Shrimp Scampi is such a classic! 🍤 It’s flavorful, garlicky, buttery, and just the right amount of indulgent. The shrimp are cooked in a simple but delicious sauce with butter, garlic, and a squeeze of lemon, and it’s often served over pasta or with a nice piece of crusty bread for dipping.
Here’s a recipe that’s quick, easy, and sure to impress:
🍤 Garlic Shrimp Scampi
Ingredients (serves 4)
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (frozen works, just thaw and drain well)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 5–6 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- ½ cup dry white wine (or chicken broth for a non-alcoholic option)
- 1 lemon (juice and zest)
- ÂĽ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 8 oz linguine pasta (or spaghetti)
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Cook the pasta:
- Cook the linguine (or pasta of your choice) in salted water according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Drain, reserving about 1 cup of pasta water. Set the pasta aside.
2. Sauté the shrimp:
- While the pasta is cooking, heat 2 tbsp olive oil and 2 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Once the butter is melted and the oil is hot, add the shrimp in a single layer.
- Cook for about 2–3 minutes per side until the shrimp are pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
3. Make the scampi sauce:
- In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the remaining 2 tbsp butter.
- Once melted, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for about 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant (be careful not to burn it!).
- Add the white wine (or chicken broth) and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Let it cook for 2–3 minutes, reducing the sauce slightly.
4. Combine:
- Return the shrimp to the skillet, along with the lemon juice and lemon zest.
- Stir to coat the shrimp in the sauce and cook for an additional 1–2 minutes, just to heat the shrimp through.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together, adding some of the reserved pasta water if the sauce needs loosening.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Garnish and serve:
- Remove from heat, and sprinkle the dish with fresh parsley.
- Serve with extra lemon wedges and Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Serving Tips
- Bread: Serve with crusty garlic bread or a slice of baguette to soak up the buttery sauce.
- Veggie add-ins: Add spinach or cherry tomatoes to the skillet when making the sauce for extra color and flavor.
- Wine pairing: A glass of the same dry white wine you used for the sauce (like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay) would pair beautifully with the dish.
Optional Variations
- Zoodles: Make this low-carb by swapping out the pasta for zucchini noodles (zoodles).
- Shrimp and scallops: You can use a combination of shrimp and scallops for an elegant twist.
- Creamy scampi: Add a splash of heavy cream to the sauce for a creamy version of shrimp scampi.
This is one of those dishes that feels fancy but comes together in a snap. You can serve it on a weeknight or for a special occasion, and everyone will love it! Let me know if you want any more side dishes or ideas to round out the meal!
