Shrimp Scampi – This best classic shrimp scampi is better than takeout made with fragrant garlicky creamy wine sauce made in less than 15 minutes.
What is Shrimp Scampi?
Shrimp scampi (scampi meaning “shrimp” in Italian) is a simple yet flavorful dish originating from Liguria, a coastal region in northwestern Italy.
Traditionally, it’s made with shrimp, garlic, white wine, butter, and lemon juice. However, many variations exist today, incorporating additional ingredients like fresh herbs, tomatoes, and different types of pasta.
Shrimp Scampi – Tips
- Shrimp cooks quickly and can become rubbery if overcooked. Aim for a nice opaque pink color with a slight translucency in the center.
- Pat the shrimp dry before cooking. This helps them sear properly and get a nice golden brown color.
- Use fresh ingredients whenever possible. Fresh garlic, lemon juice, and herbs will add the most flavor to your scampi.
- Don’t skimp on the quality of butter. European-style butter with a higher fat content will create a richer, silkier sauce.
- Buy peeled and deveined shrimp to save on time.
Recipe Variations
- Toss your cooked scampi with your favorite pasta like linguine, angel hair, or fettuccine for a complete meal.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped chili pepper to the sauce for a kick.
- Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy, umami flavor.
- Fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or tarragon add a bright, fragrant touch.
How to Serve This?
Pasta: As mentioned above, tossing the shrimp scampi with cooked pasta creates a delightful main dish.
Rice: Plain white rice or risotto is a perfect bed for the flavorful sauce.
Garlic Bread: Sop up all that delicious garlic butter sauce with some crusty garlic bread.
Roasted Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, broccoli, or zucchini add a healthy and colorful side dish.
Shrimp Scampi (Best Creamy)
This best classic shrimp scampi is better than takeout made with fragrant garlicky creamy wine sauce made in less than 15 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 pound med-large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes, crushed
- ½ cup freshly chopped parsley
- ½ cup dry white wine (or broth)
- Kosher salt and pepper
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add butter, once melted. Add in minced garlic and pepper flakes. Stir cook for a minute.
- Add shrimp and stir cook for about 2-3 minutes or until no longer translucent. Transfer to a plate and keep warm.
- Add the white wine or chicken broth to the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Turn off the heat. Add the cooked shrimp back to the pan and combine until well coated with the sauce.
- Season with salt pepper and sprinkle with the freshly chopped parsley.
- Serve immediately and enjoy hot.
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Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 164Total Fat 15gSaturated Fat 8gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 6gCholesterol 33mgSodium 184mgCarbohydrates 2gFiber 0gSugar 0gProtein 1g
Easy Shrimp Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Recipe FAQs
Is this healthy?
Shrimp is a good source of lean protein and low in calories. However, the butter and oil in the sauce can increase the fat content. To make a lighter version, you can use low-fat butter or olive oil, and skip the cream often added in variations.
What kind of shrimp is best for scampi?
Large or jumbo shrimp (peeled and deveined) work best. Look for fresh, firm shrimp with translucent flesh.
What can I substitute for white wine?
If you don’t have white wine, chicken broth is a good alternative.
Check my other shrimp recipes:
This was so good. I don’t have to go to Red Lobster anymore.