This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
This classic Shrimp Scampi recipe is a delicious seafood dish that’s incredibly easy to make. Juicy shrimp are cooked in a buttery garlic sauce with a splash of white wine and lemon juice. Serve it over a spinach pasta dish or Mediterranean rice for a quick, flavorful dinner that’s sure to impress without the fuss.
Shrimp Scampi is a fantastic dish featuring succulent shrimp in a light but rich sauce made of garlic, wine, parsley, butter, and lemon juice. While it has roots in Italian cuisine, shrimp scampi as we know it is actually an Italian-American creation (much like shrimp parmigiana) initially inspired by traditional Italian preparations of scampi.
It’s perfect served over pasta or rice, creating a satisfying fancy meal without the ticket price. Plus, it’s easy to make, even for beginners in the kitchen, and with just a little prep, you can enjoy this delicious shrimp dinner in about 20 minutes.
What Is Scampi
Scampi originally referred to small, lobster-like crustaceans, also known as Dublin Bay Prawns or Norway Lobsters. However, the modern “shrimp scampi” typically uses shrimp in a simple garlic, butter, and white wine sauce.
What You’ll Need
When it comes to making this easy shrimp scampi recipe, simple ingredients are key. From butter and garlic to shrimp and a splash of lemon juice, here’s everything you need to whip up this easy restaurant-quality meal in no time.
- Butter and Olive Oil: To sauté, and to add some richness.
- Garlic: I really recommend using fresh garlic in this recipe. Garlic powder is just not as bright and clean-tasting.
- White Wine: You’ll want a dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. You could also use chicken broth instead.
- Salt and Black Pepper: For seasoning to enhance all the flavors of the dish.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: The pepper flakes will provide some heat without making it spicy.
- Shrimp: The shrimp should be shelled and deveined. You can leave the tails on or off, it’s up to you.
- Parsley: Again, go for fresh here – since scampi is so simple, it’s extra-important to use good, fresh ingredients.
- Lemon Juice: A splash of lemon lifts the whole dish.
- Rice, Pasta, or Crusty Bread: For serving.
How to Make Shrimp Scampi
The key to making great scampi is not overcooking the shrimp. Perfectly cooked shrimp are opaque and juicy, but if you overcook them, they’ll curl up, get tough, and super chewy.
- Cook the Garlic with the Wine Ava Seasoning. First, heat the butter along with olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Next, add the garlic, and cook it for about 20 seconds to release the fragrance. Finally, stir in the wine, along with the salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a simmer for about 2 minutes, or until liquid is reduced by half.
- Cook the Shrimp. Shrimp time! Add the peeled, deveined shrimp to the skillet, and cook them for 2 to 3 minutes, or until they turn pink and opaque on all sides.
- Finish the Dish. Once the shrimp are cooked, stir in the parsley and lemon juice, and cook the scampi for just 30 seconds more. Remove the skillet from heat, and serve immediately.
Recipe Tips For Success
- Use Larger Shrimp: Larger shrimp cook up big and juicy in scampi, so go for jumbo shrimp or larger.
- Don’t Overcook Shrimp: It’s crucial to cook the shrimp just until they’re opaque and juicy, as overcooking leads to chewy shrimp.
- Tweak the Amounts: Want a saucier dish? Double the sauce ingredients. More shrimp? Go for it! Extra garlic? No problem. This recipe can easily be changed to suit your tastes.
- Wine Alternative: Scampi sauce calls for dry white wine, but you can substitute it with chicken broth and a squeeze of lemon juice.
- Make Shrimp “Stock:” For even more flavor, simmer the tails or shells from your shrimp with the wine for about ten minutes before adding it to the pan. You may need to add water in order not to simmer all the wine away.
Serving Suggestions
In addition to pasta, rice, or lavash bread, you could start your meal with an easy fruit salad or this grape salad – it’s a fantastic lead-up to a seafood meal. Consider serving these garlicky steamed broccoli, which are quick, flavorful, and nutritious.
My easy grilled asparagus is also a favorite around here. For a low carb option, try it with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
Storing and Reheating Instructions
To store, place leftover shrimp scampi in an airtight container, and refrigerate for up to 2 days or freeze for 2 to 3 months.
To reheat, transfer your leftovers to a covered skillet over low heat. Allow it to heat until the shrimp are hot all the way through, and then immediately take them off of the heat to avoid overcooking.
More Luscious Seafood Recipes
- Spanish Seafood Paella
- Air Fryer Lobster
- Lemon Butter Grilled Salmon
- Poke Bowl Recipe
- Air Fryer Salmon Bites
Pin this now to find it later
Pin It
Shrimp Scampi
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup dry white wine
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper, or to taste
- ⅛ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1.5 pounds large shrimp, shelled and deveined, tails on or off
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Melt butter with olive oil in a large skillet set over medium-high heat.
- Add the garlic and cook for 20 seconds, stirring frequently.
- Whisk in the wine, and season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes; bring to a simmer and continue to cook for about 2 minutes, or until liquid is reduced by half.
- Add the shrimp and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, or until they turn pink and opaque on all sides.
- Stir in the parsley and lemon juice, cook for 30 seconds.
- Remove from heat. Taste for salt and pepper and adjust accordingly.
- Serve shrimp scampi over rice, pasta, or with bread.
Notes
- Shrimp Options: Opt for jumbo shrimp or large shrimp in scampi for a plump and juicy outcome.
- Avoid Overcooking: Cook the shrimp only until they turn opaque to prevent them from becoming chewy.
- Customize to Taste: Feel free to adjust the recipe—double the sauce, add more shrimp, or increase the garlic to your preference.
- Broth as a Wine Substitute: If you prefer not to use wine, replace it with chicken broth and a bit of lemon juice.
Nutrition
Nutritional info is an estimate and provided as courtesy. Values may vary according to the ingredients and tools used. Please use your preferred nutritional calculator for more detailed info.
I love this shrimp and did combine it with pasta. Had it 2 nights in a row. I loved it so much
Loved it!
Mmmm…. this is so flavorful! One of my favorite summer dish!
Thank YOU! I hope you’ll enjoy it! 🙂
This is so flavorful! Can’t believe how easy it is to make too!
Thank YOU! I hope you’ll enjoy it! 🙂
Looks amazingly delicious! You had me on this!
Thank you so much! I hope you love it! 🙂
Such an easy way to have a fancy dinner at home!
Please enjoy!! Thank YOU! 🙂
I’ve had all my kids try shrimp & most of them like it. This is one of those meals that they enjoy! It’s simple, but tasty!
That’s great! I’m very glad everyone enjoyed it! Thank YOU! 🙂
I love shrimp scampi. It is one of my favorite seafood dishes and this recipe is on point! So flavorful and easy to make.
I hope you’ll enjoy it! Thank YOU! 🙂
I can’t believe how easy this is! It’s even better than what you get at a restaurant!
Thank YOU! I hope you enjoy it! 🙂