If you’re craving something that feels fancy but comes together in a flash, you’re going to love this Easy Shrimp Scampi Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that looks and tastes way more complicated than it actually is—perfect for weeknights or impressing guests without breaking a sweat. I absolutely love how the garlic, butter, and lemon mingle with tender shrimp in this classic, comforting sauce. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll be a dinner staple in your rotation!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: From start to finish, it takes about 10 minutes—perfect for busy nights.
- Simple Ingredients: No fancy pantry items needed; most are kitchen staples you likely have on hand.
- Bursting with Flavor: Garlic, wine, lemon, and butter create a sauce that’s rich but fresh and bright.
- Versatile Serving Options: Great tossed with pasta, spooned over rice, or enjoyed with crusty bread.
Ingredients You’ll Need
I love how straightforward this Easy Shrimp Scampi Recipe is with just a handful of fresh ingredients that come together for a flavorful dinner. When shopping, pick the freshest shrimp you can find, and choose a good-quality dry white wine or chicken broth for depth in your sauce.
- Shrimp: I recommend large shrimp (16-20 count) peeled and deveined—tails on or off works depending on your preference.
- Unsalted Butter: This keeps the saltiness in your control and adds creamy richness to the sauce.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Balances the butter and helps sear the shrimp perfectly.
- Garlic: Minced fresh garlic gives that classic scampi kick—no jarred garlic here!
- Red Pepper Flakes: Optional, but I love the gentle heat they bring to the dish.
- Dry White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc works beautifully, but if you prefer no alcohol, low-sodium chicken broth is an excellent substitute.
- Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and freshness, plus lemon wedges for squeezing on top at serving.
- Fresh Parsley: For a pop of color and herbaceous flavor that ties everything together.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors.
Variations
One of the things I love about this Easy Shrimp Scampi Recipe is how adaptable it is. Whether you want to dial up the heat, swap out proteins, or keep it gluten-free, there’s a version for you. Feel free to personalize it to your taste and what you’ve got in your kitchen.
- Spicy Kick: I’ve added extra red pepper flakes or even a dash of cayenne when we want to turn up the heat, and it’s been a hit every time.
- Garlic Lovers’ Version: Double the garlic for a punchier, more aromatic sauce—my family absolutely goes crazy for that.
- Healthy Swap: Use avocado oil instead of butter and olive oil for a lighter, heart-healthy twist.
- Vegan Adaptation: I once replaced shrimp with king oyster mushrooms and used vegan butter; it’s surprisingly similar in texture and flavor.
How to Make Easy Shrimp Scampi Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Shrimp to Perfection
Start by patting your shrimp dry with paper towels—that’s a little trick I discovered to help them sear nicely instead of steaming. Then season them lightly with salt and pepper. This basic seasoning helps bring out their natural sweetness once they hit the hot skillet.
Step 2: Sear the Shrimp Quickly
Heat a combination of olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in one layer and cook for about 1-2 minutes on each side. You’ll know they’re ready when they turn opaque and curl up slightly. Don’t overcook! Once done, transfer them to a plate right away to avoid them getting rubbery.
Step 3: Make That Irresistible Sauce
Lower the heat to medium and add the remaining butter and olive oil to the pan. Toss in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes if you’re using them, and cook just until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Pour in the white wine (or broth) and let it simmer for two minutes, letting the liquid reduce by half. Stir in the freshly squeezed lemon juice—it brightens up the whole dish beautifully.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Return the shrimp to the skillet along with any juices that collected on your plate, and toss everything gently to coat the shrimp in that luscious sauce. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, taste, and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
This dish is wonderful spooned over al dente pasta, but I love serving it with crusty bread to soak up that garlicky sauce. Don’t forget the lemon wedges—squeezing fresh lemon over the top right before you eat adds a lovely fresh zing.
Pro Tips for Making Easy Shrimp Scampi Recipe
- Pat Shrimp Dry: This helps get a nice sear, so you get that perfect texture and flavor balance.
- Don’t Overcook: Shrimp cook fast; pull them off right when they turn pink and opaque to keep them juicy.
- Use Fresh Garlic and Lemon: Fresh ingredients make a huge difference in that bright, vibrant sauce flavor.
- Let Wine Reduce: Simmering down the wine intensifies the flavor and prevents any sharp alcohol taste.
How to Serve Easy Shrimp Scampi Recipe
Garnishes
I almost always add fresh chopped parsley right before serving—it adds a fresh herbaceous note and makes the dish look picture-perfect. Lemon wedges on the side are a must in my book; a squeeze of fresh lemon amps up the brightness beautifully. Sometimes, I sprinkle a little freshly cracked black pepper on top for that cozy homemade feel.
Side Dishes
This shrimp scampi is fantastic served over linguine or angel hair pasta for a classic combo. For something different, I like pairing it with roasted asparagus or a simple mixed greens salad with a tangy vinaigrette. Crusty garlic bread or warm dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce — no morsel wasted!
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve served this Easy Shrimp Scampi Recipe in mini cast iron skillets for individual portions—everyone felt like their own gourmet chef! Another idea is to serve it over cauliflower rice paired with roasted cherry tomatoes and basil for a vibrant, lighter presentation that wows guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually store leftover shrimp scampi in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Because shrimp cook quickly, it’s best not to keep it too long so it stays tender. When refrigerating, I separate the shrimp from any pasta or side to keep textures optimal on reheating.
Freezing
Freezing shrimp scampi isn’t my favorite because shrimp can get rubbery when thawed and reheated, but if you want to freeze it, place it in a freezer-safe container and use within a month. I recommend freezing the shrimp and sauce separately from any pasta or sides for the best texture after thawing.
Reheating
To warm up leftovers, I gently reheat in a skillet over low heat just until warmed through—this avoids overcooking the shrimp again. Adding a splash of chicken broth or a little extra butter helps keep the sauce silky. Microwave reheating works too but watch closely and stir to prevent rubbery shrimp.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen shrimp for this Easy Shrimp Scampi Recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking. This helps them sear nicely instead of steaming and ensures the best texture and flavor.
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What can I substitute for white wine in shrimp scampi?
If you’d rather skip the alcohol, low-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth is a great substitute that still provides liquid and savory depth in the sauce.
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Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! This recipe itself is naturally gluten-free as long as you skip serving it with pasta or choose gluten-free pasta. Always check labels on wine or broth to be sure no gluten-containing additives are included.
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How do I avoid overcooking the shrimp?
Watch for when the shrimp turns opaque and pink all the way through; this usually happens in just 1-2 minutes per side depending on size. Remove immediately to a plate to prevent carryover cooking from the hot pan.
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Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
Fresh garlic really makes a difference in flavor and aroma for this recipe. If you must, you can use ½ teaspoon garlic powder, but I recommend fresh minced garlic to get that wonderful, fragrant garlic butter sauce.
Final Thoughts
When I first made this Easy Shrimp Scampi Recipe, I was blown away by how such simple ingredients could make such a delicious, crowd-pleasing dish. It’s now one of my go-to recipes whenever I want something quick, satisfying, and a little special. I hope you enjoy making— and eating—it as much as I do. Give it a try and see how easily you can wow yourself and your family with classic Italian flavors!
Print
Easy Shrimp Scampi Recipe
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
This Easy Shrimp Scampi recipe features succulent shrimp perfectly seared and tossed in a luscious garlic-butter white wine sauce with a hint of lemon and fresh parsley. Ready in just 10 minutes, it’s an elegant yet simple dish ideal for quick weeknight dinners or special occasions. Serve it over pasta or with crusty bread for a classic Italian-inspired meal that’s bursting with flavor.
Ingredients
Shrimp
- 1 1/2 pounds large shrimp (16-20 count, peeled and deveined, tails on or off)
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc or low-sodium chicken broth)
- 1 ½ tablespoons lemon juice (plus wedges for serving)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Prep shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season evenly with ½ teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper to enhance their natural flavor.
- Sear the shrimp: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon unsalted butter in a large non-reactive skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until they turn opaque and are just cooked through. Remove shrimp immediately to a plate to prevent overcooking.
- Make the sauce: Reduce heat to medium and add the remaining olive oil and butter to the skillet. Sauté the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Pour in the white wine and simmer for 2 minutes or until the liquid is reduced by half. Stir in the fresh lemon juice for brightness.
- Finish the dish: Return the cooked shrimp along with any accumulated juices on the plate back to the skillet. Toss everything gently to coat the shrimp evenly in the flavorful sauce. Remove from heat and stir in the chopped fresh parsley. Adjust seasoning by adding more salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve: Spoon the shrimp and sauce over cooked pasta or serve with crusty bread for dipping. Offer lemon wedges alongside for guests to squeeze over their portions to their liking.
Notes
- This one-pot shrimp scampi recipe is quick, ready in 10 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or an elegant date night.
- The white wine imparts a delicate acidity; substitute with low-sodium chicken broth if preferred.
- Serve the dish over linguine or spaghetti, or enjoy with crusty rustic bread to soak up the sauce.
- For a spicy kick, keep the red pepper flakes or omit if you prefer milder flavors.
- Use fresh parsley to add a bright herbaceous note that complements the garlic butter sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 192
- Sugar: 0.3 g
- Sodium: 333 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0.2 g
- Protein: 23 g
- Cholesterol: 193 mg
