Easy Shrimp Scampi Recipe for a Flavorful Weeknight Dinner

If you’re craving something quick, elegant, and brimming with bold flavor, shrimp scampi is the answer. This iconic Italian-American dish combines succulent shrimp, buttery garlic sauce, and a zesty hint of lemon, often served over pasta.

What Is Shrimp Scampi?

Originally from Italy, “scampi” referred to langoustines sautéed in garlic and olive oil. In America, we swapped in shrimp and made the sauce even richer with butter, white wine, and lemon juice. The result? A luxurious, fast-cooking meal ideal for weeknights or special occasions.

To enhance your understanding of shrimp itself, check out this deep dive on shrimp nutrition benefits. It’s not just tasty—shrimp is a lean, protein-rich seafood that’s perfect for healthy eating.

Want to make it shine even more? Choose the right white wine. According to Wine Folly, wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio brighten the sauce and pair beautifully with shellfish.

Ingredients: What You’ll Need (And Why)

Here’s a full breakdown of each component and why it matters:

Shrimp

• Use large or jumbo, raw, peeled, and deveined
• Frozen shrimp are fine—just thaw and pat dry
• Learn the difference between Argentinian shrimp and regular

Garlic

• Use fresh cloves, finely minced
• Avoid jarred garlic—it lacks punch

Butter & Olive Oil

• Butter adds richness; olive oil balances the flavor
• Combine both for a silky sauce

Lemon

• Use fresh juice and zest for brightness

White Wine

• Dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc adds acidity and depth
• You can substitute with chicken broth if needed

Fresh Parsley

• Chopped finely and added last for color and freshness

Red Pepper Flakes

• Optional, but a pinch adds gentle heat

How to Prepare Shrimp Scampi (Step-by-Step)

Let’s walk through this with confidence:

1. Prep the Shrimp

• Thaw and pat dry
• Season lightly with salt and pepper
• Not sure about deveining? Here’s how to devein Argentine red shrimp

2. Start the Sauce

• In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp butter and 2 tbsp olive oil
• Add 4-5 cloves garlic, sauté 30 seconds until fragrant

3. Deglaze with Wine

• Add ½ cup dry white wine
• Simmer 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly

4. Cook the Shrimp

• Add shrimp in a single layer
• Cook 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque

5. Finish with Lemon & Herbs

• Stir in zest + juice of 1 lemon
• Add a final pat of butter and ¼ cup chopped parsley

Want perfect texture? Master how to marry pasta with sauce for even coating and flavor distribution.

Best Pasta & Pairings

Though delicious on its own, shrimp scampi really shines with these pairings:

Pasta Options

• Linguine – Traditional and holds the sauce well
• Spaghetti – Light and twirls beautifully
• Angel hair – Cooks fast and feels delicate

Learn how to avoid overcooked pasta by reading how to boil pasta al dente.

Side Dishes

• Garlic bread or ciabatta
• Arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette
• Steamed asparagus or zucchini ribbons

Wine Pairing

• Stick with what you cooked with—Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or a crisp Chardonnay

Want a Thicker Sauce?

For a creamier, clingy finish:

• Add pasta water (1–2 tbsp) while tossing
• Let it simmer for 1 more minute
• You can also learn how to thicken seafood pasta sauce using cornstarch, cream, or grated cheese

Creative Variations

Switch things up to match your taste or diet:

Creamy Shrimp Scampi

• Add ½ cup heavy cream or ¼ cup Parmesan cheese
• Reduce butter slightly

Low-Carb or Keto Version

• Serve over zucchini noodles, cauliflower rice, or steamed spinach

Spicy Scampi

• Increase red pepper flakes or add a touch of chili oil

Grilled Shrimp Scampi

• Marinate shrimp in the sauce
• Skewer and grill 2–3 minutes per side

Mistakes to Avoid

Be aware of these common scampi pitfalls:

• Overcooking shrimp – They turn rubbery quickly
• Burning the garlic – Bitter and overpowering
• Cheap wine – Use something you’d actually drink
• Too much salt – Especially if using salted butter

How to Store & Reheat

Storing

• Keep leftovers in an airtight container
• Refrigerate for up to 2 days

Reheating

• Gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat
• Add a splash of broth or water to revive the sauce

Note: Freezing is not recommended—shrimp turns rubbery, and butter sauce separates.

Dietary Modifications

Gluten-Free

• Use gluten-free pasta or serve over rice

Dairy-Free

• Replace butter with olive oil or vegan butter

Paleo / Whole30

• Skip pasta and serve over roasted vegetables

Nutritional Snapshot (Per Serving with Pasta)

Component	Amount
Calories	420–500
Protein	25–30g
Carbs	30–40g
Fat	18–24g
Fiber	2–4g

FAQs

What is shrimp scampi sauce made of?

A buttery, garlicky blend with white wine, lemon juice, parsley, and optional pepper flakes.

Can I make it without wine?

Yes—use chicken broth, or even vegetable broth with a splash of lemon.

Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?

You can, but be careful—overcooking will ruin the texture. Add at the very end just to warm through.

What pasta is best?

Classic choices include linguine and spaghetti. Or try it with pesto pasta for a flavorful twist.

Is shrimp scampi spicy?

Not unless you add red pepper flakes. Adjust to your taste.

How can I make it thicker?

See this full guide on how to thicken seafood pasta sauce.

Related Recipes to Explore

Want more pasta or seafood dishes? Try:

• Argentine shrimp with linguine
• How to thicken seafood pasta sauce
• How to marry pasta with sauce
• Pesto pasta

Conclusion

Shrimp scampi is the kind of recipe that checks all the boxes—quick, flavorful, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re sticking with the classic or adding your own spin, it’s a dish that’s hard to mess up but easy to elevate.

So get your skillet ready, grab some fresh shrimp, and don’t forget your white wine. Once you’ve mastered this, you’ll never look at a weeknight dinner the same way again.

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