Shrimp Scampi

Shrimp Scampi is one of those dishes that sounds fancy but is surprisingly easy to make, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. This classic Italian-American dish features plump, juicy shrimp sautéed in a luscious garlic butter sauce with a touch of white wine and a hint of lemon. Tossed with pasta or served on its own, Shrimp Scampi is a crowd-pleaser that takes minimal time to prepare but offers maximum flavor.

The combination of garlic, butter, and shrimp is timeless, and the dish is endlessly customizable. Want to add a little heat? Throw in some red pepper flakes. Prefer a lighter version? Swap out the butter for olive oil or add more lemon for extra brightness. Plus, shrimp cooks in just minutes, so you can have this dish on the table in no time. Let’s dive into how to make the best Shrimp Scampi at home, with tips, variations, and serving ideas to help you create a delicious and unforgettable meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy: This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Rich in flavor: The combination of garlic, butter, lemon, and white wine creates a sauce that’s rich, tangy, and absolutely irresistible.
• Customizable: You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your taste, adding more garlic, wine, or lemon depending on your preferences.
• Perfect for any occasion: Whether you’re serving this for a casual dinner or a special gathering, Shrimp Scampi is elegant and impressive.
• Pairs well with pasta, rice, or veggies: Serve it with your favorite sides for a complete and satisfying meal.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories per serving: 400 kcal
• Carbs: 30g | Protein: 35g | Fat: 16g

Ingredients

For the Shrimp Scampi:

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (leave tails on for a more elegant presentation)
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
• ½ cup dry white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)
• 2 tbsp lemon juice (about half a lemon)
• ½ tsp lemon zest
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Serving:

• 8 oz linguine, spaghetti, or your favorite pasta
• Lemon wedges for garnish
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Crusty bread (for mopping up the sauce)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Shrimp

Start by prepping the shrimp. If they aren’t already cleaned, peel and devein the shrimp, leaving the tails on if desired. Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture—this will help them brown nicely in the pan. Season the shrimp lightly with salt and pepper and set them aside.

2. Cook the Pasta

If you’re serving your Shrimp Scampi with pasta, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve about ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside. You’ll use the pasta water later to help thicken the sauce and make it cling to the pasta.

3. Sauté the Shrimp

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter has melted and the oil is shimmering, add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook the shrimp for 1-2 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them—shrimp cook very quickly! Once cooked, transfer the shrimp to a plate and set aside.

4. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Once the butter has melted, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, just until the garlic becomes fragrant and starts to turn golden (be careful not to let it burn).

5. Deglaze the Pan with Wine

Add the white wine to the skillet and bring the mixture to a simmer. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan, as this adds incredible flavor to the sauce. Let the wine cook for 2-3 minutes, reducing slightly to concentrate the flavors. If you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute with chicken broth or vegetable broth, though the wine does add a lovely depth to the sauce.

6. Add Lemon and Seasonings

Stir in the lemon juice and lemon zest, then season the sauce with a pinch of salt and pepper. The lemon juice adds brightness and balances out the richness of the butter. If you like more acidity, feel free to add a bit more lemon juice to taste.

7. Toss the Shrimp and Pasta in the Sauce

Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss them in the sauce to coat evenly. If you’re serving the Shrimp Scampi with pasta, add the cooked pasta to the skillet as well. Toss everything together until the pasta is well-coated with the sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up. This starchy water helps bind the sauce to the pasta, making it silky and flavorful.

8. Garnish and Serve

Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the fresh parsley. Taste the dish and adjust the seasonings if needed—add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as desired. Serve the Shrimp Scampi immediately, garnished with extra parsley, lemon wedges, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if you like. Pair it with some crusty bread to mop up the delicious garlic butter sauce.

How to Serve

Shrimp Scampi is versatile and can be served in various ways, making it suitable for different preferences and occasions:

• Over pasta: The most traditional way to serve Shrimp Scampi is over linguine, spaghetti, or angel hair pasta. The pasta soaks up the rich garlic butter sauce, making every bite indulgent.
• With crusty bread: For a lower-carb option or a simple appetizer, serve the Shrimp Scampi with slices of warm, crusty bread. The bread is perfect for sopping up the flavorful sauce.
• With rice or quinoa: Serve the shrimp over a bed of rice or quinoa for a more substantial meal. The grains will absorb the sauce and complement the shrimp beautifully.
• With zoodles or spaghetti squash: For a lighter, low-carb option, serve the Shrimp Scampi over spiralized zucchini (zoodles) or roasted spaghetti squash. The light texture of the vegetables pairs well with the rich sauce.

Additional Tips for Success

1. Use fresh, high-quality shrimp: Whenever possible, use fresh shrimp rather than frozen. If using frozen, thaw them completely and pat them dry to ensure they cook evenly and don’t release too much water in the pan.
2. Don’t overcook the shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly, usually in just 2-3 minutes, so keep a close eye on them. Overcooking shrimp makes them tough and rubbery, so remove them from the heat as soon as they turn pink and opaque.
3. Use a good white wine: The wine adds depth to the sauce, so choose a dry white wine that you enjoy drinking, like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or Chardonnay. Avoid sweet wines, as they can alter the flavor of the dish.
4. Keep it simple: Shrimp Scampi is all about simple, bold flavors. Don’t overload the dish with too many ingredients or overpower the delicate shrimp with heavy seasonings. Let the garlic, butter, lemon, and wine shine.
5. Make it spicy: If you like heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper. You can also serve the dish with hot sauce on the side for those who like extra spice.

Recipe Variations

Shrimp Scampi is a classic dish, but there are many ways to switch things up based on your taste preferences:

• Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi: Increase the amount of lemon juice and zest for a tangier version of the dish. You can also add thin slices of lemon to the pan for a bright, citrusy flavor.
• Creamy Shrimp Scampi: Add ¼ to ½ cup of heavy cream to the sauce after the wine has reduced. This creates a rich, creamy version of the classic dish that’s decadent and comforting.
• Herb-Infused Shrimp Scampi: Add fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or rosemary to the sauce for a more herbaceous twist. Stir them in with the parsley at the end for a fresh, aromatic flavor.
• Shrimp and Spinach Scampi: For a more veggie-packed dish, toss in a few handfuls of baby spinach with the shrimp. The spinach will wilt down and add a nice texture and color to the dish.
• Pesto Shrimp Scampi: Stir in a spoonful of pesto at the end of cooking for a burst of basil and garlic flavor. This adds a new dimension to the sauce and pairs wonderfully with shrimp.

Freezing and Storage

• Storing leftovers: Store any leftover Shrimp Scampi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the dish gently over low heat on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.
• Freezing: While shrimp can sometimes become rubbery when frozen and reheated, you can freeze leftover Shrimp Scampi if needed. Place it in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Special Equipment

• Large skillet: A wide, heavy-bottomed skillet is ideal for making Shrimp Scampi. It allows the shrimp to cook evenly without overcrowding the pan and gives the sauce plenty of room to reduce.
• Tongs: Use tongs to easily flip the shrimp while sautéing and toss the pasta in the sauce without breaking the shrimp.
• Microplane or zester: For fresh lemon zest, a microplane grater or zester is essential. It ensures you get fine zest without the bitter white pith.

FAQ

1. Can I make Shrimp Scampi without wine?

Yes! If you prefer to skip the wine, you can substitute it with chicken or vegetable broth. The dish will still be delicious, though the wine adds a subtle depth and acidity that complements the shrimp.

2. Can I use frozen shrimp?

Absolutely! If using frozen shrimp, be sure to thaw them completely before cooking. To thaw, place the shrimp in a colander under cool running water for a few minutes. Pat them dry before cooking to ensure they sear properly.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Shrimp Scampi is best served fresh, as the shrimp can become rubbery when reheated. However, you can prep the ingredients in advance—clean and devein the shrimp, chop the garlic, and zest the lemon—so you can quickly assemble the dish when you’re ready to cook.

4. How do I keep the shrimp from sticking to the pan?

To prevent shrimp from sticking to the pan, make sure your skillet is fully heated and the oil is shimmering before adding the shrimp. Don’t move the shrimp too much while they’re cooking—let them develop a nice sear before flipping them.

5. What’s the best pasta to serve with Shrimp Scampi?

Long pasta like linguine, spaghetti, or angel hair is the most traditional choice, as it holds the sauce well. However, you can also use fettuccine, bucatini, or even shorter pasta like penne if that’s what you have on hand.

Conclusion

Shrimp Scampi is a simple yet elegant dish that’s sure to impress anyone at the dinner table. With its bold flavors of garlic, butter, and lemon, it’s a comforting meal that comes together quickly and easily. Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion or a quick weeknight dinner, Shrimp Scampi is a versatile and timeless recipe that you’ll come back to again and again. Pair it with pasta, rice, or crusty bread, and enjoy the delicious combination of juicy shrimp and rich, tangy sauce. Happy cooking, and enjoy your homemade Shrimp Scampi!

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