Shrimp scampi is a tasty dish that features juicy shrimp cooked with garlic and butter, along with a splash of lemon juice for flavor. It’s perfect over pasta or rice!
I love how quick it is to make—just a few minutes on the stove, and dinner is ready! Plus, who can resist that buttery garlic smell? It’s a total winner for quick meals! 🦐✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I like using spaghetti or linguine for this dish, but you could switch it up with fettuccine or even gluten-free pasta if needed. Just make sure it’s a shape that can hold the sauce well!
Shrimp: Large shrimp work best for a nice bite. If fresh isn’t available, frozen shrimp are great too—just thaw them first. You can also use scallops or even chicken for a different twist!
Butter: Unsalted butter is my go-to, but if you’re in a pinch, feel free to use salted butter. Just reduce the amount of added salt in the recipe. In place of butter, you might also try using ghee or a plant-based butter for a different flavor.
White Wine: Dry white wine adds a lovely depth to the sauce. If you prefer not to use wine, chicken broth is a good substitute. Apple cider vinegar diluted with water also works in a pinch!
How Can You Ensure Your Shrimp Is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking shrimp can be tricky since they cook quickly. The key is to keep an eye on the color and texture. Here’s a simple guide:
- Ensure the skillet is hot before adding shrimp—this helps them cook evenly.
- Cook them for about 2 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Overcooking will make them tough!
- Remove them from the pan as soon as they’re done to avoid carryover cooking while you finish the sauce.
Perfectly cooked shrimp will be juicy and tender, adding to the richness of your scampi!
How to Make Delicious Shrimp Scampi
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 ounces spaghetti or linguine pasta
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (or chicken broth as a substitute)
- Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty shrimp scampi dish takes about 20 minutes in total—10 minutes for prep and about 10 minutes for cooking. It’s quick enough for a weeknight meal and fancy enough to impress guests!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti or linguine and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Don’t forget to reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining the pasta. Set the cooked pasta aside.
2. Sauté the Shrimp:
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of butter along with the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the shrimp in a single layer. Season them with salt and pepper. Cook the shrimp for about 2 minutes on each side, until they are pink and opaque. When done, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
3. Make the Garlic Sauce:
In the same skillet, add minced garlic and red pepper flakes if you like a little spice. Sauté for about 30 seconds, stirring often to avoid burning the garlic. Your kitchen should start smelling amazing!
4. Add the Wine and Lemon Juice:
Pour in the white wine (or chicken broth) and lemon juice. Make sure to scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet—they add great flavor! Let the mixture simmer for about 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
5. Finish the Sauce:
Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter until melted and the sauce is smooth. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, tossing them gently to coat in the sauce and heat through.
6. Combine Everything:
Gently toss the drained pasta with the shrimp and sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, gradually add some reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
7. Add Herbs and Serve:
Stir in the chopped parsley, and taste to adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately with extra parsley and grated Parmesan cheese on top if you like!
Enjoy your flavorful and quick shrimp scampi—perfect for an elegant weeknight dinner!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp thoroughly before cooking. You can do this overnight in the fridge or by placing them in a sealed bag and submerging it in cold water for about 20-30 minutes. Pat them dry before adding to the skillet for the best results!
What If I Don’t Have White Wine?
No problem! You can substitute it with chicken broth or vegetable broth. If you want to maintain some acidity, you can mix a bit of vinegar or lemon juice with the broth to mimic the flavor of wine.
How Can I Make This Dish Gluten-Free?
To make shrimp scampi gluten-free, simply use a gluten-free pasta variety, such as rice pasta or a chickpea-based pasta. The rest of the recipe remains the same!
Can I Prepare This Dish Ahead of Time?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prep elements ahead of time. Cook the pasta and clean the shrimp, then store them separately in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, just heat everything together with the sauce. Keep in mind that shrimp is best fresh, as reheating can lead to a rubbery texture.