in 1/3 cup heavy cream at step 6 for a richer, velvety sauce.
• Low carb option: Swap linguine for zucchini ribbons or shirataki noodles and serve the shrimp on the vegetable base.
• Tomato and basil: Add a handful of halved cherry tomatoes when you add the wine and finish with fresh basil for a brighter note.
• Spicy garlic: Increase red pepper flakes to 1 teaspoon and add a pinch of smoked paprika for more heat and depth.

Make Ahead: You can make the garlic butter sauce 1 day ahead and refrigerate in an airtight container, gently reheat and finish with fresh lemon and parsley before adding freshly cooked pasta and shrimp, cooked pasta can be made a few hours ahead and kept lightly tossed with a little oil to prevent sticking, but shrimp is best cooked just before serving for the best texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Shrimp Scampi Recipe

This recipe works because it is fast, forgiving, and tastes like a small celebration on a weeknight, perfect for a cozy dinner for two or a quick family meal, the sauce comes together in minutes so you get restaurant flavor without a lot of fuss.

Yield:Serves 4

Total:27 mins

Prep:15 mins

Cook:12 mins

Category:Dinner

Cuisine:Italian

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Ingredients

• 12 oz linguine or spaghetti
• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/2 cup dry white wine or low sodium chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 lemon, cut into wedges
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan for serving (optional)
• 1 slice crusty bread per person, for serving

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the linguine according to package instructions until al dente, reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water before draining.
2. While the pasta cooks, pat the shrimp dry and season lightly with salt and black pepper.
3. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter with the olive oil, add the garlic and red pepper flakes, and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
4. Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer and cook 1 to 2 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque, then transfer the shrimp to a plate.
5. Pour the white wine into the skillet and let it simmer for 1 to 2 minutes to reduce slightly, scraping up any browned bits, then stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and the lemon juice.
6. Add the drained linguine to the skillet with the sauce, toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water a few tablespoons at a time to loosen the sauce until silky.
7. Return the shrimp to the pan, fold gently to combine, taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, then sprinkle with chopped parsley.
8. Serve immediately with lemon wedges, a sprinkle of Parmesan if desired, and slices of crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

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Nutrition Facts

Per serving

 

Calories

620 kcal

Fat

30 g

Total Carbs

56 g

Protein

32 g

Keywords

Shrimp Scampi Recipe, shrimp scampi, garlic butter shrimp

Author

Soumyadip

Conclusion

This Shrimp Scampi Recipe is one of those reliable dishes that feels special without needing a lot of fuss, it comes together quickly, so you can enjoy a buttery garlic sauce and tender shrimp on busy evenings or save it for a relaxed weekend supper, trust the simple steps, taste and adjust as you go, and feel free to play with the variations until you find your favorite version.