If you’re craving something that feels both effortless and indulgently flavorful, this Shrimp Scampi Recipe is going to be your new go-to. With tender shrimp bathed in a luscious garlic, butter, and white wine sauce, tossed with perfectly cooked spaghettini, every bite bursts with a delightful balance of freshness, spice, and richness. It’s a dish that comes together in just minutes yet leaves a lasting impression, making it perfect for anything from a casual weeknight dinner to an impressive treat for friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering fresh, simple ingredients is the secret behind this Shrimp Scampi Recipe’s incredible taste. Each component plays a crucial role, from the bright acidity of lemon juice to the aromatic power of garlic, creating layers of flavor that make this dish truly shine.
- 1 cup spaghettini (cooked, or linguine): Choose thin pasta for the perfect sauce-to-noodle ratio.
- 1 lb. package shrimp (raw): Fresh or thawed shrimp deliver a tender, juicy bite.
- 1/2 cup dry white wine: Adds subtle acidity and depth to the sauce.
- 1/4 cup olive oil: Provides a silky base that balances richness.
- 1/4 cup green onion (chopped): Brings a mild pungency and freshness.
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped): Offers vibrant color and a herbaceous hint.
- 3 Tbsp butter: Creates a luxuriously creamy texture and flavor.
- 3 Tbsp garlic (minced): Packs a flavorful punch that defines the dish.
- 1 Tbsp chili flakes (crushed): Adds a subtle heat that wakes up the palate.
- 1 tsp black pepper: Enhances overall seasoning with a gentle spice.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Balances and brings out the flavors.
- 1/2 lemon (fresh): Freshly squeezed juice gives a bright finishing touch.
How to Make Shrimp Scampi Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
Start by washing, peeling, and de-veining the shrimp if needed. Taking this extra time ensures you have clean, tender shrimp that’ll soak up all the glorious sauce flavors perfectly.
Step 2: Heat the Oil and Butter
In a large frying or cast iron pan, gently heat the olive oil and butter together until they just start to boil. This combination forms the rich, flavorful base of your sauce, so getting this step right sets the tone for everything.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic
Add the minced garlic to the pan and lightly sauté it until the color just begins to change. This quick step unlocks the aromatic magic of garlic without burning it, keeping the flavor mellow and inviting.
Step 4: Add the White Wine
Pour in the dry white wine and bring the mixture to a boil. Let it cook until roughly half the wine evaporates, concentrating the flavor and melding the sauce ingredients into a silky elixir.
Step 5: Cook the Shrimp with Seasonings
Evenly place the shrimp into the pan, then add the chopped green onion, crushed chili flakes, salt, and black pepper. These seasonings enhance the shrimp with a balance of heat, aroma, and taste, turning simple seafood into a sensational dish.
Step 6: Cook Until Shrimp Are Done
Cook just until the shrimp turn bright pink and orange—a sign they’re perfectly cooked and juicy. Overcooking can make shrimp rubbery, so keep an eye on the color change.
Step 7: Combine Pasta and Parsley
Add your cooked pasta along with the fresh parsley, stirring everything together thoroughly. Let the pasta warm in the sauce so every strand is coated with that delicious buttery garlic blend.
Step 8: Finish with Lemon
Remove the pan from heat and squeeze the fresh juice of half a lemon over the dish. Stir gently to incorporate that zesty brightness that elevates the dish from delightful to unforgettable.
How to Serve Shrimp Scampi Recipe
Garnishes
For a beautiful final touch, sprinkle extra chopped parsley or a few lemon wedges on the side. A light dusting of grated Parmesan can add a creamy dimension, while a few chili flakes on top bring subtle heat for those who like a kick.
Side Dishes
This recipe shines best with simple sides that complement without competing. Consider serving with a crisp green salad or roasted asparagus to add freshness and crunch, or a crusty garlic bread to soak up every last drop of the buttery sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant presentation, twirl portions of pasta into nests on each plate, placing the shrimp neatly on top and drizzling sauce around. Alternatively, serve family-style in the pan you cooked it in to keep things warm and inviting right at the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, but be sure to keep the shrimp and pasta covered well to avoid drying out.
Freezing
While shrimp scampi tastes best fresh, you can freeze leftovers for up to one month. Place in a freezer-safe container and thaw in the fridge before reheating gently to preserve the texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers slowly in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or white wine if the sauce feels too thick. Avoid the microwave if possible to keep shrimp tender and the sauce silky.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this Shrimp Scampi Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking to prevent excess water from diluting the sauce.
What type of white wine works best?
A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio is ideal here since it adds brightness without overpowering other flavors.
Is it necessary to add chili flakes?
Not at all! The chili flakes add a pleasant warmth, but you can omit or adjust them to suit your spice preference.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the spaghettini with gluten-free pasta, and you’ll have a delicious gluten-free variation that everyone can enjoy.
How long does it take to make Shrimp Scampi Recipe?
From start to finish, this dish takes about 15 minutes—quick enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for guests.
Final Thoughts
There is something so wonderfully satisfying about a homemade Shrimp Scampi Recipe that feels both fresh and comforting. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with loved ones, it’s a dish that invites smiles, lingering conversations, and second helpings. Give it a try—you’ll soon understand why it’s become a beloved classic in my kitchen, and maybe in yours too!
Print
Shrimp Scampi Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This classic Shrimp Scampi recipe features tender, succulent shrimp sautéed in a fragrant garlic, butter, and white wine sauce with a hint of chili flakes for a subtle kick. Tossed with perfectly cooked spaghettini or linguine and finished with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon, it’s a quick and elegant seafood pasta that serves 4.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 cup spaghettini (cooked) or linguine
Shrimp and Seasonings
- 1 lb. package raw shrimp (washed, peeled, and de-veined)
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 Tbsp chili flakes (crushed)
Sauce
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 Tbsp butter
- 3 Tbsp garlic (minced)
- 1/4 cup green onion (chopped)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped)
- 1/2 lemon (fresh, for juice)
Instructions
- Prepare Shrimp: Wash, peel, and de-vein the shrimp if necessary, then set them aside to get ready for cooking.
- Heat Fat: In a large frying or cast iron pan, heat the olive oil and butter together until the mixture just begins to boil, creating a flavorful base for the sauce.
- Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the pan and lightly sauté it until it changes color slightly, releasing its aromatic flavor without browning.
- Add Wine: Pour in the dry white wine and bring it to a boil. Continue boiling until about half of the wine evaporates, concentrating the flavor of the sauce.
- Cook Shrimp and Season: Add the shrimp to the pan evenly along with the chopped green onion, crushed chili flakes, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
- Cook Shrimp Through: Cook the shrimp until they turn a bright pink or orange color, indicating they are fully cooked through and tender.
- Add Pasta and Parsley: Add the cooked spaghettini or linguine and fresh chopped parsley to the pan. Mix thoroughly and cook until the pasta is warmed through and well coated in the sauce.
- Finish with Lemon: Remove the pan from heat and squeeze the juice of half a fresh lemon over the dish. Stir well to combine and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use fresh shrimp for best flavor and texture; thaw frozen shrimp completely before cooking if using frozen.
- If you prefer less heat, reduce or omit the chili flakes.
- Dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc works best; you can substitute chicken broth for non-alcoholic option.
- Make sure pasta is al dente before adding to the sauce.
- Serve immediately for best taste and texture.
- Garnish with extra parsley or lemon wedges if desired.
