The moment you take a whiff of shrimp scampi, you’ll be transported to a sun-drenched Italian terrace. Imagine succulent shrimp glistening in a buttery garlic sauce, mingling with fragrant parsley and a splash of lemon. Each bite offers a delightful crunch from the perfectly cooked pasta, making this dish a symphony of flavors that sings “Eat me ” louder than your grandma at Thanksgiving dinner.

Shrimp scampi is not just a meal it’s an experience. Picture yourself hosting friends for a cozy dinner party, and as you serve this masterpiece, their eyes widen in anticipation. You’ll hear gasps followed by forks clinking against plates like an orchestra tuning up for the big show. Trust me this dish has the power to turn any ordinary evening into a memorable feast.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This shrimp scampi recipe is quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings
- Bursting with flavor, the combination of garlic and lemon elevates the shrimp’s natural sweetness
- The vibrant colors make it visually appealing on any table, ensuring your dinner looks as good as it tastes
- Versatile enough to pair with rice or crusty bread, this dish can adapt to any occasion
I remember the first time I made shrimp scampi for my family they devoured it so fast I almost had to wrestle the plate back from my brother
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Shrimp: Choose large, fresh shrimp for that juicy bite frozen works too but thaw them properly first.
- Pasta: Linguine or spaghetti are ideal choices they hold onto the sauce beautifully.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves add an aromatic punch minced or sliced works well.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens up the dish bottled juice simply won’t cut it.
- Parsley: Chopped fresh parsley adds color and freshness don’t skip this step for that pop
- Butter: Unsalted butter creates a rich and creamy base for the sauce keep some on hand for extra richness.
- Olive Oil: Use high-quality olive oil for sautéing it adds depth without overpowering other flavors.
- White Wine: A dry white wine enhances the sauce’s flavor choose something you would enjoy drinking
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make It Together
Prepare Your Pasta: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to boil. Add your pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve some pasta water before draining.
Sauté Garlic and Shrimp: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter with olive oil. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant about 30 seconds before adding shrimp. Cook until they turn pink.
Add Wine and Lemon Juice: Pour in white wine, scraping up any bits stuck to the pan. Stir in fresh lemon juice and let simmer for about two minutes until slightly reduced.
Toss Everything Together: Add cooked pasta directly into the skillet along with reserved pasta water as necessary. Toss everything together until well combined and coated with sauce.
Finish with Fresh Parsley: Remove from heat, sprinkle chopped parsley over everything, and give it one last toss. Serve immediately while hot
This shrimp scampi recipe guarantees satisfaction with every bite The combination of garlic and butter makes your kitchen smell heavenly while creating memories that linger long after dinner is over.
You Must Know
- This Shrimp Scampi is a quick and impressive dish that combines succulent shrimp with garlic and butter
- The aromas alone will make your kitchen smell like a five-star restaurant
- Perfect for date night or casual family dinners, it’s sure to impress any crowd
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by sautéing garlic in butter, then add shrimp until just pink. Meanwhile, cook your pasta so everything comes together seamlessly for a perfect meal.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to experiment with herbs like parsley or basil, or toss in some cherry tomatoes for a pop of color and flavor.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover shrimp scampi in an airtight container for up to two days. Reheat gently on the stove to avoid overcooking the shrimp.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor frozen can work but may lack texture
- Don’t overcrowd the pan while cooking to ensure even searing
- Always taste and adjust seasonings before serving for the best results
There was that one time I made this dish for my friends, and they were convinced I had secretly taken culinary classes Their delighted faces made all the chopping and sautéing worth it.
FAQ
How do I know when the shrimp are cooked?
Shrimp turn pink and opaque when cooked through this usually takes about 3-5 minutes.
Can I use frozen shrimp for Shrimp Scampi?
Yes, but ensure they are properly thawed and drained before cooking.
What can I serve alongside Shrimp Scampi?
Serve it with crusty bread or over a bed of fresh pasta for a complete meal.
Shrimp Scampi
Shrimp scampi is a tantalizing Italian dish that combines succulent shrimp with a rich garlic and butter sauce, enhanced by fresh lemon and parsley. This quick and easy recipe transforms any ordinary dinner into a delightful culinary experience, perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in. Serve it over linguine or alongside crusty bread to soak up every drop of the flavorful sauce. Elevate your mealtime with this classic favorite that promises satisfaction in every bite.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 8 ounces linguine or spaghetti
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions in salted water until al dente; reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter with olive oil. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add shrimp to the skillet and cook until pink (about 3-5 minutes).
- Pour in white wine, scraping the pan's bottom, then stir in lemon juice and simmer for 2 minutes.
- Toss cooked pasta into the skillet with reserved pasta water as needed until well combined.
- Remove from heat, add chopped parsley, toss gently, and serve immediately.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (about 375g)
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 51g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 220mg
Keywords: For added flavor, consider incorporating red pepper flakes for heat or cherry tomatoes for a burst of sweetness. Ensure shrimp are not overcrowded in the pan to achieve even cooking.