Shrimp Scampi is a classic Italian-American dish featuring juicy shrimp sautéed in a flavorful garlic butter sauce with a hint of white wine and fresh lemon juice. Traditionally served over pasta or with crusty bread, this dish is known for its rich, buttery taste and bright citrusy notes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy – Ready in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Incredibly Flavorful – A delicious blend of garlic, butter, lemon, and white wine creates a restaurant-quality dish at home.
- Versatile – Serve it over pasta, rice, or with a side of crusty bread to soak up the amazing sauce.
- Healthy & Low-Carb Option – Skip the pasta for a keto-friendly, protein-packed meal.
Ingredients Needed
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp – Large, peeled, and deveined (tail-on for extra flavor, or tail-off for convenience)
- 3 tbsp butter – Unsalted, for a rich and creamy sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil – Helps prevent the butter from burning
- 4 cloves garlic – Minced, for that bold garlicky goodness
- ½ cup dry white wine – Such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio (can substitute with chicken broth)
- Juice of 1 lemon – Freshly squeezed for a bright, zesty kick
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes – Adds a slight heat (optional but recommended)
- Salt & black pepper – To taste
- ¼ cup fresh parsley – Chopped, for garnish and freshness
- 8 oz linguine or spaghetti – Optional, if serving over pasta
Optional Additions for Extra Flavor
- Grated Parmesan cheese – For a nutty, cheesy touch
- Cherry tomatoes – Halved, for a burst of sweetness
- Mushrooms – Sautéed for an earthy depth
- Spinach or arugula – Stirred in at the end for a fresh, healthy twist
- Heavy cream – To make it extra creamy and indulgent
- Capers – For a tangy, briny contrast
Now that we have all the ingredients, let’s move on to cooking this delicious shrimp scampi!
Kitchen Tools Required
Essential Cooking Tools
- Large skillet or sauté pan – For cooking the shrimp and sauce
- Pot for boiling pasta – If serving with pasta
- Tongs – To easily flip the shrimp and toss everything together
- Knife & cutting board – For chopping garlic, parsley, and slicing lemon
- Measuring cups & spoons – To ensure the right balance of flavors
- Citrus juicer or reamer – For squeezing fresh lemon juice
- Wooden spoon or spatula – For stirring and sautéing
Helpful Extras
- Microplane or grater – For adding fresh Parmesan or lemon zest
- Garlic press – Speeds up mincing garlic
- Colander – To drain pasta if using
- Wine opener – If using white wine in the sauce (and maybe for a glass while cooking! )
With these tools ready, let’s get cooking!
How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi
1: Preparing the Shrimp
- Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. This helps them sear properly.
- Season lightly with salt and black pepper for extra flavor.
- If using frozen shrimp, thaw them first by placing them in a bowl of cold water for about 10-15 minutes, then drain and pat dry.
2: Cooking the Garlic Butter Sauce
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter.
- Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it!
- Pour in ½ cup of dry white wine (or chicken broth) and bring it to a simmer. Let it reduce for about 2-3 minutes to concentrate the flavors.
- Stir in red pepper flakes (if using) and the juice of 1 lemon for that signature fresh, zesty kick.
3: Sautéing the Shrimp
- Push the sauce to one side of the pan and add the shrimp in a single layer.
- Cook for 1-2 minutes per side, flipping once, until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become rubbery.
- Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter and stir everything together.
4: Combining Everything
- If serving with pasta, add cooked and drained linguine or spaghetti directly into the skillet. Toss everything together so the pasta absorbs the sauce.
- Sprinkle in chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed.
5: Serving Suggestions
- Serve immediately with grated Parmesan cheese and a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
- For a low-carb option, serve over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
- Pair with a glass of white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio for a perfect match.
Enjoy your homemade Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi!
Tips for the Best Shrimp Scampi
Choosing the Best Shrimp
- Fresh vs. Frozen – Fresh shrimp is great if available, but frozen shrimp works just as well when properly thawed. Look for wild-caught shrimp for the best flavor.
- Size Matters – Large (16-20 count) or extra-large (21-25 count) shrimp are ideal for this dish. Smaller shrimp cook too quickly and may become rubbery.
- Peeled & Deveined – Save time by buying shrimp that are already peeled and deveined. Keeping the tails on adds flavor and presentation, but it’s optional.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Results
- Don’t Overcook the Shrimp – Shrimp cook in just 1-2 minutes per side. As soon as they turn pink and opaque, remove them from heat.
- Use High-Quality Butter – A good unsalted butter enhances the richness of the sauce. If using salted butter, adjust the seasoning accordingly.
- Balance the Flavors – White wine, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes give this dish its signature taste. Adjust these elements to your preference.
- Toss Pasta in the Sauce – If serving with pasta, mix it directly in the skillet to fully absorb the garlic butter sauce.
Variations of Shrimp Scampi
Shrimp Scampi with Pasta
- Classic and satisfying, this version pairs shrimp scampi with linguine, spaghetti, or fettuccine.
- Cook the pasta al dente, then toss it with the shrimp and sauce for maximum flavor absorption.
- Add extra Parmesan cheese for a richer taste.
Low-Carb Shrimp Scampi
- Skip the pasta and serve over zucchini noodles, cauliflower rice, or spaghetti squash for a keto-friendly option.
- Increase the butter and garlic slightly to make up for the missing starch.
- Serve with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a light but flavorful meal.
Spicy Shrimp Scampi
- Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of Cayenne pepper for a bolder kick.
- Stir in diced jalapeños or chili paste for even more heat.
- Drizzle with spicy chili oil before serving for an extra layer of spice.
Now you’re all set to customize your shrimp scampi to your liking!
What to Serve with Shrimp Scampi
Best Side Dishes
- Crusty Bread – Perfect for soaking up the delicious garlic butter sauce.
- Steamed or Roasted Vegetables – Asparagus, broccoli, or zucchini pair well with the rich flavors.
- Side Salad – A fresh green salad with a lemon vinaigrette balances the richness of the dish.
- Garlic Bread – For extra garlicky goodness, serve with warm, buttery garlic bread.
- Mashed Potatoes – A creamy side that complements the buttery sauce.
- Rice or Risotto – A great alternative to pasta for soaking up the sauce.
Wine Pairings
- Sauvignon Blanc – Crisp and citrusy, it enhances the lemony notes in the dish.
- Pinot Grigio – A light, refreshing choice that pairs well with seafood.
- Chardonnay – A buttery Chardonnay complements the richness of the garlic butter sauce.
- Prosecco – If you prefer sparkling wine, this adds a refreshing contrast to the dish.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Storing in the Refrigerator
- Let leftovers cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- If storing with pasta, add a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking.
Best Way to Reheat
- Stovetop (Best Method): Heat a skillet over medium-low heat, add a splash of broth or water, and warm the shrimp gently until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, to avoid overcooking the shrimp.
- Oven: Place in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat at 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes.
- Avoid High Heat: Shrimp can become rubbery if overheated, so warm gently.
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi is an easy, restaurant-quality dish that you can make in just 20 minutes! Whether you serve it over pasta, with crusty bread, or as a low-carb option, it’s a versatile and flavorful meal that’s sure to impress. Plus, with simple storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy leftovers without losing that delicious taste.
So grab your shrimp, butter, and garlic, and get cooking—your perfect Shrimp Scampi awaits!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Frozen shrimp work just as well as fresh shrimp. Just be sure to thaw them properly by placing them in a bowl of cold water for 10-15 minutes, then pat them dry before cooking. This helps them sear properly and absorb the flavors of the sauce.
What can I substitute for white wine?
If you prefer to cook without alcohol, you can substitute chicken broth or vegetable broth in place of white wine. Adding an extra squeeze of lemon juice will help maintain the bright acidity that wine provides.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Absolutely! Simply swap out the butter for a plant-based butter or use extra olive oil instead. The dish will still be flavorful, though slightly less rich.
How long does shrimp scampi last?
Shrimp scampi is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Avoid leaving it at room temperature for too long, as seafood spoils quickly.
Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
Yes, but with caution! Pre-cooked shrimp can become rubbery if overcooked. To use them, simply warm them in the garlic butter sauce for 1-2 minutes at the very end of cooking, just until heated through.
To elevate your Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi experience, why not explore some other delicious seafood and pasta recipes? If you love shrimp dishes, you might enjoy this flavorful Shrimp Penne Pasta, a creamy and satisfying meal that pairs perfectly with scampi. Looking for a different seafood option? Try this light and flaky Rockfish Recipe, which brings out the best in fresh seafood flavors. And for pasta lovers, a rich and comforting White Cheddar Mac and Cheese could be the perfect side dish or alternative to traditional linguine. Explore these recipes to keep your meals exciting and full of flavor!