Easy Shrimp Scampi Recipe
This shrimp scampi is a classic Italian-American dish made with juicy shrimp sautéed in garlic, butter, lemon, and white wine, then tossed with pasta or served with crusty bread. It’s light, flavorful, and comes together in just 20 minutes perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb 450 g large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- ½ cup 120 ml dry white wine (or chicken broth)
- Juice of 1 lemon
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes optional, for heat
- 12 oz 340 g linguine or spaghetti (optional, if serving with pasta)
- ¼ cup fresh parsley chopped
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
Instructions
- If serving with pasta, cook linguine according to package directions. Drain and reserve ½ cup pasta water.
- In a large skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat.
- Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add shrimp, season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook 1–2 minutes per side until pink and cooked through. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- Deglaze the pan with white wine (or broth) and lemon juice. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly reduced.
- Return shrimp to the pan, toss to coat in sauce.
- If serving with pasta, add cooked linguine and a splash of reserved pasta water, tossing well.
- Garnish with parsley and Parmesan. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use large, high-quality shrimp for the best texture.
- White wine gives a classic flavor, but broth makes a great substitute.
- Add cherry tomatoes or spinach for extra color and flavor.
- Serve with crusty bread to soak up the garlic butter sauce.