This recipe is fast and easy enough for busy weeknights.
The garlic butter sauce is rich, bright, and flavorful.
It feels restaurant-quality while using simple ingredients.
You can serve it with pasta, rice, or bread.
It is light, fresh, and satisfying.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Butter
Olive oil
Garlic
Lemon juice
Lemon zest
Chicken broth or white wine
Red pepper flakes
Fresh parsley
Salt
Black pepper
Parmesan cheese, optional
Linguine or spaghetti, optional
Directions
Pat the shrimp dry and season lightly with salt and black pepper.
Cook the pasta according to package directions if serving with pasta.
Heat olive oil and part of the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the shrimp and cook for 1 to 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque, then transfer to a plate.
In the same skillet, add garlic and red pepper flakes and cook briefly until fragrant.
Pour in the chicken broth or white wine and simmer for a few minutes.
Stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, and the remaining butter until the sauce becomes smooth.
Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
Add chopped parsley and adjust seasoning if needed.
Serve over pasta or with crusty bread and top with optional Parmesan cheese.
Servings and timing
Servings: 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Variations
Add spinach, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus for extra vegetables.
Use zucchini noodles instead of pasta for a lighter option.
Add extra red pepper flakes for more heat.
Replace shrimp with scallops or chunks of fish.
Use gluten-free pasta if needed.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat until warmed through.
Avoid overcooking the shrimp during reheating to keep them tender.
Freezing is not recommended, as the shrimp texture may change after thawing.
FAQs
What is Shrimp Scampi?
Shrimp Scampi is a seafood dish made with shrimp cooked in a garlic butter and lemon sauce.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes. Thaw the shrimp completely and pat dry before cooking.
What pasta goes best with Shrimp Scampi?
Linguine, spaghetti, or angel hair pasta are popular choices.
Can I make this recipe without wine?
Yes. Chicken broth is a great substitute for white wine.
How do I know when shrimp are cooked?
Shrimp are cooked when they turn pink and opaque with a slight curl.
Can I make Shrimp Scampi spicy?
Yes. Add extra red pepper flakes or chili oil for more heat.
What should I serve with Shrimp Scampi?
Garlic bread, salad, roasted vegetables, or pasta pair wonderfully.
Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
Yes, but add them at the end just long enough to warm through.
Is Shrimp Scampi healthy?
It can be a lighter meal option, especially when served with vegetables or zucchini noodles.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Yes. The sauce can be made ahead and reheated gently before adding freshly cooked shrimp.
Conclusion
Shrimp Scampi is a quick and flavorful dish that combines tender shrimp with a rich garlic butter sauce and bright lemon flavor. Whether served over pasta or alongside crusty bread, this easy recipe makes a delicious meal for both casual dinners and special occasions.
This easy Shrimp Scampi recipe features juicy shrimp cooked in a buttery garlic lemon sauce with fresh parsley and red pepper flakes. Ready in just 25 minutes, this classic seafood pasta dish is perfect for quick dinners or elegant entertaining.
Author:Catherine
Prep Time:10 minutes
Cook Time:15 minutes
Total Time:25 minutes
Yield:4 servings
Category:Dinner
Method:Stovetop
Cuisine:Italian-Inspired
Ingredients
1 ½ pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined
4 tablespoons butter, divided
2 tablespoons olive oil
5 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
½ cup chicken broth or dry white wine
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Parmesan cheese, optional
12 ounces linguine or spaghetti, optional
Instructions
Pat the shrimp dry and season lightly with salt and black pepper.
Cook the pasta according to package directions if serving with pasta. Drain and set aside.
Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the shrimp and cook for 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in the chicken broth or white wine and simmer for 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly.
Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and remaining butter until the sauce becomes smooth and glossy.
Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the sauce.
Stir in the chopped parsley and adjust seasoning if needed.
Serve over pasta or with crusty bread and top with optional Parmesan cheese.
Notes
Fresh lemon juice gives the best bright flavor.Avoid overcooking the shrimp to keep them tender and juicy.Chicken broth works perfectly if you prefer not to cook with wine.Add spinach, asparagus, or cherry tomatoes for extra vegetables.Zucchini noodles can be used instead of pasta for a lighter option.Extra red pepper flakes add a spicier kick.
