DINNER

Shrimp Scampi: Quick & Glorious Dinner

by Fatima Garcia

•

22 de January de 2026

Jump to Recipe

Shrimp scampi has a way of making any night feel special, and I’ve found that this particular Shrimp Scampi Recipe is my absolute go-to for a reason. It’s incredibly fast, bursting with bright, garlicky flavor, and that irresistible mix of butter and lemon. I remember the first time I made it for friends; the aroma of garlic and white wine filling my kitchen, followed by the happy sighs as they took their first bites, told me I’d found a winner. It’s a dish that looks and tastes elegant but comes together in less time than it takes to decide what to watch on TV. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Shrimp Scampi Recipe

You’re going to adore this dish for so many reasons. It’s the perfect weeknight meal that feels gourmet!

It’s an Easy Shrimp Scampi that’s ready in under 20 minutes.
The flavor is incredibly vibrant with garlic, lemon, and butter.
It’s versatile – serve it with pasta, rice, or crusty bread.
This Easy Shrimp Scampi is perfect for beginners and seasoned cooks alike.
The simple sauce comes together in minutes, making cleanup a breeze.
It’s a crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters will enjoy.
You likely already have most of the ingredients on hand.

Shrimp Scampi Ingredients

Gathering these simple components is the first step to creating a fantastic Shrimp Scampi. The quality of your ingredients really shines through in this dish, especially the shrimp and fresh garlic, which are key to that amazing Garlic Shrimp Scampi flavor.

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined – make sure they’re plump and fresh!
8 oz linguine or spaghetti (optional) – if you’re serving it as Shrimp Scampi Pasta
3 tbsp unsalted butter – divided, for richness and that essential silky sauce
2 tbsp olive oil – helps the butter not burn and adds a fruity note
4 cloves garlic, minced – don’t be shy, garlic is the star here!
½ cup dry white wine (or chicken broth) – adds depth and acidity to the sauce
Juice of 1 lemon – for that bright, zesty finish
¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional) – for a little warmth
Salt and black pepper, to taste – to enhance all the flavors
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped – for a pop of color and freshness
Lemon wedges, for serving – always nice to have extra lemon!

How to Make Shrimp Scampi

Making this delicious Shrimp Scampi is surprisingly quick, perfect for a busy weeknight. You’ll have a restaurant-quality meal on the table in no time!

Step 1: Cook Pasta (if using): Start by bringing a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add your 8 oz linguine or spaghetti and cook according to the package directions until it’s perfectly al dente. Before draining, make sure to reserve about ½ cup of that starchy pasta water; it’s liquid gold for creating a luscious sauce. Then, drain the pasta well.
Step 2: Cook Shrimp: While the pasta cooks, grab a large skillet and place it over medium heat. Melt 2 tbsp butter with the 2 tbsp olive oil. Once shimmering, add your 1 lb large shrimp in a single layer. Season them generously with salt and black pepper. Cook for just 1–2 minutes per side, until they turn beautifully pink and opaque. You don’t want to overcook them, or they’ll become tough! Remove the cooked shrimp from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
Step 3: Make Sauce: In the same skillet, add the 4 cloves minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until you can really smell that amazing garlicky aroma – be careful not to burn it! Now, pour in the ½ cup dry white wine (or chicken broth if you prefer no wine) and the juice of 1 lemon. Add the ¼ tsp red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. Let this delicious mixture simmer for 2–3 minutes, allowing it to reduce slightly and the flavors to meld. This is the base of your incredible Shrimp Scampi Sauce.
Step 4: Combine for Shrimp Scampi Pasta: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet with the sauce. Add the remaining 1 tbsp butter and the 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley. Toss everything gently to coat the shrimp in the buttery, lemony sauce. If you’re serving this as Shrimp Scampi Pasta, now is the time to add the drained linguine to the skillet. Use the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, to help the sauce cling to the pasta and create a smooth, emulsified coating.
Step 5: Serve Your Masterpiece: Give everything one final, gentle toss. Garnish with a little extra fresh parsley and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side. Enjoy your amazing homemade Shrimp Scampi!

Pro Tips for the Best Shrimp Scampi

I’ve learned a few tricks over the years to make my Shrimp Scampi truly shine. These simple tips will elevate your dish from good to absolutely unforgettable!

Always buy good quality, large shrimp. Fresh is best, but good quality frozen shrimp that have been properly thawed work well too.
Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking the shrimp; cook them in batches if necessary to ensure they sear rather than steam.
Use fresh garlic and lemon juice for the brightest, most authentic flavor. Bottled juices just don’t have the same punch.
Taste and adjust seasoning at every step – especially the salt and pepper in the sauce.

What’s the secret to perfect Shrimp Scampi?

The real secret to a perfect, silky Butter Shrimp Scampi lies in the balance of butter, garlic, and lemon, plus a touch of wine or broth to emulsify the sauce. Don’t overcook the shrimp!

Can I make Shrimp Scampi ahead of time?

You can prep the components ahead of time – peel and devein the shrimp, mince the garlic, and juice the lemon. However, I recommend cooking the shrimp and making the sauce just before serving for the best texture and flavor.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Shrimp Scampi?

The most common mistake is overcooking the shrimp, which makes them rubbery. Also, ensure your Shrimp Scampi Sauce has enough acidity from the lemon and wine to cut through the richness of the butter.

Best Ways to Serve Shrimp Scampi

This vibrant Shrimp Scampi is incredibly versatile. While it’s famously delicious tossed with linguine as Shrimp Scampi Pasta, I love serving it in a few other ways too! For a lighter meal, try it over creamy polenta or fluffy jasmine rice. It also makes a fantastic appetizer served in small ramekins with crusty bread for dipping into that amazing scampi sauce. When thinking about Shrimp Scampi Side Dishes, a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette or some tender roasted asparagus makes a perfect complement.

Shrimp Scampi: Quick & Glorious Dinner - Shrimp Scampi - additional detail

Nutrition Facts for Shrimp Scampi

Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional information per serving for this classic Shrimp Scampi, typically served without pasta to keep the focus on the shrimp and sauce.

Calories: 260 kcal
Fat: 14 g
Saturated Fat: 6 g
Protein: 24 g
Carbohydrates: 4 g
Fiber: 0 g
Sugar: 1 g
Sodium: 500 mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used, especially if you add pasta or other components to your Shrimp Scampi Dinner.

How to Store and Reheat Shrimp Scampi

Leftover Shrimp Scampi is a delicious treat, and storing it properly ensures it stays tasty. Once your amazing dish has cooled down a bit, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months, though the texture of the shrimp might change slightly. When you’re ready for a Quick Shrimp Scampi meal, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth, or microwave it for a minute or two until warmed through. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp when reheating!

Frequently Asked Questions About Shrimp Scampi

Can I make Shrimp Scampi without wine?

Absolutely! If you prefer not to use wine or just don’t have it on hand, you can easily substitute it with low-sodium chicken broth or even vegetable broth. The broth will still add a wonderful depth of flavor to your Shrimp Scampi Sauce, though it might be slightly less complex than using wine. Some people also use a little extra lemon juice mixed with water for a similar bright, acidic note.

Is Shrimp Scampi healthy?

This Shrimp Scampi recipe can be quite healthy, especially when you look at the protein content from the shrimp. To make it even more Healthy Shrimp Scampi, you can serve it over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of pasta. Also, be mindful of the butter and oil; you can reduce the amount slightly or use more olive oil and less butter. Adding extra vegetables like spinach or bell peppers also boosts the nutritional value of your Shrimp Scampi Dinner.

What is the best shrimp to use for Shrimp Scampi?

For a fantastic Shrimp Scampi, I always recommend using large or jumbo shrimp. They have a lovely, meaty texture that holds up well to the quick cooking and rich sauce. Make sure they are peeled and deveined for ease of eating. Fresh shrimp are wonderful, but good quality frozen shrimp that have been properly thawed work perfectly fine too. The key is a good sear, not overcooking, to keep them tender.

Variations of Shrimp Scampi You Can Try

While the classic is divine, I love experimenting with this Shrimp Scampi! It’s so adaptable. For a brighter, more intense flavor, try my Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi variation – I just double the garlic and lemon juice and skip the wine altogether. If you’re aiming for something more rustic or perhaps closer to an Authentic Shrimp Scampi from Italy, you might add a splash of white wine, a touch of heavy cream for richness, and perhaps some fresh basil along with the parsley. You can also make it a heartier meal by tossing it with different pastas like fettuccine or even serving it over risotto. For a dairy-free twist, simply use olive oil instead of butter and a good quality vegetable broth.

About the Author

Fatima Garcia

Shrimp Scampi: Quick & Glorious Dinner

Why You’ll Love This Shrimp Scampi Recipe

Shrimp Scampi Ingredients

How to Make Shrimp Scampi

Pro Tips for the Best Shrimp Scampi