Classic Shrimp Scampi Recipe (Easy Dinner)

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Shrimp scampi holds an enduring spot among beloved seafood classics. With tender shrimp bathed in a silky garlic butter sauce, this dish feels at home both on busy weeknights and at relaxed dinner gatherings. Whether you serve it piled on pasta, spooned over rice, or paired with fresh vegetables, shrimp scampi always delivers vibrant flavor and comfort in equal measure.

Let’s explore how to make restaurant-style shrimp scampi at home—quickly, confidently, and with plenty of ways to make it your own.

Why Shrimp Scampi Works for Every Cook

Elegant as it may sound, shrimp scampi comes together with simple pantry ingredients and takes just fifteen minutes from start to finish. The dish centers around plump shrimp seared in a blend of butter and olive oil, with fresh garlic and lemon taking the lead, supported by a handful of herbs and a cheesy finish.

Busy cooks appreciate the speed, while anyone craving bold flavors will love the interplay of sweet seafood, sharp garlic, and lemon. Its adaptability is another plus: serve over your favorite pasta or try it with bread, grains, or even light veggie noodles for a refreshing twist.

What Is Shrimp Scampi?

Shrimp scampi is an Italian-American dish that combines shrimp (or prawns) with a luxurious garlic, butter, and olive oil sauce. The name originally referred to scampi, also called langoustines, a type of small European lobster. Italian chefs would often sauté these in oil, garlic, and wine. In the United States, shrimp took the place of langoustines, while the cooking style remained.

Modern shrimp scampi recipes highlight:
– Plump shrimp sautéed until pink and juicy
– A sauce built around garlic, lemon juice, and butter
– Accents of pepper, fresh herbs, and Parmesan

This combination results in a meal that’s both comforting and a little bit indulgent—without needing a reservation anywhere.

Shrimp Scampi Ingredients

Each component of shrimp scampi brings something essential to the table. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need:

Optional:
– Crushed red pepper flakes for a hint of heat
– White wine (see next section)
– Other herbs like basil or thyme

Should You Add White Wine?

Traditional shrimp scampi often uses dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. Wine lends subtle depth and helps emulsify the sauce. However, this recipe delivers rich flavor without it. Feel free to add ¼ cup to the pan after the garlic if you want that classic touch—just let it simmer for a minute before adding shrimp.

How To Make Shrimp Scampi

You don’t need any special equipment to make shrimp scampi. Grab a skillet and a big pot for pasta, and you’re set. Here’s the simple, step-by-step process:

1. Prep the Shrimp

• Pat shrimp dry with paper towels.
• Season lightly with salt and a bit of pepper.
• If using frozen shrimp, thaw and drain thoroughly for best searing.

2. Cook the Pasta

• Boil salted water in a large pot.
• Add pasta and cook until al dente.
• Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain.

3. Sauté the Garlic

• In a wide skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium.
• Add garlic and, if using, a pinch of red pepper flakes.
• Stir for about a minute until fragrant but not brown.

4. Cook the Shrimp

• Increase the heat to medium-high.
• Add the shrimp in a single layer.
• Cook for about 2 minutes per side, just until pink and opaque.
• Add dried oregano and black pepper.
• Stir in lemon juice; simmer for 30 seconds.
• If using wine, add and let it reduce before lemon juice.

5. Combine Everything

• Add the cooked pasta directly to the pan.
• Toss with shrimp and sauce, adding reserved pasta water a splash at a time to loosen.
• Transfer to serving bowls.

6. Finish and Garnish

• Sprinkle with fresh parsley and Parmesan.
• Add a dusting of toasted bread crumbs for extra crunch.
• Serve hot, ideally with extra lemon wedges and bread.

Tips For Perfect Shrimp Scampi

• Have your ingredients prepped. This dish moves fast. Measure, chop, and have everything at hand before you start.
• Don’t overcook shrimp. Shrimp finish cooking quickly—remove them from heat as soon as they’re just pink and slightly firm.
• Use the right pan. A wide, heavy skillet allows the shrimp to cook evenly.
• Balance the sauce. If it seems a bit thick, use reserved pasta water or a splash of broth to loosen it up.

Best Shrimp for Scampi

• Large or extra-large shrimp (21/25 or 16/20 count per pound) offer the best texture and flavor.
• Colossal shrimp can be dramatic for appetizers or tapas.
• Avoid very small shrimp, which overcook quickly and can get lost in the sauce.
• Both fresh and frozen work—just thaw frozen shrimp in the fridge overnight or place them in a colander under cold running water for quick thawing.

Pasta Pairings & Substitutions

Shrimp scampi traditionally partners with pasta, but you have options:

• Angel Hair: Classic, quick-cooking, and lets the sauce shine.
• Spaghetti or Linguine: Medium strands soak up the lemon-garlic sauce well.
• Zucchini Noodles: For a lighter, low-carb version.
• Rice, Couscous, or Risotto: Alternative starches bring out different facets of the sauce.
• Crusty Bread: Essential for soaking up every last bit.

Experiment with what you enjoy or have on hand.

Serving Suggestions

Think beyond just pasta for serving shrimp scampi:

• Pile over wilted spinach or sautéed greens
• Top grilled polenta or garlic mashed potatoes
• Offer alongside a crisp green salad
• Present family-style with a loaf of bread and a platter of lemon wedges

Shrimp scampi also makes a stellar starter for dinner parties or a main dish for cozy nights.

How To Store and Reheat Shrimp Scampi

Shrimp scampi shines fresh from the pan, but leftovers can be reheated gently.

• Let any leftovers cool, then transfer to an airtight container.
• Refrigerate for up to 2 days.
• To reheat, use a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth, stirring gently. Avoid microwaving, which can make shrimp rubbery.

Freezing isn’t recommended if combined with pasta, as both the shrimp and noodles can become mushy. If you want to prep ahead, cook the shrimp and sauce, cool quickly, and freeze separately from pasta.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use precooked shrimp?
You can, but add them at the very end just to warm through. Overcooking already-cooked shrimp will make them tough.

Is shrimp scampi spicy?
The base is mild, but you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.

What wine pairs with shrimp scampi?
Dry whites like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complement the bright, buttery flavors.

Can I make this dairy-free?
Swap butter for more olive oil and skip the cheese for a lighter, dairy-free variation.

Shrimp Scampi Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 8 ounces angel hair pasta
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons toasted bread crumbs (optional)
• Salt, to taste
• Red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until just al dente. Drain, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
• Meanwhile, heat half the butter and all the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, if using. Sauté for one minute.
• Add shrimp in a single layer. Season with salt, pepper, and oregano. Cook 1½–2 minutes per side, until pink and just cooked.
• Stir in lemon juice and remaining butter. Add pasta, tossing well. Splash in reserved pasta water as needed for a silky sauce.
• Remove from heat. Sprinkle with Parmesan, parsley, and bread crumbs.
• Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot with extra lemon.

With just a few fresh ingredients and a quick cooking time, classic shrimp scampi rewards you with a restaurant-quality meal at home. Its adaptable nature makes it a reliable favorite, no matter the occasion.