Classic Shrimp Scampi with Buttery Garlic Sauce

Make the best shrimp scampi in just 30 minutes! This easy recipe features juicy shrimp in a buttery garlic sauce that is perfect for weeknight dinners.

May 16, 2025
By Mia Westlake.

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A Taste of Heaven: Shrimp Scampi

Oh my gosh, how much do you love shrimp? i mean, it’s one of those things that can elevate any dinner, right? let’s dive into the deliciousness of shrimp scampi ! this classic dish combines tender shrimp in a buttery garlic sauce that’ll have your taste buds dancing.

Trust me; this is one seafood dish you won’t want to miss.

Origins and Why It Matters

Originally from italy, shrimp scampi has become an american favorite since the mid-20th century. the dish mixes zingy lemon and rich butter sauce, creating a vibe that’s both fancy and laid-back—perfect for everything from casual weeknight dinners to those moments when you want to impress your friends at a dinner party.

Easy-Peasy Cooking

Now, let's get real—this dish is classified as easy . seriously! with just some sautéing and boiling, you’ll be crafting a restaurant-quality meal in no time.

It takes about 15 minutes to prep and another 10- 15 minutes to cook, so we’re talking a total of 30 minutes from start to that first delicious bite.

Plus, it serves four, making it great for gatherings or just some quality leftovers.

Why You’ll Love It

Not only is shrimp scampi tasty, but it’s also packed with protein, making it a healthier option among many seafood dish recipes .

Imagine serving it on a weeknight to shake up the routine. it’s a midweek celebration in a bowl! what really makes this recipe stand out is that rich, buttery garlic sauce that just begs for a piece of bread to mop it up.

Seriously, you won’t be able to resist.

So, are you in the mood for something mouthwatering and simple? get ready to whip up this fantastic shrimp scampi recipe that combines flavor and ease in one beautiful dish.

It’s just waiting for you to make it your own, so let's check out those ingredients!

Classic Shrimp Scampi with Buttery Garlic Sauce Recipe Card

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Preparation time:15 Mins

Cooking time:15 Mins

Servings:4 servings

Ingredients:

• 1 pound (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 8 oz. (225g) linguine or spaghetti
• 4 tablespoons (56g) unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) extra-virgin olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 cup (120ml) dry white wine (e.g., Sauvignon Blanc)
• Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons)
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup (15g) fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add linguine or spaghetti and cook until al dente according to package instructions, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup (120ml) of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
• While the pasta cooks, pat shrimp dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.
• In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter and olive oil together. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1 minute until garlic is fragrant but not browned.
• Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook until pink and opaque, approximately 2-3 minutes per side. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
• Pour white wine into the skillet, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom. Simmer for about 2-3 minutes until slightly reduced.
• Stir in lemon juice, zest, and reserved pasta water. Add cooked pasta and shrimp back into the skillet. Toss to combine and heat through.
• Garnish with fresh parsley and additional lemon zest, if desired. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts

Calories:450

Protein:28g

Fat:20g

Carbs:41g

Fiber:2g

Sugar:1g

Sodium:500mg

Recipe Info

Category:Main Course

Cuisine:Italian

How to Nail the Ingredients & Equipment for Shrimp Scampi

When it comes to cooking up a classic shrimp scampi , having the right ingredients and equipment makes all the difference.

Seriously, you don’t want to get halfway through cooking and realize you’re missing something crucial. so let’s break it down!

Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Shrimp Scampi

For the shrimp scampi itself:

• 1 pound (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 8 oz. (225g) linguine or spaghetti
• 4 tablespoons (56g) unsalted butter (go for the good stuff, it’s key!)
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) extra-virgin olive oil (a nice, fruity one kicks it up a notch)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced (fresh garlic, please—none of that jar stuff!)
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more if you’re feeling spicy!)
• 1/2 cup (120ml) dry white wine (like a crisp Sauvignon Blanc)
• Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons )
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup (15g) fresh parsley, chopped for that fancy garnish

See how we’ve got a bit of butter and garlic? It’s like a party for your taste buds. Honestly, that buttery garlic sauce is what takes this dish to a whole new level!

Spice It Up: Seasoning Notes

Now, seasoning is where the magic happens. You gotta get it right:

• Essential Spices: A good mix of garlic and red pepper flakes is a must.
• Flavor Enhancers: A splash of lemon juice and zest brings brightness.
• Substitutions: If you don’t have white wine, chicken broth will work just fine. Just think about the flavor your broth brings with it!

Tools You’ll Need: Equipment Breakdown

Let’s talk tools before we dive into cooking. You’ll need:

• A large pot —think spaghetti-cooking size!
• A large skillet or sauté pan for that heavenly sauce.
• A slotted spoon or tongs for easy shrimp flipping.
• Measuring cups and spoons because we’re not guessing here, right?
• A knife and cutting board for cutting that garlic and lemon.

And hey, if you don’t have a sauté pan, a regular frying pan can work in a pinch. Just make sure it has a bit of space for everything.

Wrapping It Up

No doubt about it, you’re in for a delicious evening with this shrimp scampi recipe . as someone who's made this dish more times than i can count, trust me, it's worth the effort.

With the right ingredients and gear, you’ll be dishing out a fabulous seafood feast that’ll impress any dinner guest—or just yourself after a long day! happy cooking, and may your kitchen smell like a cozy italian bistro!

Cooking Up Some Shrimp Scampi

Alright, cooking friends, let's dive headfirst into one of my faves: shrimp scampi . honestly, it’s like a warm hug on your plate.

With that buttery garlic sauce , it just sings to the italian in us. this dish is perfect for impressing guests or just enjoying a cozy night in with a glass of white wine.

You won’t believe how simple it is!

Prepping Like a Pro

First things first—ensure you have your mise en place . it’s just a fancy term for having everything ready to go.

Trust me, it makes the process way smoother! chop your garlic, squeeze your lemon, and have everything measured out next to your workstation.

Also, remember to wash your hands! safety first, right?

Now, if you want to save time, boil your water for the pasta before you even start messing with the shrimp.

Multi-tasking at its finest! and let’s not forget to use a good non-stick skillet; it’ll save you from tragic sticking situations later (we’ve all been there!).

Step-by-Step Goodness

1. Boil that pasta : get a large pot of salted water to a roaring boil. toss in your linguine or spaghetti and cook until it’s al dente, about 8- 10 minutes .

   Save 1/2 cup (120ml) of that starchy pasta water before draining.

2. Shrimp time : Dry your shrimp with a paper towel, then sprinkle with salt and pepper. They need to look fabulous!

3. Get that aroma going : in your skillet, melt 4 tablespoons (56g) of unsalted butter with 2 tablespoons (30ml) of olive oil over medium heat.

   Add your minced garlic and a pinch of red pepper flakes. get ready for the magic—sauté for about 1 minute .

4. Cook those shrimp : lay the shrimp in the skillet; cook until they’re pink and opaque—about 2- 3 minutes per side .

   Take them out and let them chill on a plate.

5. Wine it up : pour in 1/2 cup (120ml) of dry white wine, scraping up those delicious brown bits. let it simmer for about 2- 3 minutes until it’s reduced just a bit.

6. Bring it all together : stir in your lemon juice and zest. add your reserved pasta water (that’s where the magic happens!), then toss in the cooked pasta and shrimp.

   Stir everything together and heat through.

7. Serve it right : Garnish with fresh parsley or extra lemon zest if you’re feeling fancy. Remember—you eat with your eyes first!

Pro Tips for Perfecting Your Dish

Here’s where the real magic happens. Want to elevate your game?

• Don’t overcrowd the pan : If your shrimp are packed in, they won’t cook evenly. Nobody wants rubbery shrimp, right?

• Use fresh ingredients : Fresh garlic really makes a difference and adds that zesty punch to your shrimp and pasta.

• Make-ahead option : You can prep the shrimp and sauce earlier, just reheat and toss it with the pasta right before serving.

And one last thing: if sauce is your jam, don’t skip the reserved pasta water. It creates a lovely, creamy finish!

Shrimp scampi isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience. so next time you’re craving something fast but delicious, try this one! it’s like a dinner party on a plate, even if you’re just hanging out in your pajamas.

Now that’s the way to do it!

Recipe Notes for Shrimp Scampi Lovers

Serving Suggestions

Oh my gosh, if you want to plate your shrimp scampi like a pro, go for a nice, shallow bowl that lets that garlic and buttery goodness shine! don't forget to sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for that pop of color.

Want to take it up a notch? pair it with a side of garlic bread —seriously, it’s the perfect tool for soaking up that buttery garlic sauce .

And ya know, a crisp glass of white wine or even an aperol spritz makes the whole meal feel fancy without breaking the bank.

Storage Tips

Now, if you’re wondering about leftovers (because let's be real, who doesn't love them?), here’s the lowdown! after your meal, chill those leftovers promptly—just pop them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days .

For longer storage, you can freeze it! just make sure to let it cool first, and then it’ll hang out in the freezer for about a month.

When you’re ready to eat, just thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat gently in a skillet. don’t microwave it—trust me; you’ll want to keep that shrimp tender!

Variations

Feeling adventurous? swap in some seasonal veggies like asparagus or cherry tomatoes for a fresh twist. you could also mix in a little spice by adding a pinch of smoked paprika! for those counting calories, subs like zucchini noodles instead of pasta give you that noodle fix without all the carbs.

And hey, if you're vegan or vegetarian, try using mushrooms instead of shrimp for a totally new seafood dish recipe that still feels indulgent.

Nutrition Basics

So, let’s talk nutrition. this delicious shrimp scampi recipe packs a pretty decent protein punch at about 28g per serving.

Not too shabby, right? plus, the garlic in your dish has great health benefits like boosting your immune system and adding a bit of kick to your meals.

Just keep in mind, with the butter and oil, it’s slightly on the richer side, but it's definitely not an everyday meal.

Treat yourself, you deserve it!

So there you have it! whether you're making this dish for a cozy date night or just to impress yourself, it's all good.

Remember, cooking should be fun, so don’t stress too much about perfection. look into in and enjoy every bite of your shrimp scampi adventure!